It uses a sociological perspective to analyze the nature and causes of delinquency, while viewing delinquency as a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. Biological, psychological, and sociological theories are examined. The origin of the concept of delinquency is explored, with emphasis on the nature of adolescence. Further sections discuss the social institutions of the family and school as dynamic entities that are undergoing major changes that have implications for delinquency prevention and control. The influences of peers, the mass media, and drugs are also examined. An analysis of the juvenile justice system considers the implications of police decisionmaking, the importance of police discretion, the laws pertaining to the constitutional rights of juveniles, the effectiveness of treatment strategies used in juvenile correctional facilities, and the current status of community corrections. The book's final section explores the cross-cultural dynamics of youth crime in other nations and also considers future patterns of American delinquency. Chapter outlines and summaries, review questions, notes, tables, charts, photographs, abstracts of leading judicial decisions, glossary, index, and 1,707 references.