Anttila, S. Inkeri (1916–)

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Anttila, S. Inkeri (1916–)

Finnish criminologist and minister of justice. Pronunciation: SIL-Vee EN-ker-EE AN-til-AH. Born Sylvi Inkeri Metsämies, Nov 29, 1916 (some sources cite the 21st or 26th), at Viipuri, Finland; dau. of Veini Ireneus (lawyer) and Sylvi Airio Metsämies; graduated University of Helsinki, Cand. Jur., 1936, LLD in criminal law, 1946, Lic. Sociology, 1954, D. Political Sciences (honorary), 1976; m. Sulo Anttila, Dec 1934; children: Veini, Liisa, and Mirja.

Recognized internationally for her work in professionalizing the study of victimology, raised victimology to the level of a genuine sociological discipline, enhanced her profession, and pioneered judicial reforms with an international reach; qualified for the bar in Finland (1942); made director of the Training School for Prison Service (1949–61); appointed professor of criminal law, University of Helsinki Law School (1961–); made director, Finland's Institute of Criminology in Ministry of Justice (1963–74); appointed director, Research Institute of Legal Policy (1974); appointed minister of justice (1975–); elected president, Fifth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Offenders (1975); named chair of the board of the International Center of Comparative Criminology (1977); author of many books and articles.

See also Women in World History.