This Nutshell focuses on the criminal and non-criminal misconduct of children that bring them within the jurisdiction of juvenile courts. It examines how police, parents, schools, courts, and other agencies respond to that misconduct. It addresses children's rights during the investigation and prosecution of youths for delinquency and status-offenses. Like all Nutshells, it provides a succinct exposition of the law for students studying juvenile justice, for lawyers who do not regularly practice in juvenile court, and for legislators and policy officials involved in juvenile justice law reform efforts.