This report describes the development of the juvenile justice system in the United States. It uses current data to look at where it is heading, and the recent trend of transferring certain juvenile cases to adult criminal court. Section 1 explains that the juvenile justice system was founded on the concept of rehabilitation through individualized justice. Section 2 explains that U.S. Supreme Court cases have had an impact on the character and procedures of the juvenile justice system. Sample cases are presented. Section 3 discusses how state statutes define who is under the jurisdiction of juvenile court. Section 4 notes that the juvenile justice system differs from the criminal justice system, but there is common ground. Section 5 explains that all states allow juveniles to be tried as adults in criminal court under certain circumstances. Section 6 notes that new laws have had a dramatic impact on sentencing for serious or violent juvenile offenders. (References can be found in the larger report.) (SM)