ABSTRACT
The aims of this little book are threefold: (a) to gain a better insight into the phenomenon of discretion, (b) to explain why the extensive delegation of discretionary powers to different professional groups in the welfare state is problematic, and (c) to outline what can be done about it. These three aims are connected. A better idea of what can be done requires a better understanding of why the delegation of discretionary powers is problematic, which in turn requires a better insight into the practice of discretion.
