In this conversational, jargon-free text with its clear and thorough presentation of theories of delinquency, Regoli and Hewitt make delinquency interesting to read about. It is no encyclopedic compendium, but a critical look at a very serious problem.

This edition is thoroughly updated to reflect the most current trends and developments. In clear and accessible language the authors prepare their readers to understand all facets of delinquency, including discussions of the history, institutional context, and societal reactions to delinquent behavior, the major biological, psychological, and sociological theories of behavior, and the variety of policy implications derived from those theories.