The Study of Juvenile Justice

This introductory chapter provides an overview of the study of juvenile justice presented in this book. The philosophies, processes, and practices of juvenile justice are unique and distinctive from adult criminal justice, and they have undergone continuous change and transformation. In the chapters that follow, we fully elaborate juvenile justice processes and practices, as well as research findings on juvenile delinquency and evidence-based practice. The chapter closes with a preview of the types of readings that accompany each chapter: Abridged journal articles, research briefs, policy briefs, and technical reports. An application box entitled “Reading Scholarly Literature” offers tips to students on efficient and effective reading.