This extended and fully updated new edition offers a comprehensive introduction to youth crime and justice, considering the key challenges facing the contemporary youth justice system, as well as theoretical explanations for youth criminality. Written at an accessible level accessible for advanced undergraduates, this text offers compelling perspectives and asks tough questions without watering down or over-simplifying complex issues. Features such as chapter summaries and review questions make this book a perfect launch pad for further study. It is essential reading for students taking modules on youth crime, youth justice and contemporary social and criminal justice policy.