MANY YOUTH WHO ENTER THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM DEVELOP CYNICAL ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE SYSTEM DUE TO ITS INEFFECTIVENESS AND INEQUALITY IN DEALING WITH THEIR PROBLEMS. IN THE CASE OF A STATUS OFFENSE, THE CHILD MAY BE PUNISHED FOR RUNNING AWAY, WHILE THE PARENT OR ANOTHER ADULT ASSOCIATED WITH THE CHILD IS THE ACTUAL OFFENDER. THE DISCRETION OF THE COURT AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES CAN RESULT IN UNFAIR TREATMENT OF JUVENILES. IT WOULD BE BETTER, EXCEPT IN CASES INVOLVING SERIOUS CRIME, TO DEAL WITH DELINQUENTS OUTSIDE THE SYSTEM. DECRIMINALIZATION OF MARIHUANA POSSESSION IS RECOMMENDED SINCE YOUNG PERSONS ENTERING THE SYSTEM ON CHARGES OF POSSESSION ARE OFTEN ALIENATED FROM THE LAW. (DAG)