The introductory chapter discusses the general pattern of police and death squad killings of children and adolescents; the most common victims are poor and dark-skinned or black teenaged boys. Despite the passage of children's legislation in 1990 (Estatuto da Crianca e do Adolescente (ECA)), which guarantees due process for adolescents accused of crimes and outlines protective measures to be taken whenever the rights of children are infringed on when they are abused or neglected by parents or guardians, police continue to beat, harass, and even murder juveniles. This violence is attributed to the perception that minors, particularly those who live on the streets, are criminals, and the impunity enjoyed by the police forces. The book describes police violence and death squad homicides in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Pernambuco, and Espirito Santo. Chapter references