Because of differences in the maturity and developmental levels between young people and adults, youth crimes are treated differently. Under the YCJA, the law tends to be much more lenient with young people than with adults charged with the same criminal offences. Youths are dealt with separately from adults due to the commonly held belief that they are not yet fully morally developed. While young people may lack in decision-making, the YCJA still aims to hold them accountable for their offences, in a fair and proportionate manner.