This discussion explores the role and value of criminology, and academia more broadly, in a democratic society. The recent publication by Ian Loader and Richard Sparks, Public Criminology?, is taken as the starting point for discussion, and after outlining some of the key points of the book, participants respond with their own experiences and perspectives. Participating in this recording are: Richard Sparks, Professor of Criminology (University of Edinburgh, Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research) Sarah Armstrong, Research Fellow (University of Glasgow, Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research) Ian Loader, Professor of Criminology (University of Oxford, Director of the Centre of Criminology) Fergus McNeill, Professor of Criminology and Social Work (University of Glasgow, Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research) Jonathan Simon, Professor of Law (University of California Berkley) For further details of the book under discussion - Public Criminology? – see http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415445504/. Jonathan Simon's blog 'Governing Through Crime', discussed in the recording, is available at governingthroughcrime.blogspot.com. Note: This recording is part of a discussion series which aims to encourage and capture discussion and debate, and to share academic thinking and research findings as widely as possible. The project is supported by the Higher Education Academy: C-SAP Network, Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research (SCCJR) and the Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services (IRISS).