In early 1906, the Industrial School introduced
a mark system. Inmates were given marks each
day for work, conduct, drills, school and
devotion. The benefit of this system, from the
administration’s perspective, was giving the
boys something they could strive to achieve. It
also provided a guideline for the superintendent
when making recommendations for earned
remission of sentence or parole.

Juvenile offenders were also receiving attention
through new legislation:

a 1908—The federal Juvenile Delinquents Act,
which established juvenile courts, was passed.
This act superceded Criminal Code provisions
related to offences committed by children less
than 16 years of age.

« 1908—The Juvenile Courts Act was passed.

» 1910—As a result of an error that failed to
give Vancouver Juvenile Court jurisdiction
for Criminal Code offences, the Juvenile
Delinquents Act was proclaimed again for
Vancouver.

The new laws resulted in the opening of
juvenile courts and detention homes under
municipal jurisdiction in Vancouver and
Victoria.

Probation officers were appointed to service
the juvenile courts. In the city of Vancouver,
the first juvenile court was held by Judge A.E.
Bull at the detention home located at the
northeast comer of Pine Street and 10th

Era of Punishment (1871-1949)

35