The analysis moved beyond an interactional perspective on the relationship between delinquency and parenting and used structural equation modeling to test hypothesized relationships. The research used 3 waves of data from a sample of 407 Iowa adolescents and their parents, studied in the Iowa Youth and Families Project. The research collected data annually from visits to families when the child was in grades 7, 8, 9, and 10. The study measures included self-reported juvenile delinquency, four types of involvement with the justice system, harsh parenting, poor parental supervision, and harsh discipline. Results indicated that legal sanctions completely mediated the influence of delinquent behavior on parenting and partially mediated the influence of parenting on juvenile delinquency. Findings suggested that official labeling helped account for both continuity in antisocial activities and disruptions in parenting practices. The analysis concluded that the role of legal sanctions in disrupting family life and exacerbating antisocial behavior needed further practical and theoretical consideration. Tables, figures, notes, appended figures, and 53 references (Author abstract modified)