Scope and depth in a singular trajectory: a brief note on Roberto Kant de Lima

Abstract

The text summarizes Roberto Kant de Lima’s main contributions to the relationship between Anthropology, Law and Public Safety, articulating research, teaching and the creation of networks, involving researchers in different units of the federation and in several countries. The originality of his works, addressing police and judicial practices in an articulated way, enabled a better understanding of the inquisitorial orientation present in our justice institutions, and its implications for inequality of treatment at the level of citizenship. Likewise, his commitment to training new researchers contributed to expanding the critical mass in institutions associated with the comprehensive research network that he coordinated for more than two decades, with an emphasis on internationalization policies and expanding the universe of dialogue. His concern with providing a more incisive and direct return to society also contributed to ventures in two directions: (1) creation of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, in addition to a distance learning technologist course, all with a focus on public safety; and, (2) emphasis on the formulation of social technologies, such as the production of indicators for monitoring and evaluating public policies, with a view to reducing crime in public space. Taken together, these activities clearly characterize the uniqueness of his academic career.