After a brief review of the history of the juvenile justice system, this paper describes recent trends in juvenile justice that are important for the system's future. The trends discussed are the movement away from informal, paternal jurisdiction to a more formal, adult-like due-process approach and a movement away from an emphasis on rehabilitation in juvenile justice. In a discussion of the future of the juvenile court, this paper challenges the trend toward the merger of juvenile courts with the adult criminal court. It notes the need for specialized judges who can give proper weight to the relation of developmental levels to deviant behaviors. In viewing the future of the juvenile court, this paper favors adherence to the Beijing Rules for the administration of juvenile justice. These rules advocate the disposition of juvenile delinquency cases in accordance with the special needs of the juvenile as well as the variety of measures available. There must also be accountability for those in authority who exercise discretion. Diversion from formal processing at the discretion of police and prosecutors should also be featured in the administration of juvenile justice. 31 references