Where are criminal offences generally located?

Criminal offences are generally located in any federal statute as these laws provide the framework for defining what constitutes a crime at the national level. In Canada, the Criminal Code serves as the primary legislation that outlines criminal offences and the corresponding penalties. This federal legislation is applicable across the entire country, ensuring uniformity in the definition and prosecution of crimes.

Local statutes and municipal regulations typically deal with minor offences related to local governance, such as by-laws or zoning issues. These do not encompass the range of serious criminal offences that are detailed in federal statutes. State constitutions also primarily frame the structure and powers of government rather than detailing criminal offences, further highlighting why they are not the correct source for locating criminal offences.