A review of the historical antecedents and conceptual basis of contemporary juvenile justice addresses dilemmas in defining and measuring delinquency. It also explores difficulties involved in relying on official statistics as accurate reflections of delinquent behavior and theories regarding the origins of delinquency. Comparisons between the Uniform Juvenile Code and codes enacted by several States form the basis of a discussion of the scope and purpose of juvenile court acts. Procedures required by these statutes and their importance for practitioners are explained. The text describes official procedures used by police and courts that lead to labeling a juvenile 'delinquent,' as well as efforts by these agencies to prevent official labeling. Chapters on the prevention, treatment, and correction of delinquent activity include examples of programs along with critiques that relate success or failure to causation theories and the juvenile justice system's philosophy. An analysis of violence by and against youth examines myths associated with such violence and programs aimed at reducing juvenile violence. A summary and discussion questions accompany each chapter. The Uniform Juvenile Code and relevant Supreme Court decisions are appended. Tables, references, and index.