Robert M. Emerson is professor of sociology at the University of California, Los Angeles. He is associate editor of Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, Qualitative Sociology, and Ethnography. He is author of many books and articles and his studies focus on domestic violence, stalking and neighbor disputes and formal, institutional responses to troubles, mainly by criminal justice and mental health systems.

• PART I. The Dilemmas of Treatment, 1. The Setting and Structure of the Juvenile Court, 2. Relations with Political and Enforcement Agencies, 3. Relations with Treatment Resources, PART II. Case Management and Moral Character, 4. The Framework of Court Categorization: Trouble and Moral Character, 5. The Dynamics of Categorization: Establishing Moral Character, 6. The Dynamics of Categorization: Defensive Strategies, 7. Courtroom Ceremony and Interaction, PART III. The Dilemmas of Authority, 8. Character and Probationary Control, 9. Character and the Court Practice of Psychiatry, 10. Conclusion, APPENDIX, BIBLIOGRAPHY, INDEX