This book assembles and synthesizes some of the latest available information, research findings, and informed opinions regarding the parameters of homicide by youths and concerning the nature of young killers themselves. It provides a framework for understanding youths who kill, for moving forward with treatment, and for reducing violence in future generations. Chapters are illustrated with incisive case history material. Part 1, "Juvenile Homicide Encapsulated," puts the phenomenon of juvenile homicide in perspective. Chapter 2 synthesizes a wide range of quantitative and qualitative information from published data, observations, findings and opinions of scholars, practitioners, and researchers which influence juvenile homicide. Chapter 3 discusses the legal response to adolescent homicide. Chapter 4, "Understanding the Juvenile Murderer," presents factors important to understanding the motivational dynamics of youth homicides using an example with a comprehensive psychological, forensic, and social evaluation to uncover the confluence of important parameters. Part 2, "Clinical Portraits," provides seven extensive portraits of juvenile murderers in separate chapters pointing to the differences among these youths and their cases as well as the similarities. Detailed examination of their cases; factors leading up to the murder; psychological, social, and forensic evaluations; and follow-up material supports the analysis of each case. Part 3, "The Challenge of Juvenile Homicide," includes "Treating Young Killers" (written with Eldra P. Solomon) and"Reducing Youth Violence in the 21st Century." (EMK)