The court's jurisdiction is defined, and concerns such as lower age limits, maximum age limits, and the distinction between a child's criminal and noncriminal behavior are examined. Differences between the right to treatment and the allegation and proof that the child needs treatment, which must be made for a delinquent or status offense finding to be made in the first place, are addressed. The controversy as to whether children's offenses relating to the use of motor vehicles should be within juvenile court jurisdiction is discussed, and child neglect and reporting laws are analyzed. The roles of law enforcement agents are discussed in terms of surveillance of juveniles and parents, arrest, detention, interrogation, searches, lineups, and entrapment. The judicial process is traced from intake and diversion to detention hearings, bail, petitions, pleas, right to counsel, and discovery. The importance of factfinding hearings is emphasized, and the disposition phase of juvenile court hearings is examined. Waivers for criminal trial and appeals are also discussed. A table of case citations is included.