Introduction Diagnosing a child or adolescent with psychopathy is a controversial concept, however there are numerous studies that purport to assess psychopathic traits within these groups. This arose from evidence that the key symptoms of psychopathy (at least when examining the histories of adult psychopathic patients) were indicative of early onset with symptoms starting in childhood or early adolescence. (Johnstone and Cooke, 2004). Psychopathy, at least in adults, is a viable construct and is often indicative of criminality, violence, substance abuse and results in a markedly poorer response to treatment and as such highlights the importance of recognizing these early symptoms and planning coping strategies. intervention and treatment. (Johnstone & Cooke, 2004; Skeem, Monahan, & Mulvey, 2003; Hempill, Hare, & Wong, 1998; Salekin, Rogers & Sewell, 1996). The study of psychopathy in children and adolescents is certainly not a new concept proposed for the first time. by Cleckley (1941) and then more thoroughly by McCord and McCord (1959/1964) in their book The Pyschopath: An Essay on the Criminal Mind which, perhaps more importantly, underlined that psychopathy in youth was decidedly different from other mental disorders conduct (being much rarer) and highlighting the need for early intervention for adolescents displaying psychopathic traits (Salekin & Frick, 2005). So, if psychopathy truly begins to manifest in childhood or adolescence, how can we accurately measure it, and how (if at all) can we treat it? Here we will discuss relevant research on psychopathy and psychopathic traits primarily in children and early adolescents, discuss current assessment measures, possible treatment strategies, as well as explore the relationship...... half of the article..... R. (2005). Evidence of substantial genetic risk for psychopathy in 7-year-old children. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. 46(6), 592-597Walters G (2012). Psychopathy and criminality: Testing the incremental validity of psychopathy measured with the PCL-R as a predictor of general and violent recidivism. Law and Human Behavior.36(5), 404-412. For this article I intend to first define and outline the characteristics of psychopathy. I will then explore how psychopathy traits are measured and present in children and adolescents and subsequently what relationship exists between the expression of these traits in both childhood and adolescence and subsequently in criminality. Finally, I intend to conclude my article with possible interventions to help prevent persistent delinquent and criminal behavior, as well as explore any criticisms of psychopathy measurement and interventions in both adults and children..