ABSTRACT
Scolds and harlots are older phenomena than pick-pockets and car-thieves. Much of what passes for female delinquency in the 14 to 17 age-group (the group to be studied in this research) is off-beat in a very primitive way. Studies of penal reform make little mention of the minority group of women and girls. They are 'covered' by numerous Acts of Parliament just as the men are covered, but not much historical research is devoted to them as a distinctive group from men, nor as to how far the legislation of the past century has catered for their differing emotional and social needs. 'Covered' is indeed the right word, for it is often difficult to find a mention of female delinquency.
