John T. Whitehead was Professor Emeritus and former Chair in the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at East Tennessee State University. He completed his MA at the University of Notre Dame and earned his PhD in Criminal Justice from the University at Albany. He has published articles about corrections, probation, and the death penalty. He is the co-author of Ethics in Criminal Justice: The Search for the Truth, Report Writing for Criminal Justice Professionals, and Teaching Criminal Justice. John Whitehead passed away in January, 2026, shortly before the publication of this book. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, and his sons, Dan and Tim.Steven P. Lab is an Emeritus Professor of Criminal Justice at Bowling Green State University where he served as Director of Criminal Justice for 27 years and Chair of Human Services for 17 years. He holds a PhD in Criminology from the Florida State University School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. He is the author or co-author of eight books, co-editor of one encyclopedia, and author of more than 50 articles and book chapters.Gregory C. Rocheleau is an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Ball State University. His research interests include bullying, criminological theory, and juvenile delinquency. His most recent scholarship examines bullying victimization among LGBTQ+ youth, e-cigarette use among youth, and theoretical integration of labeling and strain perspectives.

“John Whitehead provides an in-depth overview of the key issues surrounding juvenile justice within the latest edition of Juvenile Justice: An Introduction. Now more than ever it is imperative that students understand the workings of the juvenile system and the various factors that will shape its future. This book presents that information in a detailed, but accessible way that is sure to connect with those who read it.An overview of the history of the juvenile system is provided, as are important discussions related to the etiology of juvenile delinquency and crime. These foundational chapters segue nicely into a contemporary look at the workings of the juvenile system and the various actors who are involved in its day-to-day operations. The book culminates in a wonderful discussion of new developments in the field, with a focus on the critical discussions that are currently reshaping the way in which we view juvenile offending and the most appropriate ways in which to address it.”Dustin Osborne, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Criminal Justice and Criminology, East Tennessee State University“This text provides a clear, comprehensive, and engaging exploration of delinquency and the juvenile justice system. Covering everything from historical foundations and theoretical perspectives to pressing issues such as gangs, drugs, policing, as well the responses across the juvenile justice system, it equips students with both conceptual grounding and practical insights. This book stands as an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand and critically engage with juvenile justice today.”Jonathan Intravia, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Criminal Justice and Criminology, Ball State University“Now in its Eleventh edition, Juvenile Justice: An Introduction continues its legacy of providing a comprehensive resource for students and educators alike. The authors have made thoughtful updates to keep the material current, while maintaining a student-friendly writing style that will keep the reader engaged with the material. This textbook has also remained committed to affordability, which makes it the ideal choice for instructors seeking to improve accessibility and equity in the classroom.”Bradley D. Edwards, Associate Professor, Criminal Justice and Criminology, East Tennessee State University

• PrefaceCHAPTER 1 Introduction: The Definition and Extent of DelinquencyIntroductionDefining DelinquencyDefining a JuvenileThe Extent of DelinquencyComparing the Delinquency MeasuresSummaryCHAPTER 2 The History of Juvenile JusticeIntroductionProperty and PersonThe Rise of Juvenile InstitutionsThe Establishment of the Juvenile CourtBenevolence or Self-Interest?Juvenile Justice from 1920 to the 1960sChanges since the 1960sSummaryCHAPTER 3 Explaining Delinquency: Biological and Psychological ApproachesIntroductionTheoretical Schools of ThoughtBiological and Sociobiological TheoriesPsychological ExplanationsSummaryCHAPTER 4 Sociological Explanations of DelinquencyIntroductionThe Ecological PerspectiveSociological Learning TheoriesStrain TheoriesSubcultural TheoriesRoutine Activities and Rational ChoiceControl TheoriesThe Labeling PerspectiveLife-Course and Developmental TheoriesThe Impact of Theories on Juvenile JusticeSummaryCHAPTER 5 Gang DelinquencyIntroductionGangs DefinedEarly Gang ResearchThe Extent of Gang MembershipCharacteristics of GangsWhy Do Youths Join Gangs?Gang BehaviorDo Gangs Cause DelinquencyIntervention with GangsSummaryCHAPTER 6 Drugs and DelinquencyIntroductionGauging the Extent of Drug UseThe Drugs–Delinquency ConnectionResearch on the Drugs–Delinquency RelationshipInterventionsAlternative Responses to Drug UseSummary: The Response of the Juvenile Justice SystemCHAPTER 7: Policing and JuvenilesIntroductionStatistics on Police Work with JuvenilesProfessional Policing and JuvenilesThe Police and JuvenilesCommunity or Problem-Solving PolicingCitizen Attitudes toward the PoliceRecent Issues in Policing Concerning JuvenilesPolice Effectiveness with Juvenile CrimeSummaryCHAPTER 8 The Juvenile Court ProcessIntroductionDetentionDetention AlternativesThe Intake DecisionProcessing Juveniles in Adult Criminal CourtAdjudication and DispositionSummaryCHAPTER 9 Due Process and JuvenilesIntroductionThe Landmark Supreme Court CasesAdditional Supreme Court RulingsSearch and SeizureRights in SchoolRights at Home and in the CommunitySummaryCHAPTER 10 Institutional/Residential InterventionsIntroductionInstitutional Corrections for JuvenilesState Training SchoolsOther PlacementsProgram EffectivenessInstitutional LifeNew Directions in Institutional InterventionsSummaryCHAPTER 11 Juvenile Probation and Community CorrectionsIntroductionProbationAftercareSupervision and CounselingCurrent Trends in Community SupervisionEffectiveness of Juvenile Probation and Related SanctionsEffective and Ineffective Treatment Interventions with OffendersContinuing Concerns in Community CorrectionsSummaryCHAPTER 12 Prevention in Juvenile JusticeIntroductionRisk Factors and PreventionAddressing Community Risk FactorsParent TrainingPreschools ProgramsSkills TrainingResistance Skills TrainingAnti-Bullying PreventionMentoring ProgramsConflict Management/ResolutionMulti-Component ProgramsRestorative JusticeSummaryCHAPTER 13 The Victimization of JuvenilesIntroductionThe Extent of VictimizationExplaining Juvenile VictimizationResponses to VictimizationThe Role of Formal Social Control AgenciesSummary: The Need to Recognize the VictimCHAPTER 14 Future Directions in Juvenile JusticeIntroductionProposals for Reforming Juvenile CourtBroader IssuesCapital Punishment for JuvenilesLife Sentences for Juveniles Who MurderJurisdiction over Status OffensesConclusionGlossaryReferencesCourt CasesIndex