top of page

Origin of the Academy

     On 3 December 1949, on invitation of Professor Ernest W. urgess of the University of Chicago, a group of some thirty persons representing various disciplines in the field of criminology, such as law, sociology, penology, psychology, social work, psychiatry, met to hear M. Piprot D'Alleaume, Secretary-General of the International Society of Criminology, present plans for the International Congress of Criminology to be held in Paris, France in September, 1950.  At the conclusion of that meeting, after prolonged discusson, it was voted to create an Illinois Academy of Criminology.  An organizing committee was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws and to submit recommendations for officers and members of the executive committee. 

    The organizing committee completed its work and presented its recommendations at a meeting held on 16 February 1950 at the Northwestern University, School of Law.  The organizing committee was composed of the following members:  Mrs. Sarah B. Schaar, Chairman and Hon. Jacob M. Braude, Professor Ernest W. Burgess, Mr. Harvey L. Long, and Mr. Eugene S. Zemans. 

     The purpose of the Academy, as outlined in the constitution adopted, is three-fold: (1) To stimulate the interest of its members and the public in the study and understanding of criminology; (2)  to promote scientific inquiry, research, and publication in the various fields of criminology; and (3) to present the results of relevant studies, and research by means of lectures, addresses, exhibits and publications. 

     Seventeen individuals, prominent in fields related to criminology were elected to office in the newly formed Academy.  Many of these persons had been active for many years in the defunct Chicago Academy of Criminology.  Chicago Municipal Court Judge Jacob M. Braude was chosen president.  Vice-presidents named were:  Dr. Franz Alexander of the Institute for Psychoanalysis, Professor Frank Flynn of the Department of Social Administration at the University of Chicago, and Mrs. Sarah B. Schaar of the Jewish Family and Community Service.  Dr. Henry D. McKay of the Institute for Juvenile Research and the Chicago Area Project was named Librarian.  Other officers were:  Dr. Albert J. Reiss, Jr., Department of Sociology, University of Chicago, treasurer; Arthur V. Huffman, Supervising Sociologist, Illinois Department of Public Safety, secretary; Dr. Ernest W.Burgess, honorary president.  The Executive Committee consisted of the officers and Captain John I. Howe, the Chicago Police Department; Professor Fred E. Inbau, School of Law, Northwestern University; Professor Edward H. Levi, School of Law, the University of Chicago, Mr. Harvet L. Long, supervisor of parolees, State Department of Public Safety; Dr. George J. Mohr, Institute of Psychoanalysis; Mr. Virgil W. Peterson, the Chicago Crime Commission; Dr. Edward H. Stulken, Principal of Montefiore School; Professor Donald R. Taft, Department of Sociology, University of Illinois; Mr. Eugene S. Zemans, John Howard Association.

     During its first year, the Academy heard papers on several phases of criminology and penology; including the following: 

(1)  The Economic Factor in Juvenile Delinquency, by Professor E. W. Burgess

(2)  A Youth Correction Authority for Illinois, by John R. Ellingston, Amerian Law Institute
(3)  Treatment of the Sex Psychopath in Kansas, by Dr. Charles Hawke, Kansas State Training School

(4)  Trends in Treatment of Adult Offenders, by Lloyd Ohlin, Research Sociologist, Illinois Division of Correction.

(5)  Treatment of Juvenile Offenders, by Dr. Robert M. Gluckman, psychiatrist, St. charles School for Boys.

(6)  Training for Correctional work, by Mr. Ben S. Meeker, Chicef United Stats probation officer, Chicago

(7)  Unraveling Juvenile Delinquency-A review of the book by Professor Donald R. Taft of the University of Illinois.

(8)  A Look at our Parole Experience in Illinois, by Mr. Joseph D. Lohman, chairman Illinos division of Correction.

(9)  The Research Program of the Rotman Research Libratory, by Dr. Agnes Sharp.

(10)  The Role of the E.E.G. in the Psychiatric Institute, by Dr. Frank C. Lorimer

(11) Developments at the Psychiatric Institute from 1914-1951, by Dr. Edward J. Kelleher, Director

   At the Annual Meeting held on 21 May 1951, the following officers were elected for 1951-1952:

          President:  Professor Fred E. Inbau, School of Law, Northwestern University

          Vice-presidents:  Mr. Joseph D. Lohman, Department of Sociology, University of Chicago and Chairman, Illinois Parole Board; John                      L. Howe, Captain, Chicago Police; Professor Donald R. Taft, Department of Sociology, University of Illinois

          Secretary-Treasurer: Arthur V. Huffman, Supervising Sociologist, Division of the Criminologist, Illinois Department of Public Safety

           Archivist:  Dr. Henry D. McKay, the Chicago Area Project

           Elected to the Executive Committee:  Hon. Jacob M. Braude, Prof. Frank T. Flynnm Prof. Edward H. Levi,k Mr. Harvey L. Long, Mr.                         Ben S. Meeker, Dr. George J. Mohr, Dr. Edward H. Stulken, Mrs. Sarah B. Schaar, Dr. Agnes Sharp and Mr, Eugene S.                                     Zemans. ---From Arthur V. Huffman

We are always looking for presenters from various disciplines in the field of criminology.  

Would you like to participate in a panel discussion, a webinar, or have a specific subject you'd like to discuss reference an discipline in the field of criminology,

bottom of page