Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology: A Century of Legal Scholarship
The Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology stands as a cornerstone of legal academic literature, providing a platform for the evolution of criminal justice thought. Founded during a period of significant social change, the publication has spent over a century documenting the intersection of law, sociology, and police science.
The Origins of the Publication
The journal was born from the "National Conference on Criminal Law and Criminology," an event hosted by the Northwestern University School of Law in 1909. This conference was organized to celebrate the law school's fiftieth anniversary and served as the catalyst for a permanent scholarly record.
Established in 1910 by Dean John Henry Wigmore, the publication was originally titled the Journal of the American Institute of Criminal Law and Criminology. Its creation was deeply rooted in the progressive agenda of the early twentieth century, with a primary mission to articulate and promote criminal justice reform—the process of improving the efficiency, fairness, and humanity of the legal system.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Evolution of Name and Scope
As the fields of law and criminology evolved, the journal's title shifted to reflect its expanding academic scope and the changing priorities of the legal community.
- 1910–1930: Journal of the American Institute of Criminal Law and Criminology
- 1931–1950: Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology
- 1951–1972: The Journal of Criminal Law, Criminology, and Police Science
- 1973–Present: Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology
Key Facts
- Founder: Dean John Henry Wigmore.
- Founding Year: 1910.
- Institutional Root: Northwestern University School of Law.
- Original Purpose: To promote criminal justice reform during the progressive era.
- Catalyst Event: The 1909 National Conference on Criminal Law and Criminology.
Historical Timeline Summary
| Period | Journal Title |
|---|---|
| 1910 | Journal of the American Institute of Criminal Law and Criminology |
| 1931 - 1951 | Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology |
| 1951 - 1972 | The Journal of Criminal Law, Criminology, and Police Science |
| 1973 - Present | Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the journal?
The journal was established by Dean John Henry Wigmore in 1910.
What event led to the creation of the journal?
The journal grew out of the "National Conference on Criminal Law and Criminology," which was held at Northwestern University School of Law in 1909 to mark the school's 50th anniversary.
What was the original goal of the publication?
Consistent with the progressive movement of the early 1900s, the journal was created to promote and articulate reforms within the criminal justice system.
How many times has the journal changed its name?
The journal has had four distinct titles since its inception in 1910, reflecting changes in its focus, including a period where "Police Science" was explicitly included in the name.