Significance

How was life-course criminology significant in influencing policy?

•Data has contributed to the development of a large number of specific criminological theories

•Idea of ‘super-predators’ (McAra and McVie 2017) - Damaging way is the idea of super predators – this idea became influential is American policies in the 1990’s (term oftently used). Racially influenced – people passed various laws who believed a minority was dangerous. This group way young black men causing racially fuelled policies to pass.

•Focus on ‘risk factors’ in 1990s onwards

•Whole Systems Approach in Scotland from 2011: diversion from youth justice - Scotland’s system is attempting to intervene less with young offenders.

How was life-course criminology significant in terms of desistance theory?

•Desistance research tries to influence practice (McNeill 2006) and practitioners (especially probation) talk about it a lot (Maruna 2017). Shifted focus of interventions – more relational and ‘strengths-based’. Do they remove barriers?

•Growing ‘social movement’ of desistors (Maruna 2017)

Fundamental change in how the CJS works.

-

-

-

-