Conversation with Prof. Shane Kilcommins

Conversations with Criminologists

The intersection of theory and practice; Prof Shane Kilcommins

The intersection of theory and practice is the hallmark of criminology in Ireland. The research output across the island is testament to this, and the this approach is reflected in the pedagogy evident in Universities offering criminology courses. Prof Kilcommins speaks about his role in setting up practice based university courses, and the importance of clinical or placementoptions for students and researchers. In addition, Shane speaks about how his theoretical approach to criminology and criminal justice were fostered through his interaction with colleagues in sociology departments and his exposure to key theorists changed his perspective from a purely legal standpoint, to a more multidisciplinary approach. Prof Kilcommins also speaks about his work on victims issues, and how this work had a significant impact beyond academia. Importantly his speaks about the intersection of a range of vulnerabilities and victimhood within the criminal justice system in Ireland, and how his research has been directed to relieve the revictimization of individuals engaged in that system.