NCJ Number
193010
Journal
Theoretical Criminology Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: November 2001 Pages: 425-443
Date Published
2001
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This article critiqued the work of Michel Foucault, which focused on subjectivity and preventative control with regard to criminal detection practices.
Abstract
It was concluded that Foucault’s work focused primarily on control and power as effective crime prevention measures. It was demonstrated that these factors were only half of the equation, and that the past also played a significant role in both crime detection practices and the “resentful moralism behind vengeful punishment” of today as well. It was also stated that given the changes within the penal system across western jurisdictions, especially over the last few decades as exemplified by the O.J. Simpson Case that the question of power should take the weight of the past seriously. Lastly, it was found the role of the past, present, and future relationships between identity, power, and penalty were crucial, rather than just focusing or limiting work to risk–avoidant technologies and future-oriented aspects of punitive measures. Notes and references