In memoriam: Calliope Spinellis

Calliope Spinellis, a pioneering figure in modern Criminology in Greece, passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2024.

Professor Spinellis’s work has had a strong impact on the field for more than 40 years. She leaves a significant legacy in the research and reform of Greek criminal justice institutions, particularly juvenile justice, as well as teaching and mentoring in Criminology at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral research levels.

Her academic journey began with a Law degree from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She then obtained her Master's in Comparative Law and a PhD from the University of Chicago, focusing her research on probation.

Prof. Spinellis's career was distinguished by significant contributions, both in the United States and in Greece. In the U.S., she served as a researcher and later as the head of the Office for Juvenile Justice Information for the American Bar Association's National Council of Juvenile Judges. Her work involved providing legal answers regarding legislation and case law on juvenile offenders.

In Greece, she began her career as a research assistant at the Law School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a counsellor at the training school for juvenile female offenders. Then a professor at the University of Athens, Spinellis was instrumental in establishing and directing the Laboratory of Penal and Criminological Research at the University of Athens Law School, where she served for 35 years.

She also served as an ad hoc judge at the European Court of Human Rights, President of the EU Network for the Prevention of Crime, and participated in various international meetings on crime prevention and child victimisation organised by the UN and the EU.

She was an enthusiastic supporter of the creation of the European Society of Criminology and actively participated in the first ESC conferences. Her dedication to Criminology extended beyond research: she was a passionate advocate for human rights and integrated sociological approaches into legal education. Her legacy includes significant advancements in the teaching and application of Criminology in Greece.

Her influence on her students and the broader criminological community has been profound, distinguished by her friendly demeanour and commitment to sharing her extensive knowledge and experience. We will remember her smiling kindly and friendly at us.