Schur, Edwin M.: Radical Non-Intervention and Delinquency

Stacy C. Moak & Shaun M. Gann

Radical non-intervention was developed by Edwin M. Schur as an alternative way of dealing with juvenile delinquency. The theory holds that juvenile delinquency is common among all socioeconomic classes. The theory further proposes that “delinquents” are no different from “non-delinquents,” except that “delinquents” have been processed through the court system. Radical non-intervention maintains that the juvenile court's authority in children's lives is too broad and that laws illegal only for children (e.g., running away, incorrigibility, tobacco use) should be abolished. Additionally, radical non-intervention theory proposes that the “delinquent” label given to juveniles processed by the court system can increase their delinquency. When children are labeled as “bad” or “delinquent,” they are often viewed as such in their community (e.g., by parents, teachers), which may increase their sense of alienation and risk of further delinquency. Radical non-intervention theory argues that juveniles should be left alone as much as possible for minor ...

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