The Dissemination of Criminological and Criminal Justice Knowledge and Practice: A Profile of People's Republic of China Scholars Who Earn Doctorates in the United States

Policies and practices in countries do not exist in a vacuum. There are many sources of ideas for change. One of the most important is exposure to foreign ideas through international scholarly exchange. This article briefly reviews the history and causes that have contributed to this process with scholars from the People??s Republic of China who have chosen to obtain doctorates in the United States and study Criminology and/or Criminal Justice. In particular, over the past two decades, close to two dozen scholars have come to the United States to earn masters and PhD degrees in the fields of Criminology/Criminal Justice or related fields. This article uses a survey methodology to understand this complex process.     

An ounce of prevention...

A major theme in the apparent transformation of the criminal justice system in recent years is the commitment to shifting away from reactive responses to crime in favor of proactive prevention practices. This paper raises the question of whether the rhetoric of prevention has been translated into real substantive changes. The author argues that the activity which has occurred in response to the rhetoric of prevention is more significant as an ideology of practice and control than as a ‘solution’ to the problem of crime. For the moment, it is unlikely that an ounce of prevention will produce more than a few grams of cure.     

Pleural pearl. An immature pleural ball?

An incidental, pearl-like body was attached to the visceral pleura of a young man who committed suicide. The lesion consisted of concentric laminations of collagen and mesothelial type cells, and was associated with a resolved pleurisy. The possible relationship of this lesion to previously reported "pleural balls" is discussed.     

The Canadian Auditors General What is their role?

Abstract. A review of the role of the auditor general at the provincial and federal levels of government is desirable at this time. This article suggests and comments on several significant issues which should he considered in a review of the auditor general's role. The article notes why an auditor's services are essential and suggests that he must undertake a broadly conceived role which is concerned with financial, efficiency-systems, and program audit duties. It is pointed out that for the auditor general to function properly, an internal audit group must exist with direct responsibilities to a government minister or senior civil servant. It is argued that the auditor general, while directly responsible to the federal or provincial legislative body, must not see himself as an adversary of the civil servant or government politician. Several suggestions are made to strengthen the auditor general's ability to perform effectively. Finally, a controversial issue is introduced concerning whether or not the auditor general should enlist the aid of private, commercially-oriented, professional auditing firms to assist him in carrying out his responsibilities. It is argued that the role of private, professional firms should be limited to selected projects in the field of program audits. Sommaire. Il est opportun, à l'heure actuelle, de reconsidérer le rôle du Veri-ficateur général des gouvernements fédéral et provinciaux. L'auteur de cet article soulève et commente quelques questions fondamentales qui devraient être rete-nues lors de l'examen du rôle du Vérificateur. Il indique pourquoi les services d'un Vérificateur sont essentiels; il propose que son rôle soit envisagé de façon très large et que sa rompétence sétende aux questions financières, aux systèmes de rendement, et au contrôle des programmes. Il fait remarquer que le Vérificateur, pour jouer convenablement son rôle, devrait avoir un groupe interne de vérificateurs relevant directement d'un ministre ou dun haut fonctionnaire. L'auteur démontre que le Vérificateur général, tout en dépendant directement de l'organe législatif, ne doit pas se considérer comme l'adversaire du fonctionnaire ou de l'homme politique. Il propose différentes mesures dans le but de permettre au Vérificateur de mieux exercer ses fonctions. Enfin, il soulèe une question controversée à savoir si le Vérificateur général devrait engager l'aide de cabinets comptables privés, pour l'aider à s'acquitter de ses responsabilitks. Il démontre que le rôle des cabinets privés devrait être limitéà des projets particuliers, dans le cadre du contrôle des programmes.