Sociological and phychological theories and empirical research on the nature and causes of juvenile delinquency are presented, followed by a discussion of the implications of theory for delinquency prevention and the rehabilitation of offenders. Although no single explanation or theory appears adequate to explain all delinquent behavior, poverty and problems in family relationships are common to theories of delinquency. In addition, the effect of the juvenile justice process may be to increase the delinquent behavior of those who come into contact with it. An interview with a former juvenile delinquent is provided to permit the application of some of the theoretical ideas about delinquency to an actual case. The legal response to juvenile crime is traced from the early days of the juvenile court until the present. The involvement of the police, probation officers, the juvenile court, and correctional institutions in the juvenile justice process is delineated. The influences of both the components of the process and the environment in which they exist are analysed. Innovations such as deinstitutionalization and diversion are described. Attention is also given to the use of legal and administrative controls on discretion in decisionmaking. Tables, figures, and subject and author indexes are included. Reference notes and discussion questions are provided for some chapters.