The Medicolegal Library is the first and only series of its kind. Its importance is self-evident. During the last decade, science, especial ly medical practice, has become an increasingly complex undertak ing. Recent dramatic developments in medicine have given rise to both theoretical controversies and practical dilemmas. Society is struggling with new scientific, economic, cultural, and legal issues. The establishment of a series such as this appears vital for lawyerr; and physicians, for sociologists and psychologists, and for the pub lic at large. The editorial board of the Medicolegal Library consists of dis tinguish scientists from many different countries and disciplines. Judge Amnon Carmi acts as principal series editor. Judge Carmi is the author of many books and articles on medical law, and is Editor in-Chief of Medicine and Law: An International Journal. The Medicolegal Library will issue two books each year. The first four books, soon to be published, will deal with child abuse, eutha nasia, disability, and psychiatry laws and ethics. It is the wish and intention of Springer-Verlag that the Medicole gal Library play an important role throughout the world in the study and understanding of the field of medicine and law, for the benefit of both professions and of mankind at large. Contents I. The Phenomenon Battering Behavior: One Phenomenon, Many Explanations H.Zimrin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . . Abusive Versus "Normal" Child-Rearing Practice: A Cross-Cultural Perspective R.A. Eisikovits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 14 . . . . Abusing Children's Development Potential: The Case of Moral Development Z. Eisikovits and A. Sagi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 21 . . ."