An unobtrusive and naturalistic examination of the goings-on of a children's court, Memphis Juvenile Court 616. Here, minors of various ages are seen interacting with social workers, lawyers, probation officers, parents, psychiatrists and the residing judge in cases that range from shoplifting to indecent assault and armed robbery. Wiseman's camera takes an unflinching Cinéma Vérité look at these events, leaving the viewer to assess the efficacy of the court system and the broader societal rationales behind it.