Conclusion

T h i s book has attempted to describe the process by which a juve-

nile court judges and manages delinquency cases. Early chapters

presented the background of this process, emphasizing the nature

and consequences of the court's relations with environing institu-

tions. Through a series of exchange relationships, the court devel-

ops a system of working ties with local enforcement and welfare

institutions. These ties and the pressures they entail underlie the

court's fundamental concern with controlling juvenile behavior

and with preventing serious delinquent activity. These concerns

are reflected in court procedures for identifying cases of "trouble."

Trouble cases are those felt to require special attention and