This paper describes some of the many problems now facing the juvenile justice system, which was for years a legal "stepchild." A historical review reveals that although the first juvenile court was founded in 1899, the first U.S. Supreme Court review did not occur until almost 70 years later. Then, in a landmark decision, juveniles were given such basic rights as right to counsel, right to confront witnesses, right to notice of charges, and right to remain silent. Questions cited as currently facing the juvenile court system include coercion; proportionality of disposition to offense; transfer to adult court; and the scope of due process. The author concludes with a plea for comprehensive, accurate recordkeeping, since decisions on these issues cannot be made without a foundation of carefully kept data. (Author/BP)