The appellant, a fifteen-year-old child within the meaning of the Juvenile Delinquents Act, was called as a witness in a criminal trial.
He refused to testify and was sentenced to two months' detention for contempt of court by the Superior Court judge.
The appellant appealed, arguing that only the Youth Court had jurisdiction over him.
The Supreme Court of Canada dismissed the appeal, holding that the Superior Court retains inherent jurisdiction, preserved by the Criminal Code, to punish for contempt committed in the face of the court, even when the contemnor is a juvenile.
