Crime in Canada

Despite living in an era of decreasing crime rates, Canadians express concern over crime and push politicians to respond in increasingly punitive ways. Canadians also express little confidence in their justice system. The result is that Canada’s response to crime can be both disproportionate and ineffective.

In her latest book, sociologist Diane Crocker challenges the popular perception that crime in Canada is on the rise and argues that public opinion is becoming a bigger barrier to achieving justice than the actual extent of crime. Using the most current data available, her research reveals how Canada can better assess the effectiveness of crime control policies, as well as its responses to crime, while promoting democratic values such as equity and accountability.

Crime in Canada evaluates the criminal justice system’s responses to crime--what works and what does not--and proposes solutions for moving forward.

Diane Crocker is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at Saint Mary’s University in Canada, and holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from York University. Her research areas include violence against women, criminal harassment and the use of law to address social problems, particularly those that disproportionately affect women.