In 1989, Romanian freedom fighters liberated the nation from the yoke of an oppressive dictatorship. As a former communist state, Romania is charting a new course to expanding democracy and a market economy in Eastern Europe. This paper examines the current Romanian criminal justice system in the context of history, geography and government through an examination of the functions and legal framework controlling the three sub-systems (law enforcement, adjudication and corrections) and how youthful offenders are treated. The study finds a need to adopt more fully a systems perspective.