Different jurisdictions have varying standards about how juveniles are defined and at what age they may be transferred to adult status for possible punishment. The book describes juvenile courts, juvenile offender types who are processed by these courts, and outcomes that characterize most transfers. The first chapter discusses social and legal definitions of delinquency, differences between status and delinquent offenders, and changing patterns of juvenile case processing among jurisdictions. The second chapter overviews the juvenile justice system considering judicial options, punishment, and deterrence for juveniles. The third chapter details transfers, with emphasis on goals and functions of transfers and transfer outcomes. The next two chapters deal with the implications of transfers for juvenile offenders and the nature and functions of criminal courts. The final chapter summarizes trends related to juvenile transfers, including male-female juvenile comparisons, selective certification, prison and jail overcrowding, and the emergence of a unified court system. 352 references, 10 tables, and 1 figure