Young patients detained under the Lieutenant Governor Warrant in Ontario

Few studies have focused on mentally ill juvenile offenders who end up on warrants of the lieutenant governor (LGW). The present study arose out of a larger study (1982) of all patients (N = 332) being held on lieutenant governor warrants in Ontario, Canada. Of this group, 24 were placed on warrants as juveniles (18 years and younger). The characteristics of this group, who are predominantly males with histories of psychiatric illnesses, diagnosed mainly as antisocial personality, and who have been found not guilty by reason of insanity on charges primarily of murder, or attempted murder, are described. In light of the proposed Young Offenders Act, a further study of all juveniles held on warrants of the lieutenant governor in Canada is proposed.