NCJ Number
78499
Date Published
1981
Length
59 pages
Annotation
This monograph assesses the differences between the fields of criminology and criminal justice using a 4-part typology: (1) focal concerns of these fields; (2) career patterns of professionals; (3) extent to which each field is based on theory and may be considered a discipline, science, and profession; (4) relationship of the two fields to legal studies.
Abstract
The monograph has been written to aid universities struggling with questions of how to fit both kinds of programs into their academic structures. The author reviews the organizational structure of universities, emphasizing that the focal concerns of criminology and criminal justice must be explored with an awareness of their institutional implications. He also identifies the various fields of study encompassed by criminology and criminal justice to define the nature of the two areas. He concludes that neither can be considered a science nor a discipline. The final section centers on the legal orientations of criminology and criminal justice and notes that criminology and criminal justice scholars must develop teaching strategies that emphasize the interdisciplinary links between criminal procedure and criminal justice. Overall, real differences between the fields of criminology and criminal justice exist, but the fields do overlap, especially in the area of research. The tension between criminology and criminal justice in higher education is likely to continue. About 40 references are cited.