Three stories were presented via audiovisual media to each of three classes in grade two, three classes in grade four, and three in grade six. Children were interviewed individually after the presentations and were asked which misdemeanor in the stories was naughtiest, whether the punishment was fair, what punishment would be fair, and why. Results indicated a pattern of evolution from heteronomy to autonomy across the grade levels, substantiating Piaget's theory of moral development. However, all three grade levels were hampered by adult constraint. Second graders needed an atmosphere that would nurture spontaneous verbalizing and the expression of children's opinions. Fourth-graders, who had a cooperative attitude toward peers, indicated a need for equality in behavior between children and adults. Sixth graders lacked mutual respect between children and adults in the area of determining fair punishment; they needed practice in self-governance. (Author/AA)