This article looks at how lawyers and prosecutors in Canada think about and handle cases involving young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the youth justice system. The law says that young people should get special support if they have disabilities or mental health needs, but in practice, this often doesn’t happen. The authors interviewed 38 legal professionals to learn more about their experiences and views. The study explores how these professionals try to do what’s fair and just, especially when the system doesn’t give clear rules or enough resources. It also shows how lawyers balance their jobs, personal values, and the needs of youth with IDD in a system that isn’t always set up to help them.
