A study of the criminal justice system in New York City found that blame has been thrust on the judges, the police, the district attorneys, and the probation officers. To find out if there is, indeed, a system of criminal justice and if the necessary responsibilities, authority, and accountability for the successful conclusions to steps in the system exist, the first task has been to determine how the presumed system is structured and functioning. This guide, in outline form, describes in part I the highlights of the steps involved in the path from arrest to disposition of an adult suspect/defendant. Part II outlines the steps that are followed when the suspect/defendant is a juvenile. Accompanying the test are an organization chart illustrating relationships discussed in the narrative; a glossary of 63 terms; and statements clarifying the definitions of Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS), juvenile delinquency, and juvenile offenders. (MLF)