Radical criminology is analyzed as a product of radicalizing events of the 1960's and the emerging liberalized consciousness. The break with mainstream theory that occurred with radical criminology is documented, together with the influences on radical criminology conflict and Marxist theory. The major proponents of radical criminology and their most important writings are listed as examples of radical criminology's place in the U.S. theoretical field. Radical criminology is then interpreted with regard to the concept of legitimation. In this respect, attention is given to the inherent legitimacy of radical criminology (i.e., whether it ought to be complied with) and its perceptual legitimacy (i.e., citizens' acceptance of, and the development of a sense of obligation toward, radical criminology's precepts.) Additionally, radical criminology's conception of law is explored. The career of the 1970's radical criminologist, Richard Quinney, is reviewed as a search for a radical humanism and in the context of the argument that an authentic understanding of radical criminology requires attention to the subjective dimension; i.e., to individual intellectual careers. Finally, future directions for radical criminology are projected, with discussion of the orthodox neo-Marxist character of radical criminologists and the need for radical criminologists' reconciliation with humanistic orientations and sociological positivism. Included are 28 notes and approximately 150 references. For related documents, see NCJ 70050-62.