The Dutch criminal and juvenile justice systems emphasize the individual and the circumstances surrounding the offense in determining and nature and the seriousness of the sanctions. Custody was imposed in about 20 percent of all sentences up to 1995. Legislation introduced in 1991 aimed to simplify and modernize the criminal justice system into a model more representative or a due process or modified justice model. Alternative sanctions have become popular. The Netherlands has a reputation of having low crime rates and a moderate justice system, but this image has been tarnished in recent years as delinquency rates have fluctuated after a period of stability in the 1980s. Current problems related to juvenile delinquency and juvenile justice include the increase in violence, the increase in delinquency among females, and crime problems among ethnic minorities. However, the changes in the Netherlands are not unique; similar changes have taken place in England, Sweden, and Germany. Despite its somewhat more lenient stance, the Netherlands shares a common culture with the western world, is similar to other countries in its increased problems with juvenile delinquency, and may benefit by sharing its efforts and working more closely with other countries. Tables, figures, and 19 references