Life-Course and Developmental Criminology: Looking Back, Moving Forward-ASC Division of Developmental and Life-Course Criminology Inaugural David P. Farrington Lecture, 2017

The interplay among data, analytic tools, and theory has been a defining feature of life-course and developmental criminology. In this paper, we briefly consider the intellectual history of each component before focusing on the prospects for future advancement. What are the most promising data sources and methodological tools that will advance life-course inquiry in criminology? Above all, what are the key questions and theoretical ideas for moving the field forward? Our argument is that by integrating new directions in data, tools, and ideas-especially (1) testing an augmented theory of turning points, (2) examining cohort differences in aging and crime that arise from macro level changes, and (3) designing criminal justice interventions that are both developmentally appropriate and socially supportive while not compromising public safety-the future of life-course and developmental criminology will be as bright, if not brighter, than the rich legacy of its past.