  Theoretical and phenomenological implications of R-parity violation in
supersymmetric theories are discussed in the context of particle physics and
cosmology. Fundamental aspects include the relation with continuous and
discrete symmetries and the various allowed patterns of R-parity breaking.
Recent developments on the generation of neutrino masses and mixings within
different scenarios of R-parity violation are discussed. The possible
contribution of R-parity-violating Yukawa couplings in processes involving
virtual supersymmetric particles and the resulting constraints are reviewed.
Finally, direct production of supersymmetric particles and their decays in the
presence of R-parity-violating couplings is discussed together with a survey of
existing constraints from collider experiments.
