Participation in the justice process An exploration of the perceptions of young people in the justice system in Quebec

This article seeks to present the results of qualitative research conducted with 10 Quebec youths charged under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). Using an interactional justice approach, this study explores how these youths perceive their interactions with judges during hearings, as well as the implications of these interactions for their engagement in the process of reintegration. The results highlight the importance of preparing youths for their hearings, of the conciliation of the judge in the decision-making process, and of creating a space for dialogue with these youths as a lever for their participation. The creation of a relational alliance with these youths fosters continuity and stability of judgment, which are essential conditions for establishing a relationship of trust with these youths and enabling them to engage in their own socio-community (re)integration process. Finally, this research invites both further reflection on the perception of the sense of justice of youths in a judicial context, as well as expanded support for research in the field of juvenile justice focused on this topic.