The Sociology-Anthropology Department is hosting a colloquium talk this Friday, February 10 at 3pm in Loeb A720. This event, Tough on Crime?: Critical Criminology and the Harper Law and Order Agenda, will be in the form of a discussion with four criminologists on the the current issue and an opportunity for interaction and engagement with the audience. In addition, all are welcome to stay after the panel to continue the discussion over wine and cheese.

Stephen Harper’s Conservative government is currently pushing the Omnibus Crime Bill through the Senate. The bill will bring sweeping changes that will put many more Canadians in prison, requiring a massive prison expansion that will cost billions in a time of fiscal austerity. The Harper government is  ignoring the views of the vast majority of Canadian criminologists, who point out that crime rates have been falling in Canada for two decades, and that a great deal of research suggests the government’s prison push will do more harm than good. Academics in this field often talk about “critical criminology” and “public criminology”: how should we practice it in a context where the federal government says criminologists are simply “out of touch”?

The Panel will include:

• Aaron Doyle (Sociology, Carleton)
• Jennifer Kilty (Criminology, U. Ottawa)
• Michael Mopas (Sociology, Carleton)
• George Rigakos (Law, Carleton)

This event is a great way to gain insight on the current matter and discuss possible implications on Canadian scoiety.