110 University of Leeds Anniversary Research Scholarship Theme Outline
Title of Theme
Historical Criminology
For informal enquiries,
please contact
Dr Henry Yeomans
Centre for Criminal Justice Studies
School of Law
University of Leeds
[email protected]
Supervisor/s
Dr Henry Yeomans
Professor Adam Crawford
Theme summary:
The historical study of crime and justice has become more prominent in recent years. It
provides the chronological backdrop to the present but, importantly, historical criminology also
offers explanations of how the present came into being and, by identifying factors which have
driven past changes in offending, law or criminal justice processes, enhances the extent to
which it is possible to anticipate and envision the future. Historical criminology thus allows us to
think forward through the past.
Historical criminological approaches have been used effectively to study patterns of offending,
characteristics of offenders, policing, punishment and other governmental activities. These
approaches are especially useful when examining the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth
centuries, during which time contemporary crime ‘problems’ and societal responses to these
‘problems’ are largely formed. The ongoing digitisation of historical resources is opening up
new horizons for research but these are only just beginning to be explored. Hence the Centre
for Criminal Justice Studies is actively expanding its capacities in historical criminological
research.
We invite PhD proposals which examine issues of crime and justice historically. Proposals can
concern any period from the eighteenth century onwards. Proposals are encouraged to
consider linkages between the past, present and future by examining ongoing long term
processes or making comparisons of relevant themes and issues at different points in time. We
particularly welcome proposals to study violence, nuisance/low-level offending, alcohol or
drugs, the relationship of crime to urbanisation and urban life, attempts to regulate behaviour in
public places and/or the development of various social problems through time. However,
proposals encompassing the historical study of other aspects of crime and justice are welcome.
We also welcome proposals for both qualitative and quantitative projects. These projects may
make use of the considerable archival resources to which researchers at the University of
Leeds have access.