The Juvenile Court of Cook County is the second largest of its kind and the first juvenile court established in United States. The historical considerations and background cases are explored as a foundation of a discussion of today's practices and problems in the Court. The current jurisdictional and procedural considerations are discussed along with definitions of delinquent minors, minors requiring authoritative intervention, addicted minors, and dependent minors. Several future trends are examined: intensive probation supervision program, early offenders program, and community service program. The article concludes with a summation of the purpose of the Court in today's changing society. 2 footnotes, 2 figures, and 10 references (Author abstract modified)