The Canadian Charter of rights and freedoms and the Act both hold the right to legal representation for youth. The purpose is to provide extensive opportunity for legal advocacy and advice prior to and during the court process.Minaker, Joanne and Hogeveen, Bryan. 2009. "The Operation of the youth criminal Justice System". pg 101–102 in Youth, Crime and Society:Issues of power and Justice. Toronto: Pearson However, when a young person is not represented by counsel at trial or at a hearing, the justice presiding over the case or the youth justice court may allow youth to be assisted by an adult at the request of the young personDepartment of Justice. 2008. "Youth Criminal Justice Act: Right to Counsel Section 25(7)". Retrieved July 23, 2009, Department of Justice Canada Justice.gc.ca For this to occur, the youth court of justice or the review board must find an adult who is deemed to be suitable in assisting the young person. This right is given to make the process for the young person easier, as the young person can obtain adult assistance from someone that they are more familiar with.Michele Peterson, R.A. "Young Person's Experience of the Canadian Youth Justice System: Interacting with Police and Legal Counsel". Pg 455–465. John Wiley and Sons Ltd 1999 Despite the fact that section 25(7) does not specify specific requirements for the ideal suitable adult, this tends to be assessed on a case-by-case basis to the specific needs of the young person.
