Adult misdemeanor courts arraign, try, and sentence adults who have committed crimes which are less serious than felonies. Typical acts which constitute a misdemeanor include shoplifting, assault and battery without inflicting serious bodily harm, and simple larceny. It is estimated that 85 percent of the future felony offenders first commit a misdemeanor and appear in adult misdemeanant court. Therefore, these courts have the opportunity to treat and serve individuals before they commit serious crimes. Nevertheless, the lack of resources in these courts is extreme. In the 1960's and 1970's, volunteers became an important resource in the misdemeanant courts. By using volunteers, some of these courts developed excellent rehabilitative services in their probation programs. Volunteers act as friends to probationers, and professionals offer their skills without charge. Volunteers in misdemeanant courts also work in presentence investigations, probation program administration, and public relations. Learning exercises and 17 references are included. For other volumes in the series, see NCJ 83347-53, 83355-57, and 62914.