NCJ Number
95192
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 12 Issue: 5 Dated: (1984) Pages: 457-465
Date Published
1984
Length
9 pages
Annotation
The history of the development of criminological statistics must examine the emergence of social statistics in general. The theoretical concerns and technical questions raised by early criminologists cannot be isolated from the wider concerns of sociologists and statisticians at work in other fields.
Abstract
This article traces the history and problems of crime and justice statistics through two distinct periods: a 'preparatory' phase (1650-1800), and a 'conceptualization' phase (1800-1914). In addition, while specifically noting a dependent relationship with the fields of demography and statistics, the separation of criminological statistics as an automous area is considered. The use of criminal justice statistics for comparative and other purposes has come under considerable review and criticism during recent years, and an examination of historical sources and problems serves to increase the understanding and usefulness of these statistics today. (Author abstract)