Compared to the 1908 Juvenile Delinquents Act, the Young Offenders Act represents a fundamental philosophical shift and reflects more accurately the needs of Canadians of all ages. The 1984 act established youth courts allowing defendants the basic rights of adults: to participate in the deliberations affecting them, and information about their rights. Only young people charged with specific offenses against the Criminal Code and other Federal statutes and regulations are covered, however. The document presents information in a question-and-answer format, touching on such issues as to whom does the act apply, what sentences can be given by the youth court, can appeals be made, and the permissibility of fingerprinting and photographing young defendants.