FEMALE CRIMINALITY IS EXAMINED FROM A THEORETICAL STANDPOINT AS INHERENTLY DIFFERENT FROM MANY OF THE MALE-BASED THEORIES OF CRIME CAUSATION. THEORIES CONSIDERED INCLUDE THOSE OF LOMBROSE AND THEORISTS BEFORE AND AFTER HIM, THE INFLUENCE OF OTTO POLLACK, AND SEVERAL CONTEMPORARY VIEWS ON FEMALE CRIME. STATISTICS AND RESEARCH REFLECTING FEMALE INVOLVEMENT IN CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES ARE BRIEFLY REVIEWED. ATTENTION IS GIVEN TO THE PRESENCE OF FEMALE PERSONNEL OR (LACK OF IT) IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, IN COURTS, AND IN CORRECTIONS. EMERGING AND CHRONIC PROBLEMS PLAGUING WOMEN INMATES ARE ANALYZED WITH REGARD TO THE STRUCTURE OF FEMALE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS, SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF IMPRISONMENT, AND PRISON PROGRAMS AND ALTERNATIVES (E.G., TREATMENT AND VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS). FINALLY, STUDIES OF AND FACTORS INVOLVED IN WOMEN AS VICTIMS OF CRIME AND OF SEXUAL ASSAULT ARE OUTLINED, WITH EMPHASIS ON WOMEN'S VULNERABILITY TO VICTIMIZATION THAT MAY BE EXPECTED AS THEY EXPERIENCE GREATER EQUALITY IN SOCIETY. REFERENCES AND TEST QUESTIONS ARE INCLUDED. (MHP)