The determination of whether or not a delinquency had been committed was made informally and sometimes without due process. Sentence did not necessarily fit the crime. An individual who violated a minor provincial statute could be sentenced to training school for an undetermined length of time if the judge thought it necessary to reform his or her delinquent condition. Y.O.A. Declaration of Principle The Young Offenders Act, unlike the Juvenile Delinquents Act of 1908, focuses on the responsibility of young persons for consequences of their behaviour. Provincial offences are dealt with under provincial legislation.
Most criminal procedure is the same for young persons as it is for adults.
Most evidence law is the same for young persons as it is for adults. Sentencing for young persons must fit the crime as it does for adults. Criminal Code of Canada and the Canada Evidence Act Individuals seeking to understand the criminal law of Canada should first read the Criminal Code of Canada to determine what behaviour is considered criminal, to learn the essential steps in criminal procedure, and to establish what evidence will be admitted in Court. Youth Courts in Ontario are generally in the same courthouses as the adult criminal courts. The same Crown Attorneys prosecute as in adult matters.