Introduction -- The history of juvenile justice in America -- The measurement of delinquency -- The classical school, rational choice, and individualistic explanations of delinquency -- Social development and delinquency -- Social process theories -- The family and delinquency -- Schools and delinquency -- Drug use among youth -- Juvenile gangs -- Female delinquency -- Labeling and conflict theories -- The contemporary juvenile justice system -- Police and courts -- Juvenile institutions and the treatment and prevention of delinquency.