More and more cases before the courts

Dominique Scali

Sunday, February 4, 2018 01:00

UPDATE
Sunday, February 4, 2018 01:00

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The case of teens, before the courts after having submitted pictures of naked minors are becoming a ” scourge “, according to the lawyers, who have simulated the trial.

Since the beginning of 2017, at least 85 teenagers have been accused for this offence, compared to only 18 in 2015, according to the Director of criminal and penal prosecutions.

“I have a daughter that age and it is one of my phobias [that it can be taken in such a story], tells Me Karen Poissant, one of the two lawyers of the legal aid office in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield who participated in the mock trial.

Before, you had to go develop the photos at the pharmacy. Now, it’s so easy, ” she adds.

His colleague, Stephanie Castagnier, defends young people who have owned or shared photos of other young naked. “It is constantly on the rise,” she said.

In fact, teens who find themselves before the courts for this reason are often young people without a history and without a criminal record, observed to Me, Castagnier.

Lack of knowledge

In the majority of cases, the picture was transmitted by the app Snapchat, and it has not necessarily been plastered to the greatness of the school. But it is sufficient that the image kind of the intimate relationship and consensual between two people for this to be a problem.

“Often, they do not even know that it is criminal, even if they suspect that this is not correct,” she says. “

“No one is supposed to ignore the law. But one cannot expect that young people know the criminal Code by heart, ” echoed the judge Beatrice Clement.

Better citizens

Of cases that could be avoided with better education, assume the lawyers. There would thus be fewer victims, traumatized and less young people before the courts.

This is also what thinks Jean-Sébastien Roy school Soulanges. Often, when these cases go to the staff of the school, the image has been circulated and the damage is already done, hence the importance of prevention, ” he says.

“By providing this education, we can make them better citizens “, concludes the judge Clément.