Now in its fourth edition, Youth in Conflict with the Law provides a thorough background on the social development of children and youth and the legal responses to young persons who are involved with crime in Canada. While maintaining the sharp focus and the discussion-provoking features that made earlier editions so popular, authors Denise Whitehead and Mark D. Hunter guide students through the important distinction between punishment and a restorative justice approach—a crucial understanding for those who are the first point of contact with youth.

Highlighting the important role of police involvement from first contact to youth justice court, this new edition delves deeply into current issues relating to race and ethnicity, mental health, and the Black Lives Matter movement as well as the important intersection between youth criminal justice and child and family services.

New to this edition are updated statistics on youth crime and references to current youth criminal legislation. Featuring informative sidebars, real case briefs, and “In the News” sections, and accompanied by an updated instructor’s guide, this accessibly written text is an excellent resource for students in police foundations programs and training courses.