Parents and teachers need to be able to do something called "maintaining discipline" with respect to children, and society needs to assert its authority over law breakers through the courts. Public anxiety is increasingly expressed over both breakdown of discipline in schools and the failure of governments to maintain law and order. But what is all the anxiety about? John Wilson argues that much of the trouble that we experience in practice derives from confusion about our goals as well as about the relevant psychological and socialogical facts. His study combines careful philosophical reflection on issues of meaning and social morality with a highly practical focus on problem-solving. As such, the book will be invaluable for teachers, parents, judges, magistrates and all ordinary citizens who are concerned to combine humanity with effectiveness in the estblishment and maintenance of good order in any context.