I. Meaning: The crime committed by children is called juvenile delinquency. Juvenile delinquency can be seen from social and legal view points. From the social viewpoints, disrespect shown by a child towards norms, values, customs and traditions of the society can be called juvenile delinquency. But from the legal view-point, breaking of laws established by the state by a child is called juvenile delinquency. Children involved in juvenile delinquency are called. juvenile delinquents.

II. Nature: Juvenile delinquency is a social pathological behaviour in which a child commits crime. It is a social disease which creates social disorganisation in the society.

Both crime and juvenile delinquency are anti-social behaviour. Both lead to social and individual disturbance. There is a difference between the two concepts. Crime is committed by adults whereas juvenile delinquency is committed by children. In our country crime done by children between the ages 7-17 years is called juvenile delinquency. Juvenile delinquents are reformed and rehabilitated, whereas adult criminals are punished.

III. Causes: 1. No child is delinquent by birth. But the behaviour of society makes him delinquent. Ill-treatment by parents, step-parents, kin, neighbours and community members makes a child delinquent. Poverty and lack of basic amenities also lead to juvenile delinquency.

2. Denial of share in paternal property also makes a child delinquent. Misbehaviour of class mates and teachers also causes juvenile delinquency. Physical deformity is also responsible for the occurrence of juvenile delinquency. Industrialisation, urbanisation and modernisation have enhanced the incidence of juvenile delinquency in our country.