NCJ Number
74702
Editor(s)
J A Inciardi,
C E Faupel
Date Published
1980
Length
278 pages
Annotation
This volume is a collection of papers presented at a workshop for the advancement of historical research in criminal justice. Historical and cross-cultural perspectives are included.
Abstract
The collection is divided into four topical sections: theory and methodology, historical analysis of crime, historical analysis of criminal legislation and policy, and historical analysis of law enforcement and corrections. One paper follows manifestations of crime and of the public order in Western history through the long-term processes of industrialization, urbanization, centralization of power, and humanization of interpersonal relations. Another article addresses methods of data collection and model design for quantitative historical research. Further articles analyze the historical relationship of public policy and such crimes as bookmaking and loansharking and compare homicide in the 19th and 20th centuries in terms of social-psychological, sexual, and racial factors and victim-offender relationships. Ways in which broad political considerations have shaped criminal justice policies in France from the time of Napoleon to the present are the focus of another paper. Other articles trace the development of the juvenile justice system in America; gaming legislation in Britain; and policies of prohibition, regulation, and decriminalization of prostitution in Italy, France, and America. The final section is represented by papers on the police functions in America; the nature of sting operations; women's prisons throughout history; and the reform tradition in corrections. This final article calls into question the compatibility of incarceration and rehabilitation. All the contributions to this volume demonstrate ways in which historical analysis can contribute to the understanding of criminal behavior and of legislative, enforcement, and correctional policies. Individual articles contain tabular data and notes.