The text discusses the history of juvenile justice, the philosophy of the system, juvenile delinquency statistics and trends, and victim characteristics. Additional chapters discuss social, biological, psychological, and other theories of the causes of juvenile delinquency; the nature of the juvenile gang problem and anti-gang programs; and issues related to abused and neglected children. Further chapters focus on police involvement, juveniles’ attitudes toward the police, the structure and personnel of juvenile courts, the rights of minors and parents, juvenile court procedures, juvenile case law related to delinquency determination cases and other issues, and juvenile court transfers and waivers. Chapters on juvenile disposition and corrections focus on juvenile probation, juvenile parole, group home programs, and shock incarceration programs. Tables, excerpts of laws, chapter discussion questions, and index