Public opinion polls by early 1994 revealed that crime was the public's first concern. Public concern is driven by fear, and media accounts of sensational crimes have intensified those fears. The overall crime rate has leveled off in recent years, but the number of serious and violent crimes committed by juveniles has increased substantially. Serious juvenile offenders are often very young, and crime in schools is an increasing concern. However, opinions vary regarding the solution to juvenile delinquency. A basic issue is whether juvenile offenders should be handled differently from adults. Recommendations rest on three distinct views of the underlying problem. One view is that punishments need to be harsher. Another is that increased juvenile delinquency has resulted the erosion of moral standards and that families and communities must reclaim their moral authority. The third view is that juvenile delinquency results from harsh societal conditions, especially for high-risk youth, and that efforts are needed to address social problems and increase resources for prevention. Figure, illustrations, and attached discussion of gun control