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Decriminalizing Criminology: Reflections on the Literal and Tropological Meaning of the Term

NCJ Number
117796
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 31 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1989) Pages: 169-178
Author(s)
C D Shearing
Date Published
1989
Length
10 pages
Annotation
The paper provides a conception of criminology that relocates its theoretical problematic from crime to ordering; at the same time it argues for the retention of the term "criminology."
Abstract
The traditional crime focus of criminology, it argues, has its roots in two reinforcing historical phenomenon -- one theoretical and the other empirical. These origins, while initially useful in giving criminology theoretical coherence and a clear empirical focus, now restrict scholarly inquiry. The paper identifies an expanded problematic that includes the traditional crime focus but embraces developments that are moving criminology beyond its traditional boundaries.

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