The most vocal critics of the YOA are demanding crime control changes to facilitate a far more punitive or routine custodial response to all violent young offenders but especially older ones and those who have committed such major violent offenses as murder. Supporters of the YOA respond to critics and those who raise questions about the need for other fundamental juvenile justice reforms by claiming that violent juvenile offenses in Canada have not increased and that the YOA has provided the necessary procedural rights to youth. Some argue that the YOA is more punitive regarding less serious offenses and not punitive enough for the most violent offenses. The authors conclude that, without major and innovative reforms, the YOA will remain controversial and ineffective in dealing with multiproblem youths, especially those who commit serious offenses. 64 references, 20 notes, and 2 tables