NCJ Number
91317
Date Published
1983
Length
22 pages
Annotation
A basic aspect of criminology in Canada is that it has two main perspectives: anglophone criminology, which is largely integrated with the thinking in the United States and England, and francophone criminology in Quebec, where criminologists share the thinking of criminologists in France, Belgium, and other francophone centers of criminology.
Abstract
Criminologists in Quebec tend to be bilingual and to be familiar with the literature in English, but anglophone scholars in Canada have relatively little knowledge of francophone literature. The centers for teaching and research in criminology in Canada vary in their origins and orientations, particularly in their relative emphasis on teaching, academic research, and applied criminology. Most of the criminological research done in Canada is not uniquely Canadian but deals instead with larger issues. As with Canadian physics and Canadian medicine, criminology, although varying across Canada, reflects worldwide developments. Thus, criminological research in Canada should be seen within the context of the broader research situation. Nevertheless, Canada's innovative spirit in some areas is shown by its use of the ombudsman system in the criminal justice system and other areas of governmental activities. Canada has also provided leadership in criminological research in drug and alcohol addiction. Although Canada's overall contribution to criminological research has been modest, the relationship among criminologists, as well as between academic and government officials, is often very cooperative despite differing methodological approaches and perspectives. Notes and an annotated bibliography listing 13 references are provided. (Author summary modified)