Description

The Development of Criminology in Latin America

Rosa del Olmo discusses the origins of social theory in Latine and Central America and the legacy of critical criminology there. Del Olmo argues that Latin America’s critical criminology discourse has advanced the study of, and concern for, human rights as the first priority. The criminologist’s main role is to engage in action research that preserves minority rights, produces a specific juridical critique that complements political action on the part of social movements, and promotes the creation of new laws with broad popular participation.

criminology — Latin America, Latin America — criminology, theory; First International Congress on Crime Prevention and Repression, including Penal and Reformatory Treatment (London 1872)

Citation: Social Justice Vol. 26, No. 2 (1999): 19-45