Critical Criminology: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

Crime problems have drawn more and more attention in recent years, with criminological theories widely developed. Critical criminology is perhaps the most controversial and ambitious among those theories because it abandons the state's definition of crime, demonstrates the injustice of society, and tries to address crime problems (or social harm) more comprehensively. Meanwhile, its radical position attracts criticisms, such as ignoring real victimisation.

The essay aims to explore the past, present, and future of critical criminology and explain why society requires such a critical voice. First, it introduces the origin and development of critical criminology. Then, through two current examples - the war on terror and COVID-19, it illustrates the critical perspective's value of comprehensiveness and independence, especially compared to mainstream criminology. Lastly, it indicates the challenges and how critical criminology could develop in the future to pursue its goal - real equality and justice.