The rate of crime in Canada has decreased from an all-time high in the late 1980s and early 1990s. As recently as 2007, statistics show that the violent crime rate fell 3% from its lowest recorded point in 1989. In fact, in 2007, the violent crime rate in Canada hit a 20-year-low. This low, however, followed an explosion in the growth of violent crime. Between 1962 and 2007, the rate of violent crime per 100,000 Canadians increased by more than 200%.Incidents of assault with a weapon increased for 7 consecutive years, peaking in 2007. Between 1998 and that year, the rate of offence increased 32%. In the same time period, incidents of aggravated assault increased by 18%.Researchers believe that several factors influence crime rates, including the concentration of people in particular age groups. When there is a concentration of people in what is considered a high crime age group (15 to 25 years old) the incidents of violence tend to increase. Reports show that in the mid-1990s the number of people in that age group decreased by 18%. So too did the crime rate. Considerable resources have gone in to determining what factors influence crime rates among youth. Studies suggest that violent crime rates have increased by at least 30% since the early 1990s. While the overall violent crime rate has declined, the rate of violence among youth has increased. Youth homicide rates have increased more than 40% since the late 1990s. Experts suspect that among youth, violence is more intense and may escalate more quickly. In other words, crimes among youth tend to be more severe.Researchers do note that while the rate of violent crime among youth is believed to have increased, it is prudent to also consider that perhaps victims are increasingly comfortable reporting incidents of violence to police. In keeping with changes in the incidence of violent crime, the court system has had to evolve and adapt. To process an increase in the number of alleged criminals in the court system, some prosecutors aim for a Summary Conviction which will see an individual face several less serious changes that are punishable by shorter prison sentences and smaller fines. This approach tends to hasten the Criminal Trial Process
In keeping with changes in the rate of violent crime in Canada, the court system has had to evolve and adapt. To process an increased volume of alleged criminals in the court system, some prosecutors aim for a Summary Conviction which will see an individual face several less serious changes that are punishable by shorter prison sentences and smaller fines. This approach tends to hasten the Criminal Trial Process.
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