Initially considered are the structure of the court and its jurisdiction over delinquent offenses and other matters. Constitutional and legal constraints on the court's exercise of power are reviewed. The probation department's function is described, and the major processing events in the juvenile justice workload are analyzed. Differential case management in decisionmaking, sentencing, and intervention is considered with particular reference to the more serious and repetitive juvenile offender. Statutes and court decisions, including those of the U.S. Supreme Court, are examined as they contribute to diversity in juvenile court policies and procedures. Finally, changes in the functioning of the juvenile court over the past 20 years are reviewed. The intervention activities of today's courts are more wedded to law and legal procedure; their historic role in sanctioning status offenders has been sharply curtailed, and more serious juvenile offenders are now handled by the criminal courts in many States. Prosecutorial powers have increased, public policy and court practices are tougher, and punishment and accountability have increased in legitimacy, although rehabilitation remains a strong emphasis. Probation departments, a primary arm of the courts, now pay increased attention to what the youth has done in reaching their screening decisions, recommending dispositions, and pursuing interventions. Suggestions for improving juvenile justice and the roles of various actors in the process are offered. 8 discussion questions and 39 references. (Author abstract modified)