Which of the following statements is NOT true regarding the legal age of accountability for young persons?

The statement that youth criminal justice laws apply universally from age 10 and above is not true because, while the Youth Criminal Justice Act does cover individuals aged 12 to 17, the legal framework differs for those who are 10 and 11 years old. In Canada, the age of criminal responsibility is set at 12 years; therefore, children under this age cannot be criminally charged. For those aged 10 and 11, there are special considerations; they can be charged under certain circumstances, but the Youth Criminal Justice Act primarily targets those aged 12 and older.

This distinction is crucial for understanding the legal landscape surrounding youth offenders in Canada. The statement underlines the importance of recognizing the formal distinction in legal treatment based on age, emphasizing the protective angle of the legal system concerning younger children.