Criminal Pedagogy as a Possible Organising Principle of Prison Life

Abstract

Criminal pedagogy has a history of about 120 years; however, it has to fight for recognition in many areas. In this paper, we define the meaning of this field of science and illustrate its interlinking relations with neighbouring sciences. We introduce two correctional institutes – one from Canada and one from the USA – the main characteristic of which is the pedagogy based reintegration of prisoners. We point out that any applied science has a raison d’être only if practical life requires theory, and theory develops practice. Criminal pedagogy today is ready to be a possible organising principle of prison life. We are sure that the development of criminal pedagogy contributes to the enrichment of law enforcement.