
This paper deals with the topics of juvenile deviance treated by Renzo Canestrari in his long scientific and professional career. The analysis of his conspicuous scientific production makes it apparent how important the role played by the scientific validation of the observational techniques to be applied in criminology was. The bulk of his many writings shows that the personal and social dimensions were always considered as fundamental by Canestrari to interpret and prevent juvenile deviance within a comprehensive view of the education aims.