Ideology and Criminal Justice: Suggestions for a Pedagogical Model

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Matthew B. Robinson Ph.D., Professor (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/

Abstract: Without the explanatory power of general theoretical principles, criminal justice educators are limited to subjectively describing the structure and function of our systems of criminal justice rather than explaining why these systems behave the way they do. Because of this, criminal justice lacks integrity as a legitimate academic discipline that seeks to meet the objectives of a liberal arts education. This paper explores the establishment of ideology as a first principle of criminal justice, derived from political philosophy and sociological theory. We examine ways to build upon this principle as a means of teaching criminal justice within the guise of the liberal arts tradition by guiding students toward a deeper understanding of the nature of our criminal justice systems and their place in larger society.

Additional Information

Publication
Williams, E.J., and Matthew B. Robinson (2004). Ideology and Criminal Justice: Suggestions for a Pedagogical Model. Journal of Criminal Justice Education (Fall 2004) 15(2): 373-392. Original version available from Taylor & Francis (ISSN: 1051-1253)
Language: English
Date: 2004

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