NCJ Number
139072
Journal
EuroCriminology Volume: 1 Dated: (1987) Pages: 131-144
Date Published
1987
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Understanding the practical nature of criminological knowledge enables the discussion of fundamental epistemological and methodological problems of criminology and contributes to resolving the "science-practice" problem.
Abstract
Simultaneously applying principles of historicism and determinism to study crime and other antisocial behavior is significant for social practice, and the science-practice problem is of current interest in criminology. Criminology and crime prevention are linked in the context of Marxism to show that the ultimate goal is for science to benefit practice. In Bulgaria, the link between criminological science and social practice has an institutional aspect; criminological organizations such as the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and the Ministry of Internal Affairs participate in crime prevention. Scientific and applied scientific tasks are accomplished by the Scientific Research Institute of Criminology and Criminal Law within the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Research is intended to accumulate social management information and to transmit that information criminologically. The effect of applied criminological knowledge can be measured by assessing the results of implementing science in practice. Bulgarian experience indicates that criminological research findings constitute a reliable basis for managing social processes and thus facilitate crime prevention practices. 6 footnotes