Publishing History of the Centre for Criminology
“Prof. Edwards believes that the Centre of Criminology’s work has influenced (he calls it an ‘unseen contribution’) the judiciary and the agencies responsible for the criminal justice system” (“Edwards influences criminal justice system”, 3 Oct 1975)
Between 1964 and 2004, the Centre for Criminology operated its own publishing branch, which published conference proceedings, and original research by its faculty, students and visiting scholars.
Comprising over seventy publications, many as the result of academic collaborations, grants and research agreements with courts, police and community organizations, the books bearing the Centre for Criminology imprint are a testament to the multidisciplinary approach the Centre privileged from the outset. Topics ranging from juvenile offenders, contract security, and community safety to motorcycle gangs now provide immense research value into the history and trends of criminological research in Canada. One of the earliest books published at the Centre in 1964 is titled Proceedings of the National Conference of Judges on Sentencing. This conference was convened by the Centre for Criminology and included government officials and judges that discussed sentencing in Canada along with its practices, the parole board, and factors that impact sentencing.
There are a variety of notable publications that the Centre has in its collection. The book Police Governance in First Nations in Ontario (1996) by Stenning, Briggs and Crouch provides insight into the often fraught relationship that police have with Indigenous communities in Canada. This relationship is important to understanding the effects that colonization has on the police, how Indigenous peoples are treated by police and the benefits of self-governance. Another book, The Violence Prediction Scheme (1994) by C.D Webster uses a formula that is devised to predict violence among men and allow researchers and clinicians to use when determining criminal behaviour.
These books showcase the unique contributions of the Centre and demonstrate the degree to which it's faculty, and students have shaped the discipline of criminology and the approach to policing, criminological trends, criminal behaviour, and the administration of criminal justice.
“There is no decision in the criminal process that is so complicated and so difficult to make as that of the sentencing judge”
Sentencing as a Human Process was published in 1974 by John Hogarth, and is edited by the Centre for Criminology founder, John L.J. Edwards. In the foreword of the book, Edwards discusses the importance and value of exploring criminology through an interdisciplinary approach that encompasses the law and the sciences. This approach, according to Edwards, is necessary when sentencing offenders in Canada, as it not only affects their liberty and freedom but also sets a precedent for future offenders. As such, the philosophy and principles behind sentencing should be crafted through an approach that achieves the best outcome and utilizes all resources and knowledge available—from all disciplines. Yet, the extent to which offenders should be rehabilitated through reduced sentencing and self-improvement, strictly punished, or neither is a principle of sentencing that both Edwards and John Hogarth discuss in the book. These qualities make sentencing a particularly central factor of the criminal justice process that can be a determinant of future engagement in crime. John Hogarth’s focus on the judicial system and its relationship with sentencing is both noteworthy and important to the contributions of the Centre.
“The danger of disillusionment with our penal methods is very real and must not be underestimated”
Sentencing as a Human Process was published in 1974 and is written by Irvine Waller and edited by the Centre for Criminology founder, John L.J. Edwards. In the foreword of the book, Edwards discusses the importance and value of exploring criminology through an interdisciplinary approach that encompasses the law and the sciences. This approach, according to Edwards, is necessary when sentencing offenders in Canada, as it not only affects their liberty and freedom but also sets a precedent for future offenders. As such, the philosophy and principles behind sentencing should be crafted through an approach that achieves the best outcome and utilizes all resources and knowledge available—from all disciplines. Yet, the extent to which offenders should be rehabilitated through reduced sentencing and self-improvement, strictly punished, or neither is a principle of sentencing that both Edwards and John Hogarth discuss in the book. These qualities make sentencing a particularly central factor of the criminal justice process that can be a determinant of future engagement in crime. John Hogarth’s focus on the judicial system and its relationship with sentencing is both noteworthy and important to the contributions of the Centre.
“Feminist Criminology” and Other Terms That Have Shaped the Study of Criminology
Criminology: A Reader’s Guide is a diverse collection of written pieces by faculty of the Centre for Criminology at the University of Toronto. The faculty at the Centre of Criminology continues to demonstrate a commitment to strengthening the study of criminology and understanding its impact in society. The topics of the essays in the book range from a variety of topics, including law and policy, policing, and crime and punishment. The contributions of the book are particularly noteworthy because each author provides insight into the various layers of criminology. Some of the titles include “Feminist Perspectives on Criminology” by Mariana Valverde, “Crime, Policing, and Punishment in England 1550-1850” by John Beattie, and “Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice” by W. Gordon West. These essays expand on and explore areas of criminology that continue to reform institutions and structures that will engender a better society. There is no doubt that the Centre of Criminology faculty and its students at the University of Toronto will continue to make insightful contributions to the study of criminology in the years to come.
Diversion Programs in Canada
The Toronto “John School” diversion program was created in 1996 to divert male offenders with prostitution-related charges outlined in section 213 of the Criminal Code into a day-long program to learn about the dangers and ramifications of sex work. The program is structured with educational material on sexwork, STDs, safe sex, and the public health concerns that soliciting creates. More importantly, the diversion program allows the government to withdraw the criminal charges of offenders if they comply with the program requirements and 'graduate' at the end of the session. These diversion programs are useful to offenders because they can eliminate the prospect of a trial, a criminal conviction, and reduce the costs associated with the criminal justice process.
The “John School” is an example of the significance of diversion programs in Canada which direct offenders with no prior criminal record away from the criminal justice system. When given the opportunity to avoid a criminal record, diversion programs can be considered useful in granting individuals another chance to learn from their mistakes and to prevent them from committing future criminal conduct. The study conducted in 2002 from the Evaluation of the Toronto John School Diversion Program found that generally, support for the “John School” was increasing and that most participants of the program benefited from the curriculum. The “John School” can be considered useful in setting a precedent about the value of diversion programs in Canada which educate offenders about their charges instead of criminalizing them. This is particularly valuable for first-time offenders with no prior criminal record.
Centre for Criminology Publications
Click through below to explore the complete collection of books published by the Centre for Criminology or see the bottom of the page for a complete bibliography
