good research questions criminal justice

428 Criminology Research Topics & Questions for Students

As you might already know, criminology is the study of crime. To be more precise, criminology studies crime as a social trend, including its origin, various manifestations, and its impact on society.

Criminology research influences how the police work, how society treats criminals, and how the community maintains law and order. In this article, you’ll find top criminology research topics for your inspiration. We’ll also look into the main criminology theories and research methods and explain the difference between criminology and criminal justice.

🔝 Top-10 Criminology Research Topics

🔤 what is criminology.

• 🔎 Criminology Research Methods
• 📝 Research Topics for Assignments

🦹‍♂️ Crime Research Topics

• 🚔 Topics in Law Enforcement
• 🕵️ Criminal Investigation Topics

⚖️ Criminal Law Research Topics

• 🔒 Topics to Research in Crime Prevention

🧑‍⚖️ Criminal Justice Research Topics

• 🆚 Criminology Vs Criminal Justice

❓ Criminology Topics: FAQ

🔗 references.

• Criminology as a science: criminology theories.
• The importance of eyewitness evidence.
• The issue of racial bias in the investigation.
• Crime propaganda on social media.
• The leading causes of college violence.
• The benefits of private prisons.
• The debate around gun control.
• The analysis of power abuse among police officers.
• Drunk driving and how to prevent it.
• The importance of forensic psychology in the investigation.

Criminology is the study of crime and criminal behavior, supported by the principles of sociology and other sciences, including economics, statistics, and psychology.

Criminologists study a variety of related areas, including:

• Characteristics of people who commit crimes.
• Reasons behind committing different crimes.
• Impact of crime on individuals and communities.
• Measures for preventing crimes.

Criminology Theories

Criminology theories have appeared as an attempt to answer the question, “What is criminal behavior, and what causes it?” The answer to this question affects how society responds to and prevents crime. Proposing new theories and testing existing ones is essential for criminologists to continue working toward understanding the causes of criminal behavior.

Let’s consider the most relevant criminology theories.

🔎 Research Methods Used in Criminology

There are many research methods used within criminology. Usually, they are divided into two groups: primary and secondary research methods.

Primary Research Methods in Criminology

Primary research in criminology is any type of research that you collect yourself rather than based on secondary sources, such as articles or books. Examples of primary research methods in criminology include the following:

• Surveys and questionnaires. Survey research collects information from individuals through their responses to questions. It is considered one of the most widely used research tools in criminology.
• Experiments. For experiments , researchers take large samples of people who might become or have already been involved in crimes as victims or offenders. Then, they divide these samples into two groups, each receiving a different treatment.
• Interviews. An interview requires participants to answer a set of open-ended questions, often on sensitive topics, such as victimization or criminal behaviors. This method allows criminologists to gain more valuable insights into the research topic.
• Focus groups. A focus group is a small number of demographically similar people gathered to discuss a particular crime-related topic. This method allows criminologists to analyze people’s views, attitudes, and perceptions concerning crime.
• Observations. Observations involve a researcher studying groups or individuals in their natural setting without interfering. It is a common research method within the social learning theory.

Secondary Criminology Research Methods

Secondary research methods use information that was collected by someone else so that you can analyze it and identify the trends. Here are the two leading types of secondary research in criminology:

• Secondary analysis of data. A secondary analysis occurs when a researcher uses data collected by other researchers. You can obtain secondary data from surveys, official crime statistics, or official records.
• Literature review. A literature review involves reading, analyzing, evaluating, and summarizing literature about a specific criminology topic. It helps scholars identify research gaps and problems that need to be addressed.

📝 Criminology Research Topics for Assignments

To write an outstanding research paper on criminology, choose a topic that will spark your interest. Below you’ll find excellent criminology topic ideas for college students.

Criminology Research Paper Topics

• Criminology theory and its main elements.
• Criminology discipline and theories .
• American crime trends and criminological theories.
• The significance of criminological studies in the US.
• Criminology: legal rights afforded to the accused .
• The impact of violence and crime on the tourism industry.
• How did US crime rates change over the last 20 years?
• Classical and positivist schools of criminology .
• Should abortion be treated as a crime?
• Official and unofficial instruments within the criminal investigation.
• Criminology: femininity and the upsurge of ladettes .
• Criminal rehabilitation programs and their significance.
• Shoplifting and how to prevent it.
• Emerging technologies in criminology .
• The effects of illegal immigrants on crime rates.
• Drug trafficking by organized crime groups.
• Criminology and victimology: victim stereotypes in criminal justice .
• Can genetics lead to crime?
• The procedures of crime scene investigation.
• Labeling theory and critical criminology: sociological research .
• Hate crimes in modern society.
• The phenomenon of white-collar crime and its causes.
• How to prevent crimes in the workplace?
• Criminology: the social control theory .
• Stereotypes that surround serial killers and their crimes.
• The comparison of organized crime in New York and Chicago.
• Prevention strategies for small business crimes.
• Criminology: four types of evidence .
• Relations between crime, justice, and the media.

Criminology Research Proposal Topics

• How to prevent intellectual property crimes in cyberspace?
• Identity theft and cybercrime in modern society.
• Contemporary theories in criminology .
• The problem of racial profiling in the US.
• How has criminology contributed to the study of terrorism ?
• Possible solutions to the issue of street harassment .
• Postmodern criminology: the violence of the language .
• Gender bias in the investigation: pink-collar criminals.
• The phenomenon of digital terrorism and how to prevent it.
• How do immigration services help fight against terrorism?
• Green criminology: environmental harm in the Niger Delta .
• How has marijuana legalization influenced crime rates?
• Tools for collecting and analyzing crime evidence.
• How does international law manage war crimes ?
• The due process: criminology .
• What are victimless crimes ?
• The relation between crime rates and poverty.
• National system for missing and unidentified persons.
• Three case briefs in criminology .
• The impact of mental illness on criminal behavior.
• The effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in reducing crime rates.
• The use of AI technology in crime prevention and investigation.
• Sexual assault: criminology .
• The role of media coverage in public perception of crime.
• The impact of community policing on reducing crime rates.
• The impact of mass shootings on gun control laws.
• The impact of automation technology on criminology .

Criminology Thesis Topics

• The role of juvenile justice in preventing future criminal behavior.
• Feminism and criminology in the modern justice system .
• The effectiveness of mandatory minimum sentencing in the US.
• Drug laws : fighting crime or fueling it?
• Police brutality : a systemic problem in criminal justice.
• Criminology: USA Patriot Act overview .
• The impact of hate crimes on marginalized communities.
• How does organized crime affect the global economy?
• The significance of DNA evidence for criminal investigations.
• Use of statistics in criminal justice and criminology .
• The ethics of plea bargaining in criminal cases.
• Mental illness and criminal behavior: breaking the stigma.
• The impact of social media on cyberbullying and harassment.
• Robert Merton’s strain theory in criminology .
• Causes and consequences of police corruption .
• The role of restorative justice in repairing harm caused by crime.
• The effectiveness of treatment programs in reducing drug-related crimes.
• Hernando Washington case: criminology .
• The negative effects of human trafficking on global communities.
• The role of forensic science in crimes investigation.
• The effectiveness of community-based alternatives to imprisonment.
• Integrity as a key value: criminology and war .
• The relationship between poverty, education, and crime rates.
• Cybercrime : the dark side of the digital age.
• Hate crimes: motivations and impact on modern society.
• Feminist perspectives’ contribution to criminology .
• The impact of incarceration on families and communities.

Criminology Research Questions for Dissertation

• Can criminal profiling accurately predict offender behavior?
• How do hate crimes affect individuals and communities?
• How were the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights influenced by the classical school of criminology ?
• What are the psychological effects of cyberbullying on victims?
• What factors contribute to domestic violence , and how can it be prevented?
• How have organized crime groups evolved over time?
• How is statistics used in criminology and criminal justice ?
• Is the death penalty an effective crime deterrent?
• What motivates individuals to engage in white-collar crime?
• What are the consequences of police corruption for society?
• What is variance analysis in criminal justice and criminology ?
• How does drug addiction contribute to criminal behavior?
• How does gender influence criminal behavior and justice outcomes?
• What drives individuals to commit mass shootings?
• What is the broken window theory in criminology ?
• What are the biggest challenges facing criminal justice reform efforts?
• How do urban gangs perpetuate violence and criminal activity?
• How do criminal law and procedures protect individual rights and liberties?
• What is the impact of corporate fraud ?
• What challenges do individuals with mental health issues face in the criminal justice system?
• How can society combat human trafficking and exploitation?
• What measures can be taken to enhance cybersecurity and protect against cybercrime?
• What is the aboriginal crisis from a criminology perspective ?
• How can victimology help us better understand the experience of crime victims?
• What are effective crime prevention strategies for different types of crime?
• What is legal insanity in criminology ?
• How does environmental crime impact communities and the environment?
• How is the peace-making model applied in criminology ?

A significant part of criminology research is dedicated to various types of crimes and their reasons. Consider our crime topic ideas that will spark instant interest in your readers:

• The psychological impact of kidnapping on victims and their families.
• The racialization of crime and cultural panic .
• The ethical considerations surrounding ransom payments in kidnapping cases.
• The effect of burglary on small businesses and their ability to recover.
• The impact of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status on homicide rates and patterns.
• Shoplifting: a crime of convenience .
• The effectiveness of different types of anti-theft devices in preventing motor vehicle theft.
• The role of forensic science in investigating arson cases, including the use of accelerant detection dogs.
• The concept of natural legal crime .
• The psychological profiles of white-collar criminals and their motivations.
• The psychological effects of burglary on victims and their sense of security.
• The concept of juvenile crime .
• The role of social media in facilitating and preventing kidnappings.
• The use of forensic evidence in homicide investigations and the challenges of prosecuting homicide cases.
• Sex crime recidivism rates.
• Illegal immigrantion and its effects on crime .
• The effectiveness of international efforts to combat money laundering .
• The efficacy of community watch programs in reducing burglary rates.
• The role of corporate culture in facilitating or preventing white-collar crime.
• Crimes in America: the 9/11/01 terrorist attacks .
• Technology in motor vehicle theft: GPS tracking and remote disabling systems.
• Human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable populations.
• Crime and criminals: general characteristics .
• The ethical and moral implications of capital punishment as a response to homicide.
• The effectiveness of fire prevention and education programs in reducing instances of arson.
• US gun control measures and crime rates reduction .
• The use of cryptocurrency in money laundering and illegal activities.
• White-collar crime and the abuse of power in corporate and financial settings.
• Cargo crimes and threats: government accountability office .
• The rise of cyberstalking and its impact on victims’ mental health.
• The effects of pollution on communities and the legal response to environmental crimes.
• Cyber-bullying and cyber-stalking as crimes .
• The effects of society’s reaction to crime.
• The use of technology in financial fraud schemes .
• Crimes against property and their characteristics .
• The intersection of racism and hate crimes against Asian Americans.
• The impact of deforestation on indigenous communities and wildlife.
• Crime types and their harm to society .
• The prevalence of domestic violence and the legal response to it.
• The exploitation of child labor in the fashion industry .
• Race and crime among minorities in the US .
• The ethical implications of using artificial intelligence in law enforcement.
• The psychological effects of hate crimes on victims and their communities.
• How does local television news viewing relate to fear of crime ?
• The evolution of cybercrime and its most common types.
• Parental responsibility for children’s crimes.
• The sex crime: influence of childhood experiences .
• Prostitution : a victimless crime.
• Sociology and media representation of crime.
• The profile of a crime victim .
• A theory of gendered criminology: women’s crime.

🚔 Research Topics in Law Enforcement

Another exciting area within criminology to investigate is law enforcement and police jobs. Have a look at the list of burning and controversial topics we came up with:

• The impact of community policing on crime rates and public trust.
• Law enforcement: online crimes and social media .
• Do body-worn cameras reduce police misconduct?
• The effects of implicit bias on the police use of force.
• Law enforcement cameras as an invasion of privacy .
• The impact of police militarization on community relations.
• Why is mental health training essential for police officers in crisis situations?
• Law enforcement officers’ attitudes regarding body-worn cameras .
• The role of police in addressing hate crimes and bias incidents.
• The effectiveness of community-based alternatives to traditional policing.
• Organizational changes in law enforcement agencies .
• The efficacy of police-community partnership in addressing gang violence.
• The impact of police officer diversity on community relations and trust.
• Local, state, and federal law enforcement in the US .
• The role of police in addressing cybercrime and online harassment.
• The effects of police body language and nonverbal cues on public perceptions.
• Cumulative career traumatic stress in law enforcement .
• Social media and its role in shaping public perceptions of police behavior.
• The role of police discretion in enforcing drug laws and addressing addiction.
• Mindfulness practice in law enforcement .
• The effectiveness of hot spot policing in reducing crime rates.
• Organizational culture in the police department.
• Stress in law enforcement officers and available programs .
• The role of police leadership in promoting ethical behavior and accountability.
• The effectiveness of community-based justice programs for juvenile offenders.
• Law enforcement in colonial America .
• Police-community partnerships for addressing domestic violence.
• The role of police in addressing human trafficking and exploitation.
• Misrepresentation of law enforcement by media .
• School safety and the police.
• How does stress affect the performance of law enforcement officers?
• The law enforcement: verbal communication as the best form of interaction .
• The significance of federal and state law enforcement mechanisms.
• The adverse effects of toxic leadership in quality law enforcement.
• Balance between effective law enforcement and personal liberty .
• The importance of discipline in public services.
• The connection between police salary and rates of police brutality.
• Role of police agencies in law enforcement .
• Police investigative questioning and techniques.
• The issue of corruption in law enforcement.
• Significance of computer forensics to law enforcement .
• Case study: police response to the Ningbo protest.
• Police actions to stop school bullying .
• Law enforcement position in society .
• New technological advances within the police department.
• Do law enforcement cameras violate privacy right?
• Different types of evaluation designs in law enforcement .
• Recognition of women’s right to work as police officers.
• The effectiveness of foot and bike patrols of the streets.
• Firearms types and usage in law enforcement .
• The competencies of international law enforcement authorities.
• Comparison of police brutality statistics for different genders.
• Ethical theories in law enforcement practice .

🕵️ Criminal Investigation Research Topics

The criminal investigation process is another criminology area worth discussing in your research paper. Below you’ll find the most intriguing criminal investigation topics:

• The history and evolution of criminal investigation techniques.
• Crime scene investigation in media and real life .
• The role of forensic science in criminal investigations.
• How does technology impact modern criminal investigations?
• The importance of preserving crime scenes and evidence.
• Crime scene investigation effect in the justice system .
• The ethics of interrogation techniques used in criminal investigations.
• Eyewitness testimony in criminal investigations.
• The role of criminal profiling in solving crimes.
• Organized business crime prosecution and investigation .
• How does media coverage affect criminal investigations?
• The use of informants in criminal investigations.
• The main challenges of investigating white-collar crimes.
• Undercover police investigations in drug-related crimes .
• The role of private investigators in criminal investigations.
• The impact of false confessions on criminal investigations.
• How is DNA evidence collected in criminal investigations?
• Importance of toxicology in crime investigation .
• The role of the FBI in national criminal investigations.
• The use of undercover operations in criminal investigations.
• The main challenges of investigating organized crime.
• Crime level investigation in the United States .
• Witness protection programs in criminal investigations.
• The impact of plea bargaining on criminal investigations.
• Surveillance techniques in criminal investigations.
• Investigating crime with age and mental illnesses factors .
• How are cybercrimes investigated?
• The role of international cooperation in criminal investigations.
• How do racial biases influence criminal investigations?
• Drug trafficking: investigation on Frank Lucas .
• Polygraph tests in criminal investigations.
• The main challenges of investigating terrorism-related crimes.
• Homicide investigations and forensic evidence .
• The role of victim advocacy in criminal investigations.
• Lie detector tests in criminal investigations.
• The role of forensic psychology in the investigation .
• The effects of community involvement on criminal investigations.
• The problem of false accusations in criminal investigations.
• Approaches in criminal investigation .
• The use of forensic accounting in financial crime investigations.
• How does the media shape public perception of criminal investigations?
• Key rulings on the conduct of investigators at the scene of a fire .
• The impact of political pressure on criminal investigations.
• The main challenges of investigating human trafficking.
• The Breonna Taylor case and criminal investigation .
• The role of victim compensation in criminal investigations.
• Behavioral analysis in criminal investigations.
• Procedures within crime scene investigation .
• Crime scene reconstruction in criminal investigations.

Criminology goes hand-in-hand with legal studies. If you’re interested in both areas, you should definitely write a research paper on one of the criminal law research topics:

• The evolution of criminal law in the US .
• Criminal law: stolen valor .
• The difference between criminal and civil law.
• Human trafficking and criminal law.
• Types of criminal offenses and the elements of crime.
• International criminal law and measures .
• The role of the burden of proof in criminal cases.
• Criminal defenses and their validity.
• The insanity defense in criminal law.
• Actus reus in English criminal law .
• The controversies around the death penalty.
• Juvenile delinquency and criminal law.
• Cybercrime and its legal implications.
• Criminal law – is graffiti a crime or not ?
• Domestic violence and criminal law.
• Hate crimes and their legal consequences.
• Restitution for victims in criminal law.
• Civil vs. criminal law and differences between them .
• Forensic evidence and its admissibility in court.
• Sexual assault and criminal law.
• The rights of the accused in criminal cases.
• Regulatory criminal laws in the criminal justice system .
• Receiving immunity for testimony in a criminal law case.
• The legal classification of criminal offenses.
• Self-defense in criminal law cases.
• How Canadian criminal law regulates deviant conduct .
• Sentencing guidelines and their impact on society.
• The use of DNA evidence in criminal cases.
• Eyewitness testimony and its reliability in court.
• Fundamental aspects of Canadian criminal law .
• The role of the media in criminal trials.
• The impact of social inequality on criminal justice outcomes.
• The future of criminal law and its impact on society.
• Criminal law in India and access to justice .
• International criminal law and its enforcement.
• Extradition and its legal implications.
• The impact of globalization on criminal law.
• Juvenile vs. adult criminal law .
• The importance of victim rights in criminal cases.
• Restorative justice and its benefits for society.
• Alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders.
• Automatism as a defence in criminal law .
• The role of defense attorneys in criminal trials.
• The role of prosecutors in criminal trials.
• The right to a public trial in a criminal law case.
• Civil and criminal law penalties and differences .
• Car searches in criminal investigations by law enforcement.

🔒 Criminology Topics for Research in Crime Prevention

Researching crime prevention allows you to learn more about the strategies for reducing criminal behavior. Have a look at our outstanding crime prevention topic ideas:

• Understanding and explaining crime prevention.
• Theories that explain criminal activities and criminology .
• The effectiveness of community policing in preventing crime.
• The benefits and drawbacks of crime prevention in the US.
• How can education reduce crime rates?
• Crime prevention programs and criminal rehabilitation .
• Technological innovations and their impact on crime prevention.
• The importance of early childhood interventions in preventing criminal behavior.
• The relationship between poverty and crime prevention strategies.
• Youth crime prevention and needs assessment .
• The use of restorative justice in reducing recidivism.
• The effectiveness of gun control laws in preventing gun-related crimes.
• The impact of social media on crime prevention and awareness.
• Crime prevention program in Australia .
• The use of CCTV cameras in preventing crime.
• Evidence for crime prevention programs in developing countries.
• The role of mental health services in preventing criminal behavior.
• Crime prevention practices: overview .
• The effectiveness of community-based programs in reducing juvenile delinquency.
• The use of environmental design in preventing crime by shaping space and behavior.
• Victim support programs for lowering crime rates.
• Situational and social crime prevention approaches .
• The effectiveness of after-school programs in preventing juvenile offenses.
• Techniques for preventing situational and social crime.
• The impact of citizen participation in crime prevention.
• Computer crime prevention measures .
• The efficacy of community watch programs in preventing neighborhood crimes.
• The use of community centers for preventing gang-related crimes.
• The impact of sentencing policies on crime prevention.
• Biometrics recognition and crime prevention .
• The relationship between video game violence and youth crime .
• Social media and cybercrime prevention.
• The role of social workers in crime prevention.
• Three-strikes law for preventing violent crimes .
• Decreasing crime rates through education and medicine.
• The use of animal-assisted therapy for reducing criminal behavior.
• The effectiveness of aftercare programs in reducing recidivism.
• Capital punishment as ineffective crime deterrence .
• The main strategies for proactive crime prevention.
• The impact of domestic violence prevention programs on crime rates.
• The use of probation and parole in preventing criminal behavior.
• Juvenile weapon crimes and strategies to address .
• The role of faith-based organizations in crime prevention.
• The use of diversion programs in juvenile crime prevention.
• The distinctions between crime prevention and community safety.
• Preventing crime victimization in international students .
• The impact of agriculture and rural development on crime prevention.

Criminal justice might be a challenging research topic, but it is worth the time and effort. Consider our unique topic ideas for your successful research:

• The effectiveness of community policing.
• The use of statistics in criminal justice and criminology .
• Rehabilitation programs offered in prisons and their efficacy.
• The importance of defense attorneys in the criminal justice system.
• The code of ethics in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice .
• The significance of restorative justice programs.
• The impact of mandatory minimum sentencing laws.
• Criminal justice process: felony criminal charge .
• The role of judges in the criminal justice system.
• Probation and parole in the criminal justice system.
• Veterans in the criminal justice system .
• The comparison of prison privatization in the US and UK.
• The main issues women experience in the prison system.
• US terrorism and criminal justice decision-making model .
• The prison system in a democratic society.
• The role of psychologists in the criminal justice system.
• Transgender offenders in the criminal justice system .
• The impact of private prisons on crime rates.
• The effectiveness of victim compensation programs.
• The successes and failures to reform punishment in the criminal justice system .
• Community involvement in the criminal justice system.
• The main challenges of long-term prisoner rehabilitation.
• Technology application in criminal justice .
• The role of victim-offender mediation in the criminal justice system.
• Gender disparity in the criminal justice system.
• Recidivism in criminal justice: the American prison system .
• How does solitary confinement impact people in prisons?
• Legal and ethical issues in international intervention.
• Racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal justice system .
• Do mandatory minimum sentences help or hurt?
• The effects of prison on children of incarcerated individuals.
• Psychopathy in the criminal justice system .
• The importance of mental health professionals in the criminal justice system.
• Techniques for influencing criminal justice system change.
• Non-inclusiveness of the criminal justice system .
• The impact of racial profiling on the criminal justice system.
• The effectiveness of diversion programs for veterans.
• False confessions in the US criminal justice system .
• Racism in the criminal justice system of the US.
• People with disabilities and criminal justice.
• Ethical dilemmas in the criminal justice system .
• Forensic psychology guidelines for criminal justice.
• The impact of technology on jury selection .
• Effective writing and criminal justice .
• The effectiveness of mandatory drug testing for probationers and parolees.
• The effect of wrongful executions on the criminal justice system.
• Discontinuity of care in the criminal justice system .
• The influence of media on criminal justice and community.
• The impact of cybercrime on the global criminal justice system.
• Criminal justice: coerced confessions .
• The role of private prisons in the criminal justice system.
• The effectiveness of diversion programs for people without housing.
• Criminal justice system and the problem of racism .
• What can be learned from the history of criminal courts?
• Comparison between American and British legislative frameworks.
• Criminal justice case: types of sentences, probation, and final decision .
• The overview of the modern justice system.
• The ethical issue of unwarranted arrests.
• Civil liability in criminal justice .
• The risk groups of juvenile recidivism .

🆚 Difference between Criminology and Criminal Justice

Students often confuse criminology with criminal justice because both areas study crime and criminal behavior. Understanding their main differences is essential before conducting research in any of these areas.

Is Criminology a Science?

Criminology can be considered as a science because it uses the scientific method. The scientific method involves five steps: stating the problem, forming the hypothesis, collecting the data, interpreting these data, and drawing conclusions. Within criminology, scientists use standard research methods, such as surveys, experiments, interviews, etc.

What Does Criminology Study?

Criminology studies crime, including its causes, methods of prevention, and responses from law enforcement. It relies on other non-legal studies, such as sociology, psychology, and statistics, to examine the characteristics of people who commit crimes and the effects of criminality on individuals and society.

What Are the Principal Areas of Criminology Research?

Four significant criminology areas include:

• The history of criminology . This area focuses on criminology founders and theories of crime and punishment development.
• Theory of crime causation . This aspect explores if a criminal’s behavior is determined by their social environment.
• Typologies of crime . This field describes different types of crimes and the reasons for committing them.
• Crime prevention efforts . This area studies crime measures that can curb crimes before they occur.

What Are the Principal Types of Research Methods in Criminology?

Criminology uses quantitative (analyzing measurements and statistics) and qualitative (analyzing non-numerical data) research methods to gain valuable insights. The most common scientific methods in criminology are surveys, experiments, secondary data analysis, interviews, historical/comparative research, and ethnography.

• Criminology and Criminal Justice: Pick a Topic | Marquette University
• Criminology Questions & Topics | David H. Kessel
• Topics | Ghent University
• Emergent Issues in Crime & Justice | University of Maryland
• Qualitative Research in Criminal Justice | University of North Texas
• Criminology, Law & Society | UCI Libraries
• What the Data Says (and Doesn’t Say) about Crime in the United States | Pew Research Center
• Types of Criminal Offenses | Justia
• Criminal Justice and Criminology Theses | East Tennessee State University
• Research Overview | The University of Alabama
• Criminology Research | University of Portsmouth
• Research | Arizona State University
• Research Themes | University of Surrey, Centre for Criminology
• Advanced Criminology & Criminal Justice Research Guide | Mardigian Library
• Criminology – Research Guide: Getting Started | PennLibraries
• Law and Criminology | University of Plymouth
• Topics for a Criminology Research Paper | Classroom
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135+ Amazing Criminal Justice Research Topics In 2023

Are you a law student or enrolled in law college? Are you looking for criminal justice research topics? Here, in this blog, you can find your criminal justice research topics. Statanalytca.com explains the 135 amazing criminal research paper topic ideas for 2023 in this blog.

When we listen to the word criminal justice, many words come into our mind like “victim,” “enforcement,” “crimes,” “courts,” “prison,” and law sanctions. Criminal justice is a term that governments make to justice for people, reduce and make decisions to prevent crimes. Governments make law sanctions to reduce crimes. Every country has a different criminal justice system.

The criminal justice system in the United States is a complex system of federal, state, and local laws, with state and federal constitutions, international treaties, and customary law. Each layer of government shares responsibility for a different aspect of the process. Federal law enforcement agencies enforce laws that may be broken by people who are not in their jurisdiction.

For example : When an individual from New York City travels to Florida to commit a crime such as a robbery or murder they will be arrested by the Florida police and handed over to federal authorities.

A criminal justice research paper necessarily requires accuracy, attention, and patience. Sometimes students are confused about writing criminal research paper topics, or they have a shortage of time to complete research papers.

Most college students ask for assignments to write criminal justice research papers. If you want criminal justice research paper help, you can take our trusted  research paper assignment help .

How To Choose A Good Research Topics

Table of Contents

Choosing a research topic is a very challenging task. You should pick a topic that is both interesting and relevant to your audience. You should analyze the crime report before choosing the criminal justice research topics. Research the types of crimes in your country and where your country ranks in the global crime index.

Some research topics include the following:

• The role of law enforcement, prosecutors, and public defenders.
• Challenges with eyewitness identifications.
• Different types of evidence are used in criminal cases.
• The effect of jury selection on trials.
• How criminal justice impacts mental health.

What Is a Research Paper in Criminal Justice?

A research paper in criminal justice is an academic paper presenting findings from research on a specific criminal justice topic. These papers typically require extensive research and analysis of primary and secondary sources, such as case studies, official reports, statistics, and academic literature. The research paper aims to contribute new knowledge to the criminal justice field, identify trends or patterns, or assess the effectiveness of interventions or policies.

Research papers in criminal justice typically follow a standard academic format, including an introduction that sets the context and research questions, a literature review that summarizes existing research, a methodology section that outlines the research design and data collection methods, a results section that presents findings, and a conclusion that summarizes the research’s significance and implications.

Criminal justice research papers may focus on various topics, including the legal system’s operations, law enforcement practices, corrections, crime prevention, and victimization. These papers may be used to inform policymakers, practitioners, and academics about the state of the criminal justice system and suggest evidence-based solutions to improve its effectiveness and fairness.

Let’s Discuss The Criminal Justice Research Topics-

Here in this section, we will tell you some of the best criminal justice research topics for 2023:-

Basic Criminology and Criminal Justice Research Topics

• Basic criminal Research Topics.
• History of Criminal Ethics.
• Criminology as Social Science.
• Criminology and Public Policy.
• Advantages of Private Prisons.
• Civil Crimes vs War Crimes.
• Offenses Against Religion & Cultural Traits.
• Causes of victimization.

Court Cases Criminal Justice Research Topics

• Can victims of crime receive help?
• How serious are shoplifting incidents?
• When do felony disenfranchisement laws apply?
• Is organized crime and corruption synonymous?
• What is legal help available to victims of date rape?
• What is the difference between civil and criminal cases?
• Forensic science: how effective is it in modern criminal justice?
• Is there a link between substance abuse, crime, and substance use?
• Who is eligible for the protection program, and what protection is provided?
• Prison rape and violence: What can be done to prevent sexual and domestic violence in prison?

Controversial Criminal Justice Research Topics

• Gun control causes.
• Struggle with mental health issues.
• Police officers’ legal rights are limited.
• College Violence Causes.
• Gun violence and prevention policies.
• Crimes Propaganda and Modern Music Culture.
• Race and politics of criminal justice.
• An investigation into victim services.
• Eyewitness Evidence Importance.
• Legal codes used in America.
• Zero tolerance policy and crime rates.
• Sexual assault.
• culture, and gender equality.
• What is the best way to reduce recidivism?
• pros and cons of prisons in America.
• Criminalization of poverty.
• Gender and Punishment.
• The effects of drugs on children’s development.
• Effects of drug addiction on mental health.
• Youth offenders and Bootcamps.

Debate Criminal Justice Research Topics

• Failures in criminal justice.
• Criminal justice system expectations.
• Statistical analysis in criminal justice.
• Debate on criminal justice act.
• criminal justice trend evaluation.
• Trends in the criminal justice system.
• Criminal justice system corrections in the USA.
• Find the solution to prevent crimes.

Criminology Research Topics On Theories

• Is employment related to law violations?
• What is the relationship between family status and legal violations?
• Is gender related to the type of law violation?
• What is the relationship between citizenship and law enforcement?
• How does education relate to crime levels?
• How does gun ownership relate to breaking the law?
• Is there a link between immigration status and law violations?
• What types of crimes are common at what ages?
• How does the type of crime relate to the level of aggression?

Top 10 Hot Criminology Research Topics

• Crime is explained culturally.
• The media’s role in criminology.
• The advantages of convict criminology.
• The major issues in postmodern criminology.
• Is politics influencing criminal behavior?
• How does DAWN collect information?
• The shortcomings of crime mapping.
• Crime rates and community deterioration.
• Certain personality traits trigger criminal behavior.
• Does experimental criminology have an impact on social policy?

Criminal Justice Research Topics Based On Crime and Communities

• The impact of community policing on crime prevention in urban areas.
• The effectiveness of restorative justice programs in reducing recidivism rates.
• The relationship between poverty and crime in urban communities.
• The role of race and ethnicity in criminal justice outcomes and disparities.
• The effectiveness of community-based interventions in reducing juvenile delinquency.
• The impact of gun laws on violent crime in urban communities.
• Social media’s role in spreading crime and its effects on communities.
• The effectiveness of drug courts in reducing drug-related crimes and improving public safety.
• The relationship between mental illness and criminal behavior in urban communities.
• The impact of immigration policies on crime and public safety in urban areas.
• The effectiveness of re-entry programs for ex-offenders in reducing recidivism and promoting successful reintegration into society.
• The impact of community-based victim services on the criminal justice system and crime prevention.
• The relationship between neighborhood social disorganization and crime rates.
• The role of technology in improving crime prevention and solving crimes in urban communities.
• The effectiveness of community-based diversion programs for non-violent offenders.
• The impact of neighborhood watch programs on crime prevention and community safety.
• The role of community involvement in addressing hate crimes and bias incidents.
• The impact of domestic violence on communities and the criminal justice response.
• The effectiveness of drug treatment programs in reducing drug-related crime and improving public health.
• The criminal justice system’s impact on marginalized communities and efforts to promote equity and justice.

Criminal Justice Research Topics On Racism and Discrimination

• Eliminating discrimination in the criminal justice system.
• Gender Bias in Eyewitnesses.
• African American Legislative Apartheid.
• Racial Discrimination in College Campuses.
• How criminal justice law is enacted on Migrants.
• Inequality in the criminal justice system Research.

General Criminal Justice Research Topics

• Police brutality and excessive force
• Criminal profiling and investigation techniques
• Restorative justice programs
• Cybercrime and cyberterrorism
• Gun control policies and their effectiveness
• The impact of race and ethnicity on sentencing
• Juvenile delinquency prevention and intervention
• Wrongful convictions and the death penalty
• Gender and crime
• Drug policy and its impact on crime.
• Community policing and trust-building strategies
• The effectiveness of rehabilitation and reentry programs for offenders
• Domestic violence and its impact on victims
• Crime prevention through environmental design
• Forensic science and the reliability of evidence in criminal investigations
• Corruption in law enforcement and the criminal justice system
• Mental health treatment for inmates and offenders
• Human trafficking and modern-day slavery
• The use of technology in criminal investigations and surveillance
• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the criminal justice system.

Types of Criminal Justice Research Topics  

• Homicide, serial murders, and serial murder are the most popular topics in murder studies.
• A case study of robbery crime, unusual daylight robbery in a news article.
• Identity Theft and Ways to Protect, the prevalence of identity theft in the community, causes, and effects of cell phone theft.
• Analysis and critique of Current fraud cases, Fraud and business ethics, fraud schemes, and investigation.

International Criminal Law Topics

• Criminal ethics, criminal law research assignment paper.
• Criminal courtroom observation reaction.
• Childhood obesity.
• Crime Prevention.
• International crimes and their laws.
• International criminal court.
• Human Rights and Inequality.
• Rape Cases.

Criminal Justice Research Topics For College Students

• The Impact of Police Body Cameras on Law Enforcement Accountability
• Violent Crime Reduction Effectiveness of Restorative Justice Programs
• Racial Disparities in Sentencing and Their Implications for Justice
• The Role of Mental Health Services in Diverting Offenders from the Criminal Justice System
• Media Effects on Perceptions of Crime and Criminal Conduct
• Examining the Use of Technology in Solving Crimes and Enhancing Investigations
• Juvenile Justice Policies: Rehabilitation vs. Punishment
• The Intersection of Immigration Policies and Criminal Justice Outcomes
• Criminal Profiling and its Reliability in Solving Crimes
• The Effect of Minimum Sentence Laws on Incarceration Rates and Public Safety.

Criminology Research Topics

• Armed Crime Groups History Motives.
• Cyber Criminology Correction Methods.
• Art Fraud Cooperation.
• Drunk Driving Prevention Ads.
• Identity Theft & Social Media.
• Topic on Child Abuse & TV Violence.
• Aggression Against Homeless People.
• Unemployment & Street Situation Analysis.
• Forensic Research Identification Methods.
• Crime Witnesses PTSD Rehabilitation.

Career With The Criminology Major

There are a variety of jobs you can get with a criminology degree. We sort listed the top 8 trending jobs that you can get with a criminology degree:

• Criminologist.
• Private investigator 
• Forensic scientist .
• Correction officer.
• Jury consultant.
• Loss prevention specialist 
• Clinical social worker.

Tips On How To Write Criminal Justice Research Topics

A step-by-step guide on how to write criminal justice research topics:

• Choose a particular topic.
• Read the given materials and take some notes.
• Come up with a thesis.
• Create an outline for your project.
• Write down all the information that you have collected.
• Start with a cover page, and an intro.
• List the technique you used and the results you got.
• Include a discussion.
• Always write a conclusion.
• Don’t forget to correct your grammar mistakes.
• Revise, proofread, and if it is incorrect then edit.

Importance of Criminal Justice Research Papers In 2023

Here are some important of criminal justice research papers in 2023: 

1. Informed Policy-Making

Criminal justice research papers provide valuable data and insights that policymakers use to develop effective laws and policies, enhancing the fairness and efficiency of the justice system.

2. Evidence-Based Practices

Research papers help identify evidence-based strategies for law enforcement, corrections, and crime prevention, leading to better outcomes and reduced rates of reoffending.

3. Transparency and Accountability

By revealing systemic issues and gaps, research papers push for greater transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system, fostering public trust.

4. Improved Decision-Making

Policymakers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders use research findings to make informed decisions on resource allocation and allocation of efforts.

5. Advancing Knowledge

Criminal justice research papers contribute to the body of knowledge in the field, allowing researchers and academics to build on existing findings and develop innovative approaches to understanding crime and justice.

6. Addressing Disparities

Research papers shed light on disparities in the justice system, such as racial or socioeconomic disparities, prompting efforts to address and rectify these inequalities.

7. Enhancing Public Awareness

Research papers raise public awareness about issues like wrongful convictions, mental health challenges, and the impact of crime on communities, spurring advocacy and societal change.

Get More Criminal Justice Research Topics At Statanalytica.com

Hope you choose criminal justice research topics for this blog. If you have any difficulty choosing criminal justice research topics, you can contact us at any time. Our professional writers are available to suggest criminal justice research topics ideas and research paper help.

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This is the end of this post about criminal justice research topics. However, diverse criminal justice research topics offer unique insights into various aspects of the criminal justice system. These research areas are crucial for policymakers, practitioners, and academics to comprehensively understand the system’s challenges and develop effective interventions that improve its fairness and effectiveness. 

On the other hand, we mentioned more than 135 criminal justice research topics based on different categories. So that it is easier for you to choose the best criminal justice research topics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.what are some criminal justice research topics.

Research Topics in Criminal Justice System: 1. Capital Punishment. 2. Community Corrections. 3. Crime Prevention. 4. Criminal Courts. 5. Criminal Justice Ethics. 6. Criminal Law. 7. Criminal Specialisation. 8. Drug Courts.

Q2. How do I choose a research topic?

Two main ways to find a research topic: through your academic interests or by self-initiation. You can find a topic through your academic focus, talk to your professors and classmates about what they’re working on, and they can point you in the right direction and introduce you to the process of conducting research. The other option is to start with The idea that interests you.

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Home » 500+ Criminal Justice Research Topics

500+ Criminal Justice Research Topics

Criminal justice is a complex and critical field that encompasses various aspects of crime prevention, law enforcement, legal proceedings, and punishment. Research plays a crucial role in understanding and addressing the challenges and opportunities in this field. From studying the causes and consequences of crime to exploring the effectiveness of policies and interventions, there is a wide range of fascinating and important criminal justice research topics to explore. Whether you are a student, a scholar, a practitioner, or a curious citizen, delving into the world of criminal justice research can deepen your knowledge, sharpen your critical thinking skills, and contribute to creating a safer and fairer society. In this post, we will introduce some of the most compelling and relevant criminal justice research topics that you may find intriguing and informative.

Criminal Justice Research Topics

Criminal Justice Research Topics are as follows:

• The effectiveness of community policing in reducing crime rates
• The impact of body-worn cameras on police accountability and public trust
• The causes and consequences of police use of excessive force
• The role of race and ethnicity in police-citizen interactions and perceptions
• The effectiveness of diversion programs in reducing recidivism among juvenile offenders
• The impact of mandatory minimum sentencing on crime rates and prison populations
• The challenges and opportunities of restorative justice as an alternative to punitive justice
• The role of mental health and substance abuse treatment in reducing criminal behavior
• The ethics and implications of using predictive policing algorithms
• The impact of private prisons on the criminal justice system and society
• The effectiveness of victim-offender mediation in reducing the harm of crime
• The prevalence and causes of wrongful convictions and the implications for justice
• The role of media in shaping public perceptions of crime and justice
• The effectiveness and fairness of the death penalty as a form of punishment
• The role of international law in addressing transnational crimes such as terrorism and human trafficking
• The impact of the War on Drugs on drug use, drug-related crime, and public health
• The effectiveness of gun control laws in reducing gun violence and crime rates
• The role of technology in enhancing or challenging the criminal justice system, such as DNA analysis or facial recognition software
• The prevalence and causes of domestic violence and the effectiveness of intervention programs
• The impact of sentencing disparities based on race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status
• The role of plea bargaining in the criminal justice system and the implications for justice
• The effectiveness of sex offender registries and notification laws in reducing sex crimes
• The impact of pretrial detention on defendants’ rights and outcomes
• The role of community-based corrections in reducing recidivism and promoting reentry
• The ethics and implications of using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for surveillance and law enforcement
• The effectiveness and implications of using risk assessment tools in pretrial decision-making
• The prevalence and impact of hate crimes and the challenges of prosecuting them
• The role of eyewitness testimony in criminal trials and the reliability of memory
• The effectiveness of drug courts in reducing drug-related crime and improving outcomes for offenders
• The impact of race and ethnicity on the administration of the death penalty
• The role of juries in the criminal justice system and the factors that affect their decisions
• The effectiveness and ethics of using informants in criminal investigations and prosecutions
• The prevalence and impact of cybercrime and the challenges of investigating and prosecuting it
• The effectiveness of juvenile justice reforms in promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism
• The impact of community-based policing on police-citizen relations and trust
• The role of social media in shaping perceptions of crime and justice
• The effectiveness of prison education and vocational training programs in promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism
• The prevalence and impact of human rights abuses in the criminal justice system, such as torture or discrimination
• The effectiveness of gang prevention and intervention programs in reducing gang-related crime
• The role of implicit bias in the criminal justice system and its impact on outcomes
• The impact of solitary confinement on mental health, behavior, and reentry outcomes
• The impact of police body cameras on public trust and police accountability.
• The effectiveness of diversion programs for juvenile offenders.
• The impact of community policing on crime reduction
• The use of predictive policing in law enforcement
• The impact of decriminalizing marijuana on crime rates
• The role of mental health professionals in the criminal justice system
• The effectiveness of de-escalation training for police officers
• The impact of technology on police surveillance practices
• The relationship between gender and sentencing disparities in the criminal justice system
• The relationship between poverty and crime
• The effectiveness of restorative justice programs in reducing recidivism
• The impact of the War on Drugs on mass incarceration
• The use of cognitive-behavioral therapy in offender rehabilitation
• The effectiveness of diversion programs for people with substance use disorders
• The role of implicit bias in jury selection
• The impact of police officer stress on use of force incidents
• The use of big data in criminal investigations and decision-making
• The effectiveness of restorative justice practices in school disciplinary policies
• The relationship between mental illness and homelessness in the criminal justice system
• The impact of mandatory minimum sentences on juvenile offenders
• The role of drug courts in the criminal justice system
• The effectiveness of offender reentry programs for people with disabilities
• The impact of restorative justice programs on victims of crime
• The use of therapeutic jurisprudence in the criminal justice system
• The relationship between race and ethnicity and the use of force by private security personnel
• The effectiveness of educational programs in correctional facilities
• The impact of eyewitness identification procedures on wrongful convictions
• The role of community-based policing in reducing crime rates
• The use of predictive analytics in bail decisions
• The effectiveness of correctional education programs on recidivism
• The impact of immigration enforcement policies on immigrant communities’ trust in law enforcement
• The relationship between mental health and juvenile detention
• The use of biometrics in criminal investigations and identification
• The effectiveness of mental health courts in reducing recidivism among people with co-occurring disorders
• The impact of gender and sexuality on hate crime victimization and reporting
• The role of cultural competence in police training
• The use of risk assessment tools in pretrial detention decisions
• The effectiveness of community supervision programs for people with substance use disorders
• The impact of social and economic policies on criminal justice outcomes
• The relationship between race and ethnicity and criminal case outcomes
• The use of therapeutic communities in correctional facilities
• The effectiveness of specialized courts for domestic violence cases
• The impact of gun violence on public safety and crime rates
• The role of eyewitness memory and recall in criminal investigations and trials
• The use of DNA evidence in criminal investigations and exoneration
• The effectiveness of probation and parole programs for people with disabilities
• The impact of victim impact statements on sentencing decisions
• The relationship between criminal justice policies and racial and ethnic disparities in incarceration rates
• The use of unmanned aerial vehicles in law enforcement
• The effectiveness of community-based restorative justice programs for juvenile offenders
• The impact of public defender workload on criminal case outcomes
• The role of community activism and advocacy in criminal justice reform
• The use of risk assessment tools in school disciplinary policies
• The effectiveness of family-focused interventions in reducing juvenile recidivism
• The impact of police officer race and ethnicity on use of force incidents
• The relationship between race and ethnicity and prosecutorial decision-making
• The use of virtual reality simulations in police training
• The effectiveness of mental health diversion programs for people with traumatic brain injuries
• The impact of juvenile life without parole sentences on individuals and society.
• The use of drones in criminal investigations
• The effectiveness of community-based alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent offenders
• The impact of wrongful convictions on the criminal justice system
• The role of implicit bias in criminal justice decision-making
• The use of risk assessment tools in child welfare investigations
• The effectiveness of offender reentry programs in reducing recidivism
• The impact of hate crimes on marginalized communities
• The relationship between mental health and the use of force by police officers
• The use of body language analysis in criminal interrogations
• The effectiveness of community policing strategies in building trust between police and communities
• The impact of race on police use of force and police brutality
• The role of prosecutorial discretion in the criminal justice system
• The use of algorithms in pretrial detention decisions
• The effectiveness of victim-centered approaches to sexual assault investigations
• The impact of domestic violence on child custody decisions
• The relationship between social media and cybercrime
• The use of facial recognition technology in law enforcement
• The effectiveness of police officer training programs on cultural sensitivity and bias reduction
• The impact of the school-to-prison pipeline on youth
• The role of mental health courts in diversion programs
• The use of virtual reality technology in criminal justice education and training
• The effectiveness of crisis intervention teams in responding to mental health crises
• The impact of immigration policies on crime reporting and victimization rates in immigrant communities
• The relationship between police department size and use of force incidents
• The use of predictive analytics in parole and probation supervision
• The effectiveness of juvenile justice system diversion programs for LGBTQ+ youth
• The impact of bail reform on pretrial detention rates and recidivism
• The role of trauma-informed care in the criminal justice system
• The use of artificial intelligence in forensic investigations
• The effectiveness of prison entrepreneurship programs in reducing recidivism
• The impact of COVID-19 on the criminal justice system
• The relationship between mental health and incarceration rates
• The use of social network analysis in criminal investigations
• The effectiveness of drug testing and monitoring programs for probationers and parolees
• The impact of mandatory minimum sentences on drug offenses
• The role of the media in shaping public perceptions of crime and the criminal justice system
• The use of body-worn cameras in courtroom proceedings
• The effectiveness of mental health diversion programs for veterans involved in the criminal justice system
• The impact of race and ethnicity on the plea bargaining process
• The relationship between police department diversity and community trust
• The use of crime mapping in law enforcement strategies
• The effectiveness of animal therapy programs in correctional facilities
• The impact of the death penalty on families of victims and offenders
• The role of prosecutorial misconduct in wrongful convictions.
• Racial disparities in the use of capital punishment
• The effectiveness of electronic monitoring as an alternative to incarceration
• The role of restorative justice in reducing recidivism
• The relationship between mental illness and criminal behavior
• The effectiveness of drug courts in reducing drug-related offenses
• The impact of body-worn cameras on police behavior and citizen complaints
• The use of risk assessment tools in sentencing and release decisions
• The effectiveness of boot camp programs for juvenile offenders
• The use of eyewitness testimony in criminal trials
• The impact of victim-offender mediation on the criminal justice system
• The relationship between education level and criminal behavior
• The effectiveness of parole and probation in reducing recidivism
• The use of artificial intelligence in criminal justice decision-making
• The role of public defenders in the criminal justice system
• The impact of mandatory minimum sentences on the prison population
• The effectiveness of therapeutic courts for individuals with substance abuse disorders
• The impact of social media on the reporting of crimes and public perception of crime
• The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in reducing recidivism
• The impact of mental health courts on the criminal justice system
• The role of community service in reducing recidivism
• The relationship between domestic violence and gun ownership
• The effectiveness of diversion programs for individuals with mental illnesses
• The impact of sentencing guidelines on judicial discretion
• The use of police body language in detecting deception during interviews
• The relationship between incarceration and employment opportunities post-release
• The effectiveness of community-based supervision programs for released offenders
• The impact of the war on drugs on the criminal justice system
• The role of race and ethnicity in plea bargaining decisions
• The use of risk assessment tools in juvenile justice
• The effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy in correctional facilities
• The impact of restorative justice on the victims of crime
• The relationship between gun laws and gun violence rates
• The effectiveness of pretrial diversion programs for individuals with mental illnesses
• The role of reentry programs in reducing recidivism
• The impact of mandatory arrest policies in domestic violence cases
• The use of polygraph tests in criminal investigations
• The relationship between gang membership and criminal behavior
• The effectiveness of drug treatment courts in reducing recidivism
• The impact of solitary confinement on mental health and behavior
• The role of gun buyback programs in reducing gun violence
• The relationship between substance abuse and child abuse
• The effectiveness of victim impact panels in reducing drunk driving
• The impact of juvenile detention on mental health and behavior
• The use of forensic science in criminal investigations
• The relationship between race and wrongful convictions
• The effectiveness of prison education programs in reducing recidivism
• The impact of police militarization on community trust and safety
• The relationship between race, ethnicity, and police use of force.
• The impact of mandatory minimum sentencing laws on incarceration rates.
• The effectiveness of community policing in reducing crime rates.
• The relationship between mental illness and criminal behavior.
• The role of gender in criminal justice sentencing and outcomes.
• The impact of the war on drugs on incarceration rates and drug use.
• The effectiveness of restorative justice programs in reducing recidivism.
• The impact of solitary confinement on mental health and rehabilitation.
• The relationship between poverty and crime rates.
• The role of technology in modern policing and criminal justice.
• The effectiveness of drug courts in reducing drug-related crime.
• The relationship between immigration and crime rates.
• The impact of mandatory arrest policies in cases of domestic violence.
• The effectiveness of victim-offender mediation in reducing recidivism.
• The role of social media in modern crime and policing.
• The impact of police militarization on community trust and safety.
• The effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for incarcerated individuals.
• The relationship between gun ownership and violent crime.
• The impact of wrongful convictions on individuals and the criminal justice system.
• The role of race and ethnicity in jury selection and decision-making.
• The effectiveness of mental health courts in reducing recidivism.
• The relationship between education and crime rates.
• The impact of body-worn cameras on police officer behavior and decision-making.
• The effectiveness of drug treatment programs in reducing recidivism.
• The relationship between domestic violence and gun ownership.
• The impact of the death penalty on deterrence and sentencing outcomes.
• The role of implicit bias in policing and criminal justice decision-making.
• The effectiveness of community-based reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals.
• The relationship between crime rates and social inequality.
• The impact of predictive policing on crime rates and community trust.
• The effectiveness of probation and parole programs in reducing recidivism.
• The relationship between mental health and policing.
• The impact of police unions on police accountability and reform efforts.
• The role of the media in shaping public perceptions of crime and justice.
• The effectiveness of pretrial diversion programs in reducing incarceration rates.
• The relationship between police use of force and police training.
• The impact of mandatory minimum drug sentences on racial disparities in the criminal justice system.
• The effectiveness of juvenile detention alternatives in reducing recidivism.
• The relationship between mass incarceration and economic inequality.
• The impact of police body language on civilian compliance.
• The role of community organizations in crime prevention and intervention.
• The effectiveness of reentry programs for people with disabilities.
• The relationship between mental health and criminal justice reform.
• The impact of immigration policies on community safety and trust.
• The role of prosecutorial discretion in the criminal justice system.
• The effectiveness of job training programs for formerly incarcerated individuals.
• The relationship between race and drug policy.
• The impact of pretrial detention on case outcomes and incarceration rates.
• The effectiveness of diversion programs for offenders with mental health issues
• The prevalence and impact of police corruption and the challenges of rooting it out
• The role of victim impact statements in the criminal justice system and their impact on sentencing
• The impact of social inequality on crime rates and the criminal justice system
• The role of political ideology in shaping criminal justice policy and practice
• The effectiveness of rehabilitation and reentry programs for adult offenders
• The prevalence and impact of sexual harassment and assault within the criminal justice system
• The role of the Fourth Amendment in regulating police searches and seizures
• The effectiveness of restorative justice practices in addressing campus sexual assault
• The impact of mass incarceration on families and communities
• The ethics and implications of using artificial intelligence in criminal justice decision-making
• The role of bail reform in promoting justice and reducing pretrial detention
• The prevalence and impact of police misconduct and accountability mechanisms
• The effectiveness of drug policy reform in reducing drug-related harm and promoting public health
• The impact of globalization on transnational crimes and the challenges of international cooperation
• The role of prosecutorial discretion in shaping criminal justice outcomes
• The prevalence and impact of white-collar crime and the challenges of prosecution
• The role of public defenders in ensuring access to justice for indigent defendants
• The effectiveness of mental health courts in diverting mentally ill offenders from the criminal justice system
• The impact of the criminal justice system on immigrant communities and the challenges of immigrant detention and deportation
• The role of forgiveness in restorative justice and its implications for healing and reconciliation
• The effectiveness of alternative dispute resolution in reducing court congestion and promoting justice
• The prevalence and impact of hate speech and the challenges of regulating it
• The role of public opinion in shaping criminal justice policy and practice
• The effectiveness of community supervision in reducing recidivism and promoting reentry
• The impact of the criminalization of homelessness on vulnerable populations
• The role of community activism and advocacy in promoting criminal justice reform
• The effectiveness of therapeutic jurisprudence in promoting rehabilitation and well-being
• The prevalence and impact of police militarization and its implications for public safety and civil liberties
• The role of eyewitness identification procedures in criminal investigations and the reliability of identification evidence
• The effectiveness of harm reduction strategies in reducing drug-related harm and promoting public health
• The impact of the criminal justice system on Indigenous communities and the challenges of decolonizing justice
• The role of hate crime legislation in promoting justice and reducing hate-motivated violence
• The effectiveness of police training programs in reducing racial and ethnic bias and promoting cultural competence
• The prevalence and impact of gun violence and the challenges of gun control policy
• The role of the Eighth Amendment in regulating cruel and unusual punishment
• The effectiveness of problem-solving courts in addressing complex social issues and promoting justice
• The impact of the criminal justice system on LGBTQ+ communities and the challenges of achieving equality and inclusivity
• The role of victim services in promoting healing and well-being for crime victims
• The effectiveness of drug testing and monitoring programs in promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism
• The prevalence and impact of prison gangs and the challenges of managing them
• The role of implicit bias in eyewitness identification and the implications for justice
• The effectiveness of diversion programs for offenders with substance abuse issues
• The impact of social media on crime reporting and law enforcement
• The role of mental health diversion programs in reducing mass incarceration and promoting treatment
• The prevalence and impact of wrongful convictions of innocent people and the challenges of exoneration
• The relationship between immigration and crime rates
• The impact of drug courts on drug-related offenses and recidivism rates
• The use of restorative justice practices in the criminal justice system
• The effectiveness of reentry programs for people released from prison
• The use of polygraph tests in criminal investigations and court proceedings
• The impact of bail amounts on pretrial detention and case outcomes
• The relationship between gun ownership and crime rates
• The effectiveness of mental health screening and assessment for individuals involved in the criminal justice system
• The use of virtual courtrooms in criminal proceedings
• The impact of juvenile detention on mental health and future criminal behavior
• The relationship between poverty and crime rates
• The use of eyewitness identification procedures in criminal investigations and court proceedings
• The effectiveness of community service programs as a sentencing alternative
• The role of racial profiling in law enforcement practices
• The use of risk assessment tools in sentencing and parole decisions
• The impact of mandatory reporting laws on child abuse and neglect cases
• The relationship between parental incarceration and children’s wellbeing
• The effectiveness of diversion programs for drug-related offenses
• The use of cognitive-behavioral therapy in offender rehabilitation programs
• The impact of solitary confinement on mental health and recidivism rates
• The relationship between social capital and crime rates
• The use of DNA evidence in criminal investigations and court proceedings
• The effectiveness of crisis response teams in reducing police use of force incidents
• The role of race and ethnicity in jury selection and decision-making
• The impact of court fines and fees on individuals involved in the criminal justice system
• The relationship between education and crime rates
• The use of risk assessment tools in domestic violence cases
• The effectiveness of reentry programs for individuals with substance use disorders
• The impact of court-appointed attorneys on case outcomes and access to justice
• The role of victim impact statements in sentencing decisions
• The use of mental health courts for individuals with co-occurring disorders
• The effectiveness of court-mandated treatment programs for drug offenders
• The impact of gender on the sentencing and treatment of offenders
• The relationship between drug policy and crime rates
• The use of forensic psychology in criminal investigations and court proceedings
• The effectiveness of cognitive interviewing techniques in witness testimony
• The impact of the media on public perceptions of the criminal justice system
• The relationship between neighborhood characteristics and crime rates
• The use of body-worn cameras in police-community interactions
• The effectiveness of reentry programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities
• The impact of mandatory minimum sentences on sentencing disparities
• The role of mental health providers in prisons and jails
• The use of civil asset forfeiture in law enforcement practices
• The effectiveness of diversion programs for individuals with mental illness involved in the criminal justice system
• The impact of police militarization on community trust and police accountability
• The relationship between unemployment and crime rates
• The use of artificial intelligence in identifying and preventing human trafficking
• The effectiveness of reentry programs for individuals with traumatic brain injuries
• The impact of community-based alternatives to policing on public safety and crime rates.
• The impact of the militarization of police on community relations
• The effectiveness of restorative justice practices in reducing recidivism
• The relationship between socioeconomic status and juvenile delinquency
• The impact of police department culture on officer behavior
• The role of community courts in addressing low-level offenses
• The effectiveness of reentry programs for people who were formerly incarcerated
• The impact of body-worn cameras on police officer behavior and community perceptions
• The relationship between mental illness and police use of force
• The use of neuroscience in criminal sentencing
• The effectiveness of gun control policies in reducing gun violence
• The role of alternative dispute resolution in the criminal justice system
• The use of biometrics in criminal investigations
• The effectiveness of gang prevention and intervention programs
• The impact of domestic violence on employment and economic stability
• The use of artificial intelligence in criminal investigations and sentencing
• The role of implicit bias in eyewitness identification
• The use of drug courts in addressing drug addiction and drug-related crimes
• The effectiveness of reentry programs for juvenile offenders
• The impact of social media on crime and victimization
• The relationship between mental health and incarceration of women
• The use of surveillance technologies in correctional facilities
• The effectiveness of victim-offender mediation programs
• The impact of prosecutorial discretion on plea bargaining outcomes
• The role of mental health assessments in competency to stand trial determinations
• The use of biographical information in criminal investigations
• The effectiveness of diversion programs for people with mental illness
• The impact of police body language on community perceptions
• The relationship between criminal justice policies and racial disparities in healthcare
• The use of geospatial analysis in predicting crime patterns
• The effectiveness of community service programs in reducing recidivism
• The impact of court fines and fees on people with low incomes
• The role of neuroscience in detecting deception
• The use of technology in victim advocacy and support services
• The effectiveness of juvenile justice diversion programs for LGBTQ+ youth
• The impact of parental incarceration on children and families
• The relationship between race and juvenile justice system involvement
• The use of facial recognition technology in correctional facilities
• The effectiveness of community-based mental health services in reducing incarceration rates
• The impact of prison labor on employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated people
• The role of community-based restorative justice in addressing hate crimes
• The use of predictive analytics in child welfare investigations
• The effectiveness of alternative sentencing programs for drug-related offenses
• The impact of immigration enforcement policies on crime reporting in immigrant communities
• The relationship between implicit bias and jury decision-making
• The use of technology in improving language access in the criminal justice system.
• The impact of police body language on citizen perceptions and trust
• The effectiveness of police academy training on officer decision-making in high-pressure situations
• The role of technology in the spread of human trafficking
• The relationship between mental health and probation and parole revocation rates
• The use of community courts in addressing quality of life offenses
• The effectiveness of prisoner reentry programs on family reunification and support systems
• The impact of public defender caseloads on the quality of legal representation
• The role of implicit bias in jury selection and decision-making
• The use of diversion programs for juveniles involved in prostitution
• The effectiveness of community supervision programs for offenders with serious mental illness
• The impact of immigration enforcement policies on the criminal justice system
• The relationship between recidivism rates and prison education and vocational programs
• The use of body-worn cameras in prison settings
• The effectiveness of alternative dispute resolution in reducing court congestion
• The impact of prison labor on reentry and recidivism rates
• The role of risk assessment tools in parole and probation decision-making
• The effectiveness of drug courts in addressing substance abuse and recidivism
• The impact of solitary confinement on mental health and behavior in prison
• The relationship between domestic violence and firearm possession
• The use of mental health diversion programs for veterans involved in the criminal justice system
• The effectiveness of juvenile drug court programs on reducing recidivism
• The impact of private prisons on inmate rehabilitation and public safety
• The role of implicit bias in pretrial detention decisions
• The use of GPS monitoring in pretrial release and probation supervision
• The effectiveness of offender education and job training programs in reducing recidivism
• The impact of collateral consequences on reentry and recidivism rates
• The use of crisis intervention teams in responding to mental health emergencies
• The effectiveness of community-based alternatives to detention for juveniles
• The role of public opinion in shaping criminal justice policy
• The effectiveness of police body-worn cameras in reducing police misconduct and excessive use of force
• The impact of incarceration on family dynamics and relationships
• The relationship between access to legal representation and case outcomes
• The use of community supervision and support programs for individuals with substance use disorders
• The impact of pretrial detention on case outcomes and recidivism rates
• The role of prosecutorial discretion in plea bargaining and sentencing
• The use of facial recognition technology in criminal investigations and surveillance
• The effectiveness of problem-solving courts in addressing specialized criminal cases
• The impact of prison privatization on inmate rights and access to services
• The relationship between race, gender, and criminal justice outcomes
• The use of mental health courts in diversion programs
• The effectiveness of community policing strategies in building trust and reducing crime rates
• The impact of police militarization on community perceptions and police-citizen interactions
• The role of forensic evidence in criminal investigations and court proceedings
• The use of artificial intelligence in predicting criminal behavior and recidivism.
• The use of restorative justice in the criminal justice system
• The impact of police militarization on community policing efforts
• The effectiveness of diversion programs for individuals with substance use disorders
• The relationship between economic inequality and crime rates
• The use of artificial intelligence in pretrial risk assessment
• The impact of mandatory minimum sentences on non-violent drug offenses
• The impact of the War on Drugs on communities of color
• The relationship between mental health and probation violations
• The effectiveness of drug courts in reducing recidivism rates
• The role of eyewitness testimony in wrongful convictions
• The use of facial recognition technology in criminal investigations and prosecutions
• The effectiveness of diversion programs for juvenile offenders
• The impact of probation and parole supervision on recidivism rates
• The relationship between police use of force and mental health disorders
• The use of predictive analytics in criminal sentencing
• The effectiveness of reentry programs for individuals with mental illness
• The impact of bail systems on low-income individuals and communities
• The role of implicit bias in sentencing decisions
• The use of social media in criminal investigations
• The impact of mandatory sentencing on judicial discretion
• The relationship between drug addiction and property crime
• The use of predictive analytics in risk assessment for pretrial release
• The effectiveness of substance abuse treatment programs in correctional facilities
• The impact of police body-worn cameras on police-citizen interactions
• The role of forensic evidence in wrongful convictions
• The use of drones in border patrol and immigration enforcement
• The effectiveness of community supervision programs for individuals with mental illness
• The impact of mandatory sentencing on the prison population and corrections costs
• The relationship between gang activity and violent crime
• The use of artificial intelligence in criminal investigations and evidence collection
• The effectiveness of juvenile diversion programs for first-time offenders
• The impact of prosecutorial misconduct on wrongful convictions
• The role of implicit bias in police use of force incidents
• The use of risk assessment tools in pretrial detention decisions for juvenile defendants
• The effectiveness of prison education programs in reducing recidivism rates
• The impact of racial profiling on policing practices and community trust
• The relationship between homelessness and criminal behavior
• The use of predictive analytics in identifying and preventing cybercrime
• The effectiveness of mental health treatment programs for incarcerated individuals
• The impact of the school-to-prison pipeline on students of color
• The role of community-based programs in reducing crime rates and recidivism
• The use of neuroscience in criminal investigations and sentencing decisions
• The effectiveness of diversion programs for individuals with co-occurring disorders
• The impact of solitary confinement on mental health and recidivism rates.
• The effectiveness of diversion programs for offenders with substance use disorders
• The impact of judicial discretion on sentencing outcomes
• The relationship between access to legal representation and sentencing disparities
• The use of body-worn cameras in reducing police misconduct and brutality
• The impact of bail practices on pretrial detention and racial disparities
• The relationship between police unions and police accountability
• The effectiveness of community supervision in reducing recidivism
• The impact of solitary confinement on mental health outcomes for inmates
• The relationship between criminal justice policies and racial wealth inequality
• The use of risk assessment tools in sentencing decisions
• The effectiveness of mandatory minimum sentences in reducing crime rates
• The impact of victim impact statements on sentencing outcomes
• The relationship between criminal justice policies and environmental justice
• The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in law enforcement
• The effectiveness of juvenile justice diversion programs for at-risk youth
• The impact of police militarization on community relations
• The relationship between immigration enforcement and public safety
• The use of artificial intelligence in predicting recidivism risk
• The effectiveness of police training on de-escalation tactics
• The relationship between the criminal justice system and income inequality
• The use of geographic profiling in criminal investigations
• The effectiveness of mental health courts in reducing incarceration rates
• The impact of mandatory arrest policies on domestic violence victims
• The relationship between criminal justice policies and public health outcomes
• The use of body-worn cameras in reducing false accusations against police officers
• The effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy in reducing domestic violence recidivism
• The impact of race and ethnicity on police use of force during traffic stops
• The use of predictive analytics in parole and probation revocation decisions
• The effectiveness of offender treatment programs for intimate partner violence offenders
• The impact of prison education programs on post-release employment and recidivism
• The relationship between prison labor and modern-day slavery
• The use of predictive modeling to prevent child abuse and neglect
• The effectiveness of community courts in reducing recidivism rates
• The impact of community-based organizations on crime prevention
• The relationship between mental health and substance use disorders in the criminal justice system
• The use of mobile forensic technology in criminal investigations
• The effectiveness of gender-responsive programming in reducing female recidivism rates
• The impact of anti-immigrant sentiment on policing in immigrant communities
• The relationship between police legitimacy and public trust
• The use of data analytics in law enforcement resource allocation
• The effectiveness of reentry programs for people with disabilities
• The impact of police misconduct on wrongful convictions
• The relationship between restorative justice and school discipline
• The use of location tracking technology in the criminal justice system
• The effectiveness of anti-bias training for law enforcement officers
• The impact of drug decriminalization on public safety and health.

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Top 110 Criminal Justice Research Topics

Table of contents

• 1 What is a research paper in criminal justice?
• 2 Basic Criminal Justice Research Topics
• 3 Controversial Criminal Justice Research Topics
• 4 Criminal Justice Research Topics to Provoke Debate
• 5 Criminology Research Topics
• 6 Criminal Justice System Research Topics
• 7 International Crimes Research Topics
• 8 Racism and Discrimination Criminal Justice Research Topics
• 9 Court Cases Research Topics
• 10 Crime and victimization Research Topics
• 11 Criminology Theories Research Topics
• 12.1 Conclusion

What is a research paper in criminal justice?

The best way to gain more data or information is via research. Research is an important tool that can be used in the subject one is studying and criminal justice research paper topics. A paper in criminal justice is comprehensive writing by scholars to argue for a situation, usually criminal. This paper is different from other types of research papers It requires an investigation of case studies and real-life situations. Many research paper topics on criminal justice can help students write their essays.

Research on criminal justice helps students and professionals alike to gain an in-depth understanding of the field. It also helps government officials who work in law enforcement, discipline, and crime prevention to do their job well.

In-depth study or research on criminal justice helps bridge the rift between the existing practice within the profession. The progression in recent knowledge.

Criminal justice research enables students to become critical thinkers. This makes them evaluate policies based on evidence and facts.

Criminal justice research topic ideas also inspire scholars to challenge intrinsic prejudice. Also, assumptions by cross-checking data objectively. Students may not always have the time to write their research papers by themselves. This can be due to loads of other assignments and impending deadlines. They can easily buy a research paper for their coursework in such situations. This article looks at many paper topics in criminal justice.

Here is a list of captivating and provoking criminal justice research proposal topics that students can work on. PapersOwl experts can help with choosing the best topic and writing a stunning paper.

Basic Criminal Justice Research Topics

When it comes to choosing research topics , students can easily run out of ideas. These are easy criminal justice research topics for college students.

• How reliable is eyewitness testimony? Should eyewitness statements be allowed in court? Who should be considered an eyewitness?
• The relationship between police and people of different races. Does the media present police violence against people of colour appropriately?
• Methods for preventing international drug trafficking. How should law enforcement agencies handle trafficking cases? What should be the punishment for drug trafficking?
• Crime during emergencies. Do public emergencies give room for criminal activities?
• Gender disparity in the criminal justice system. How can both genders be treated fairly? To what extent can gender equality be exercised?
• Solitary confinement. What is the impact of solitary confinement on prisoners?
• The efficiency of drug courts. Do drug courts help or hurt addicts?
• Domestic violence. Why are women more likely to be victims? What should happen to minors of abusive parents?
• Capital punishment. Is capital punishment a violation of human rights? What crimes deserve capital punishment?
• Bail. What criminal offenses should be granted bail? What is the maximum that can be charged as bail?

Controversial Criminal Justice Research Topics

Certain topics lead to controversies in the field. Controversial topics should be able to lead to extensive discussions on the situation. Students who have a tough time choosing a topic can find research papers for sale online. Some controversial criminal justice topics include:

• Cyberbullying. Where should the line be drawn between freedom of speech and cyberbullying?
• Jail structures. Why and how should female jails differ from male ones? What are the dangers of mixed prisons?
• Hate crime. What is the history of hate crime in the United States of America? How severe should the punishment for hate crimes be?
• Serial killers. Should serial killers be tried as mentally unstable? Should serial killers be charged with capital punishment?
• Juvenile crimes. Should minors be sent to jail? Should minors be charged with the death penalty? Is an 18-year-old an adult?
• Pornography. Can pornography be considered sexual abuse? Can porn sites be sued for pop-up pornographic images and ads?
• Police shootings. In what situations are the police allowed to shoot? What is the punishment for shooting an innocent person?
• Carrying concealed weapons. Should there be punishment for carrying weapons? What is considered self-defence?
• Murder and homicide. What is the difference between murder and homicide? Should the punishment for murder and homicide be equal?
• Reform vs. punishment: which one has more benefits?

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Criminal Justice Research Topics to Provoke Debate

There are research topics for criminal justice topic ideas that lead to debate and analysis. Such topics make sense from different angles, depending on your perspective. Examples of topics that spring debates are:

• Self-defense. Where to draw the line between self-defense and premeditated crime. Should there be a punishment for self-defense?
• Prostitution. Should prostitution be considered a crime? Should there be a minimum wage for prostitutes?
• Stalking. Should stalking be considered a violation of human rights? Should stalking punishable by the law?
• Child abuse. What is the line between discipline and child abuse? Should the state take minors away from abusive parents?
• Sexual abuse. Should BDSM be considered sexual abuse? Can sexual abuse occur between a married couple?
• The impact of prison on children of incarcerated individuals. Who cares for the children of incarcerated people? How does foster and kinship care affect these children?
• Media. To what extent should the media show domestic violence?
• Drunk driving is a serious offense. What should be the penalty for driving when inebriated? Should an intoxicated driver be charged with first-degree murder in the event of a tragic accident?
• Body camera. Is the use of body cams by the police an intrusion of privacy?
• Homicide and murder. Is homicide murder?

Criminology Research Topics

Criminology topic ideas will help students understand crime theories better. Below are topics are drawn from different areas of criminology.

• What have ex-convicts to say about criminology for convicts? Is the state prepared to assist ex-convicts who have completed their sentences?
• Is punishment a deterrence to crime in criminal justice theory?
• False conceptions about crime and criminal justice are debunked through media criminology. Fake news and how to handle it.
• Criminality is a result of culture, according to cultural criminology. What kinds of cultural traditions are compatible with criminal behaviour?
• According to cultural transmission theory, how are criminal norms conveyed in social contact?
• Does fear of penalty deter individuals from committing crimes? Is that anything that should be taken into account in a court of law?
• The rational choice theory explains how the perpetrator’s personal goals are connected with their criminal behaviour.
• How prevalent criminal theories marginalize women, according to feminist criminology.
• Minorities and people who deviate from social norms are negatively branded.
• Life-course criminology is the study of how events in one’s life influence criminal behaviour.

Criminal Justice System Research Topics

This criminal justice research topic enables students to investigate the judicial system and evaluate the current policies. Some of these criminal justice research questions include:

• Firing gun: how to determine whether it was deliberate or happened by accident? On what grounds should the police fire a gun.
• Cybercrime: what is the legal perspective of cybercrime? Is cyberbullying a cybercrime?
• Internet vigilantism: can revenge leaks be considered a criminal offence.
• Hate crime on the Internet: what are the policies against revenge leaks, trolling, and defamation?
• Crime and justice in mass media. How does the media influence the system?
• Kidnapping and ransom: what are common features and behaviour patterns?
• Sex offender registry: what are the pros and cons?
• The theories of deterrence rational choice: are they relevant in the modern justice system?
• Sexual assault. What is the punishment for sexual assault in schools and workplaces?
• Jury selection: how is it performed? What is the requirement for selecting members?

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International Crimes Research Topics

This criminal justice research topic has to do with domestic criminal laws and international crimes. Here are examples of international crimes topics for criminal justice research.

• International Criminal Court (ICC): The role of the ICC in the fight against crimes against humanity.
• International intervention. Define and analyze the effectiveness of intervention with examples.
• War crimes. How are other states tried for committing a crime against humanity in another state?
• Plea bargaining in international criminal law.
• International justice and peace. How can countries and international organizations make the world more just and peaceful? How should international organizations intervene in countries’ situations?
• International justice and human rights violations. What is a just society in the global context?
• International criminal law. What are the history, source, and objectives of international criminal laws?
• Feminism. A feminist’s point of view of international criminal laws.
• Child soldiers in Africa. Discuss the facts, history, and why they become soldiers at that age.
• International criminal laws treaties. Research various international criminal laws treaties and tell your reader what they entail.

Racism and Discrimination Criminal Justice Research Topics

The issues of racism and discrimination are still prevalent in society. The following topics can be researched to investigate the situation appropriately.

• Systemic bias. How does it affect criminal justice as well as the system?
• Minority groups. How is criminal justice affected by the discriminatory depiction of minorities in the media?
• Racial profiling: how minority groups are targeted based on ethnicity and race.
• African-Americans: how are racism and discrimination more towards them?
• Racial profiling: The disadvantages.
• The UK Court System. Is the UK court system discriminatory?
• The US Court System. Is the US court system discriminatory?
• Class Discrimination. What is societal class discrimination?
• Does the crime rate depend on the neighbourhood?
• Corporate crime: who constitutes the ruling class? What are corporate crimes?

Court Cases Research Topics

There are common criminal cases that are tried in court. Some topics about include:

• What is the difference between civil and criminal cases?
• Felony: when do disenfranchisement laws apply?
• Are organized crime and corruption the same thing?
• Victim services: can crime victims get any help?
• Prison rape and violence: how can sexual and domestic violence be prevented in prison?
• Forensics: how effective is forensics science in modern criminal justice.
• Shoplifting: how serious are shoplifting cases?
• Protection Program: who is eligible, and what type of protection is offered?
• Date rape: what type of legal assistance is available to victims?
• Substance use, abuse, and crime: does one cause a trigger for the other?

Crime and victimization Research Topics

Crime And victimization are captivating aspects of criminology. Several research and surveys have been done better to understand this field over the last few years. Below are some intriguing crime and victimization research topics for college students to consider.

• Crime and victimization among ethnic minorities: this paper will take an interesting look into how minor ethnicities experience crime and victimization in society.
• The victimization of females in the workplace: researchers explore the treatment of females in an especially male-dominated workspace and how it affects them.
• Political opposition: how the oppositions are victimized. Political oppositions in many countries are seen as threats by the ruling powers.
• Criminal victimization of the elderly – the elderly are mostly defenseless and, as a result, the targets of criminals.
• Victimization on campus – how college students are victimized on campus.
• Victimization in prisons and correctional facilities – are inmates subject to harassment and various form of physical abuse?
• Racial profiling and victimization – is racial profiling a thing? How does it affect the individuals of the race?
• Domestic violence: the victimization of romantic partners physically or emotionally.
• Sexual harassment and stalking.
• Cyberbullying, cybercrime, and victimization.

Criminology Theories Research Topics

Several criminology theories exist. This research covers how these theories are interpreted, used, and discovered. Some topics that cover this include:

• Theoretical integration of criminology theories – two criminology theories are better than one and how they can be integrated.
• Biological theory; how biological factors affect crime – Are some individuals more predisposed to cringe than others, and do biological factors play an important role.
• Deterrence theory: crime and the fear of punishment – are crimes with severe punishments less rampant than those with less punishment; how the freezer of punishment deters crime.
• Theory of rational choice – people restore to criminal behaviour because it is the best option.
• Advancement of criminology theories – how knowledge of criminal theories could be furthered.
• Social theory: how good socialization affects crime – are people around criminals predisposed to crime?
• How criminal behaviours are learned through observation: social learning theory: are criminal behaviours learned through observation of criminals or not?
• Self-control theory: how effective self-control affects crime rate – are individuals with better self-control less likely to be involved in crime? Is crime a resume of a lack of self-control?
• Theory of Routine activities- do daily routines affect criminal behaviours.
• Ownership of arms. Is this regarded as a law violation?

Reasonable Criminology Research Topics

Other reasonable criminology topics for students to explore are:

• Criminology as a social science – how criminology Is a social science because it deals with social science issues.
• Implications of hate crime: hate crime and how it affects the victims and society. Are the punishments effective in deterring hate crimes?
• Tracing the roots of criminology from ancient times – a history of criminology.
• Of crimes among age groups: how criminal behaviours vary among ages.
• Effects of childhood upbringing on the crime rate in society – does a child’s upbringing affect the crime rate in society? Are criminals a result of a bad childhood upbringing?
• The Portrayal of Serial killers in media – how serial killers are portrayed in the media and how it affects serial killers.
• Crime vs punishment – how punishment relates to crime and its deterrence.
• How does society affect drug abuse – is society to be blamed for drug abuse?
• Literacy vs Illiteracy and its effect on criminal behaviour: does literacy or Illiteracy affect criminals? Are literates less likely to commit crimes than illiterates?
• Gender bias in investigations. Does one gender receive better judgment than the other?

There are quite a number of areas you can conduct research in criminal justice. You may choose to focus on one particular area, or even multiple areas, depending on your research paper’s requirements. You will, however, need to ensure you do sufficient research for your work to be relevant. To make the research process easier, you can enlist the help of a professional writing service to write a research paper for you . They can provide you with the necessary resources and expertise to ensure that your paper is well-researched and accurate.

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If you landed on this blog, chances are you are looking for engaging criminal justice research paper topics. This intricate field is brimming with potential subjects, yet not all of them lend themselves to effective research. So, how to navigate this sea of possibilities, you would ask. Fear not, as our dedicated online essay writer team has done all the heavy lifting for you. Check out these criminal justice topics for a research paper, each providing a different perspective.

What Are Criminal Justice Research Topics?

Criminal justice is the branch of law that focuses on punishing those who break the law and preventing others from doing so. It consists of criminal and civil justice systems, which are responsible for investigating, prosecuting, and resolving legal disputes.

With this in mind, criminal justice research topics can include a wide variety of both theoretical and empirical aspects ranging from crime prevention strategies to prison reform. Some other examples of criminal justice topics include types of crime, corrections and rehabilitation, law enforcement and policing, social control theories, sentencing policies, and more.

Characteristics of Good Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

Beginning your study without a properly selected criminal justice topic can steer you off course. For this reason, you should consider topics that satisfy the following criteria:

• Relevance Do some research to determine if your topic is timely and relevant to the field of criminal justice.
• Engagement You should select not only easy research paper topics for criminal justice, but also those that you find interesting.
• Scope Make sure your topic is not too broad or narrow for the scope of your project.
• Accessibility Ensure you can find enough reliable sources for research and support your thesis.
• Debate Is the criminal justice topic for research papers controversial or open for discussion? This can make a paper much more meaningful.

How to Choose a Criminal Justice Research Topic?

Once you understand the criteria for great criminology topics for research, it’s time to consider potential ideas. Follow these steps to get you on the right track:

• Understand your interests Start by identifying your interests within criminology. Reflect on the courses, lectures, or readings that sparked your curiosity.
• Identify current issues Stay up-to-date with recent developments in the field. Read scholarly articles, news reports, and policy papers to recognize burning topics.
• Polish Narrow down your selection by researching what’s already been completed in the field.
• Investigate Research each of your refined topics in criminal justice to determine whether there is enough reliable data. Can you access necessary records, reports, or subjects for investigation?
• Finalize your topic After considering the above factors, make your final choice.

Remember that you can always rely on our professional online research paper writers . We have experts holding a Ph.D. degree in law and having a solid track record in writing academic works on different criminology research paper topics.

List of Top Criminal Justice Research Topics

Below we have curated a list of current criminological research topics, each unique as a fingerprint. Our paper writers did their best to tailor this assortment to unique research needs. Every topic on this list allows us to delve deeper into the many faces of criminal justice, whether it's a question about modern technology's role or an investigation into longstanding procedures.

• Analyzing the influence of social media on modern crime reporting.
• Investigating the role of body cameras in policing: Are they legit tools or privacy invaders?
• How mandatory sentencing laws contribute to the issue of prison overcrowding.
• Are we ready for cybercrime, the invisible threat of our era?
• Understanding the root causes of hate crimes and potential preventive measures.
• Delving into recidivism rates to evaluate the success of rehabilitation programs.
• Significant role of forensic science in contemporary law enforcement.
• Re-evaluating the ethics of the death penalty in today's society.
• Is community policing a passing trend or a lasting solution?
• Should victimless crimes fall under the purview of the criminal justice system?
• How domestic violence laws affect family structures.
• Probing into racial profiling practices in law enforcement.
• Juvenile justice system: a struggle between rehabilitation and punishment.
• Eyewitness testimony: A reliable source of evidence or a roll of the dice?
• Can restorative justice be an effective alternative to traditional criminal justice methods?

Good Criminal Justice Research Topics

As any seasoned expert would confirm, the foundation of a good investigation, or in our case, a study, is built on a robust subject. Our team has scoured the scene and discovered ten topics, each as unique as a detective's case and rich with resources for a comprehensive study. Ranging from law enforcement techniques to judicial practices, these topics are versatile, offering you a broad spectrum to explore.

• Developing strategies to prevent and prosecute human trafficking.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of drug courts in managing substance abuse offenders.
• Crafting successful crime prevention strategies for high crime neighborhoods.
• Gun control laws and rates of violent crime: Correlational study .
• How does socioeconomic status influence criminal behavior?
• The interplay between drug abuse and criminal activity.
• Decoding the effectiveness of parole systems: are they working as intended?
• Is immigration tied to crime rates? A fresh look.
• The impact of disparities in legal representation on judicial outcomes.
• The use of lie detector tests in law enforcement: are they beneficial or problematic?
• The influence of the #MeToo movement on the evolution of sexual assault laws.
• Why is crisis intervention training critical for today's police officers?
• Does the 'Three Strikes' law deter crime? An empirical investigation.
• The role of mass media in shaping public perception of crime.
• Why is victim advocacy important in the criminal justice system?

Easy Criminal Justice Research Topics

If you are a novice researcher, the range of topics might seem intimidating. Don’t worry — here we present criminal justice paper topics that will provide an easy start for your study.

• How law enforcement plays a role in ensuring community safety?
• Delving into the workings of the juvenile justice system.
• Fine line between privacy and security in modern surveillance practices.
• What happens when drug use is decriminalized? An in-depth study.
• What are some parameters of police brutality?
• White-collar crime and its ripple effects on the economy.
• An exploration of the psychological factors driving criminal behavior.
• Challenges faced in rehabilitating prisoners: A comprehensive review.
• How does education contribute to crime prevention strategies?
• Is the bail system fair? An analysis.
• How do crime-themed TV shows influence public perception of the criminal justice system?
• What are some implications of overpopulation in prisons?
• Unmasking cybercrime: Its impact on individuals and businesses.
• Domestic violence: Understanding its causes, consequences, and potential solutions.
• How is social media reshaping modern law enforcement practices?

General Criminal Justice Research Topics

Tackling a criminal justice research paper is never an easy feat. To help you make this process smoother, here are some common topics for a criminal justice paper. Feel free to make them your own or explore these ideas further.

• How do socioeconomic factors influence crime rates?
• A comprehensive review of alternative sentencing methods.
• The impact of media bias on public perception of crime.
• Analyzing the causes and effects of wrongful convictions.
• How does neighborhood environment contribute to crime rates?
• The pros and cons of private prisons: An objective analysis.
• The role of victim advocacy in the criminal justice system.
• Examining the trend of cyberbullying and its legal consequences.
• What influences jurors' decisions? An exploration.
• The efficacy of gun control laws in reducing violent crime.
• A comparative study of criminal justice systems across the world.
• Uncovering the impact of organized crime on society.
• The evolution of women's role in law enforcement.
• Human rights issues within the criminal justice system.
• Modern surveillance techniques.

Interesting Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

Are you looking for something more unconventional? Don’t worry, we have you covered. Here are some interesting criminal justice topics for research papers that your professors will surely appreciate.

• Psychology of serial killers: nature vs. nurture.
• How can artificial intelligence help in predicting and preventing crime?
• Unmasking the dark web: Its influence on cybercrime rates.
• How forensic science has revolutionized crime-solving.
• The impact of drug decriminalization on crime rates: A case study .
• Analyzing the true effectiveness of crime profiling in solving cases.
• How does prison architecture influence inmate behavior and rehabilitation?
• The role of cryptocurrency in facilitating online crime.
• True crime podcasts and their impact on public perception of criminal justice.
• The impact of climate change on crime rates.
• Examining the intersection between immigration law and criminal justice.
• The role of cultural factors in shaping crime rates globally.
• How social media is used in solving crimes: An exploration.
• How can virtual reality technology be used for training in law enforcement?
• Crime and justice in dystopian literature: Its implications on society.

Controversial Criminal Justice Research Topics

While the field of criminal justice holds a vast array of researchable areas, it's often in controversy where the most thought-provoking discussions arise. To spark your creative juices, here are some debatable topics for a criminal justice research paper.

• Ethical dilemmas of entrapment in law enforcement.
• Is racial profiling a necessary evil or an unfair practice?
• Potential consequences of full-scale drug legalization.
• Using torture in interrogations: An ethical necessity or a grave misstep?
• Solitary confinement: An effective deterrent or a practice of inhumanity?
• Where does the debate stand on stricter gun control laws?
• Analyzing implications of mass surveillance on personal privacy.
• Restorative justice versus retributive justice: Which proves to be more effective?
• Controversy surrounding the privatization of prisons.
• How does socioeconomic status play a role in sentencing?
• Implications and effects of sentencing minors as adults.
• Dissecting the controversial practice of criminal profiling.
• Police militarization: A necessary protection or an instance of excessive force?
• What are the effects of false accusations on public trust in law enforcement?
• Is it ethical to use lie detectors and voice stress analysis for criminal investigations?

>> Read more: Law Research Paper Topics

Unique Criminal Justice Research Topics Ideas

Are you all set to write your paper but can’t seem to find an authentic topic? Look no further — here are some unique criminal justice topics to write about.

• Graffiti: Is it vandalism or expression?
• The role of body language in lie detection.
• What is the impact of parental incarceration on child development?
• How do video games influence youth criminal behavior?
• Crime in space: Who holds legal jurisdiction and how is law enforcement managed extraterrestrially?
• Understanding the role of cryptocurrency in money laundering.
• How does social media influence jury bias?
• Fashion and crime: How does clothing play a role in criminal identification?
• Evaluating the impact of Covid-19 on domestic violence rates.
• What has caused the rise of eco-terrorism and what are its consequences?
• How does pop culture influence youth criminal behavior?
• Examining the impact of virtual reality on the future of law enforcement training.
• Animal rights and criminal justice: What laws and ethical questions need exploration?
• Has dark tourism had an impact on crime rates in famous crime sites?
• What are some implications of overcrowding and overpopulation in prisons?

Criminology Research Topics

Criminology, the scientific study of crime, criminal behavior, and the law, presents a world of fascinating subjects ripe for exploration. From analyzing the psychology behind criminal acts to examining the social factors influencing crime rates, criminology research offers multiple issues for consideration. Scroll down to find the best research topics for criminology.

Criminology Research Topics Based on Theories

Theories offer a backbone to any field of study, and criminology is no exception. They help to explain why crimes occur and what factors contribute to them. With a theoretical framework , we can dissect the complexities of crime from a fresh, intriguing perspective. Below you can find criminal law research topics grounded in theories.

• Exploring the impact of the Broken Windows Theory on modern law enforcement.
• How does Social Learning Theory apply to cybercrime?
• Understanding the influence of Labeling Theory on youth crime rates.
• Application of Rational Choice Theory to drug use.
• Why do people obey the law? An exploration of Social Control Theory.
• How does gender influence crime?
• The intersection of Routine Activity Theory and domestic burglary.
• Biosocial Theory and the nature vs nurture debate in criminology.
• How does Cultural Criminology influence hate crimes?
• Class and crime: A perspective from Marxist Criminology.
• Unpacking the influence of Social Disorganization Theory on community crime rates.
• Is serial killing explained by General Strain Theory?
• Differential Association Theory: a pathway to understanding gang violence.
• What role does Neutralization Theory play in juvenile delinquency?
• Does the Deterrence Theory hold true? Does fear of punishment prevent crime?

Criminology Research and Measurement Topics

Equipped with advanced data collection methods, a criminologist can use quantitative research to measure the impact of various criminological phenomena. Here are some interesting criminal justice topics for exploring law through exploration and measurement.

• Evaluating the accuracy of crime rate statistics.
• How effective are crime prediction models?
• Understanding crime patterns using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Data analytics in modern crime investigation.
• How do victim surveys contribute to our understanding of crime?
• What are some implications of the dark figure of crime on criminology research?
• Quantitative methods for analyzing juvenile crime trends.
• Measuring the effectiveness of community policing strategies.
• How does measurement error impact crime statistics?
• Evaluating the reliability and validity of self-report crime surveys.
• Understanding domestic violence through qualitative research methods .
• The use of longitudinal studies in crime causation research.
• Using artificial intelligence to predict crime hotspots.
• The role of ethnographic studies in understanding gang culture.
• The impact of biased sampling on crime research findings.

International Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

As our world becomes more interconnected, understanding the complexities of international criminal justice is paramount. The pursuit of justice without borders is not just a theoretical exercise; it's a call to shape a fairer society on a global scale. We've curated a list of compelling international criminal justice topics to write a paper on.

• How effective are International Criminal Courts?
• Exploring the challenges of transnational crime in the age of globalization.
• The role of the United Nations in maintaining international law and order.
• Genocide and crimes against humanity: How effective is the international response?
• What are some legal and ethical implications of drone warfare?
• The impact of international law on combating terrorism.
• Cross-border data privacy and international criminal justice.
• Evolution and effectiveness of international humanitarian law.
• How does international law address state-sponsored terrorism?
• International maritime law and piracy: How effective are the current measures?
• Evaluating the role of the International Criminal Court in the prosecution of war crimes.
• Evolution and impact of international laws on human trafficking.
• Analyzing international laws concerning the use of nuclear weapons.
• The extradition process: Challenges and implications for international criminal justice.
• International laws governing cyber warfare.

Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics on Society

How does law shape and get shaped by societal norms and attitudes? That's what we aim to explore in this section. We've compiled a list of good research topics for criminal justice, each one illuminating the link between law and society.

• How does media representation affect public perception of crime?
• Societal impacts of prison overcrowding.
• How does education level influence criminal behavior?
• Does socioeconomic status influence judicial outcomes?
• How do societal attitudes towards drugs shape drug laws?
• The role of community support in offender rehabilitation.
• Social consequences of racial profiling.
• Does neighborhood environment influence youth criminal behavior?
• How does social stigma impact ex-convicts' reintegration into society?
• What is the social impact of zero-tolerance policies in schools?
• How does society perceive and react to "victimless crimes"?
• Social repercussions of wrongful convictions.
• How do social media platforms contribute to or prevent crime?
• Effects of implementing restorative justice.
• How does media bias influence public opinion on criminal justice?

>> Learn more: Sociology Research Topics

Research Topics in Criminal Justice System

In this section, we will investigate the criminal justice system and its various facets. Explore these research topics for criminal justice to gain a better understanding of how the law system works.

• Analyzing the role of police discretion in modern policing.
• The impact of plea bargaining on the criminal justice system.
• How has gentrification impacted crime rates?
• What role does prison system play in perpetuating social inequality?
• How does the school-to-prison pipeline affect youth?
• Are crime rates influenced by climate change?
• The opioid crisis: What is its effect on the criminal justice system?
• How effective are sex offender registries?
• Are predictive analytics a viable tool for police departments?
• What is the justice system's response to online hate crimes?
• Do DNA databases pose a threat to privacy and civil liberties?
• The role of the criminal justice system in addressing homelessness.
• How is virtual reality changing forensic investigations?
• How is the aging inmate population affecting the prison system?
• Is blockchain technology a viable solution for crime prevention?

Criminal Justice Research Topics on Types of Crime

This section focuses on the various types of crime and criminal behavior. Get to know the key issues concerning different categories of crime with these suggested criminal justice topics for an essay and research paper.

• The rise of cybercrime: causes, impacts, and responses.
• A comprehensive study of hate crimes in the 21st century.
• Evolution of organized crime: From prohibition to cyber syndicates.
• Human trafficking: Examining modern-day slave trades.
• Domestic violence: Hidden costs and societal impacts.
• Understanding the trends and impacts of drug-related crimes.
• An examination of terrorism in the post-9/11 era.
• Corporate crimes: Analysis of impacts and regulatory measures.
• Wildlife crimes and their impact on biodiversity.
• Cyberbullying: Understanding its psychological effects and legal repercussions.
• What drives the high rates of recidivism in property crimes?
• Identity theft in the digital age: Impacts and preventive measures.
• Intellectual property crimes: How are they impacting innovation?
• Psychology behind serial killings.
• Financial crimes in the era of cryptocurrencies.

>> Read more: Psychology Research Topics

Criminal Justice Research Topics About Court Cases

This section highlights some of the most significant court cases in criminal justice history. Pick any one of these criminal justice topics to research a legal precedent or event.

• Analysis of court cases that have influenced capital punishment policies.
• A review of major court cases that transformed juvenile justice.
• Analysis of court cases addressing the rights of crime victims.
• Roe v. Wade and its implications for abortion law in the US.
• Miranda v Arizona: A landmark decision that redefined police interrogations.
• Gideon v Wainwright: The landmark case that guaranteed the right to counsel.
• Engle v Vitale: Examining effects of this important school prayer ruling.
• The trial of Socrates and its influence on philosophical thought.
• Schenck v United States: Exploring free speech rights during wartime.
• Marbury v Madison: Analyzing impacts of judicial review on US law.
• Katz v US: Exploring the Fourth Amendment's protection of privacy.
• The impact of Brown v Board of Education on civil rights in America.
• United States v Nixon: Examining the president's right to executive privilege.
• Examining legal implications of Terry v Ohio and stop-and-frisk policies.
• Griswold v Connecticut: Analyzing the effects of a birth control ruling.

Criminal Justice Research Topics on Racism & Discrimination

Below we offer to explore the complex relationship between racism and criminal justice. Select any of these trending ideas for criminal justice research papers and essays.

• The intersection of race and capital punishment.
• An analysis of racial disparities in sentencing.
• How do racial biases influence jury selection?
• The impact of "stop and frisk" policies on communities of color.
• Is there racial discrimination in the bail system?
• Immigration enforcement and allegations of racial profiling.
• Racial disparities in the juvenile justice system.
• The influence of racial bias in death penalty cases.
• Race and the war on drugs.
• Racial discrimination in the implementation of three strikes laws.
• Impact of police brutality on racial minorities.
• Racism and its influence on probation decisions.
• Ethnic disparities in the enforcement of hate crime legislation.
• The relationship between neighborhood racial composition and police use of force.
• Racial bias in risk assessment tools.

Research Topics in Criminal Justice for Ph.D.

If you are searching for PhD-level topics related to criminal justice, go no further. Choose any of the following criminal justice research proposal topics for your doctoral dissertation or thesis project.

• Rehabilitation programs for incarcerated veterans.
• Cyber forensics: New frontiers in solving crime.
• An exploration of crime among the elderly population: Hidden statistics.
• The impact of evolving technologies on intellectual property crime.
• Impact of climate change on global crime patterns: An empirical analysis.
• Criminology of anonymous cybercrime.
• Understanding crime among indigenous populations: A comparative study.
• An evaluation of crime reporting systems in smart cities.
• The role of public transportation design in crime occurrence.
• Cybercrime legislation across different jurisdictions.
• Migration and crime: A quantitative study.
• Complexities of dealing with organized crime syndicates.
• Economic globalization and transnational crime patterns.
• Correlation between drug abuse and crime rates: Longitudinal study.
• Ethical implications of predictive policing.

Criminal Justice Research Questions

If you need to come up with a research question for criminal justice, here are a few ideas. These criminal justice issue topics can come in handy for both college students and university graduates.

• How does technology within law enforcement agencies impact crime rates?
• How effective are neighborhood watch programs in deterring crime?
• What is the impact of drug decriminalization on crime rates?
• What factors influence the success rate of exonerations?
• How does the portrayal of law enforcement in the media influence public trust?
• What is the effect of witness protection programs on successful prosecution rates?
• How do the conditions of solitary confinement affect prisoner mental health?
• How has the rise of online black markets changed the face of organized crime?
• What role does family structure play in juvenile delinquency?
• What is the impact of victim advocacy programs on the judicial process?
• How have recent changes in immigration policy impacted crime rates?
• What effect do right-to-carry laws have on violent crime rates?
• How have digital forensics evolved to combat cybercrime?
• To what extent does the militarization of police influence community relations?
• How has the legalization of marijuana impacted crime rates in various states?

Bottom Line on Criminology Research Topics

We did our best to provide you with worthwhile ideas and topics to research in criminal justice. Whether you prefer to focus on psychological, sociological, legal, or organizational aspects of crime and justice, there are plenty of great research questions to choose from. Be sure to double-check any topic with your instructor before beginning your assignment. Likewise, you can consult with our experts to receive professional college paper writing service .

With our professional research and term paper help , you'll find relief from academic pressure, and receive high-quality work that ticks all your professor's boxes. Let us take care of the hard work so you can focus on what matters most to you.

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The Top 10 Most Interesting Criminal Justice Research Topics

Are you writing a research paper and having a hard time finding good criminal justice research topics? Thankfully, we have compiled a list of 10 of the best criminal justice research paper topic ideas. We’ve also included several criminal justice research questions and examples of criminal justice research topics to help you write your best paper.

Criminal justice is a great field for both those wanting a greater understanding of the US justice system and those who want to know what it is like to be a lawyer . If you want to write the best criminal justice paper you can, this article is for you.

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What makes a strong criminal justice research topic.

Strong criminal justice research papers consist of a focused question to answer and a specific area of criminal justice like forensic science, serial killers, substance abuse, sexual offenders, cyber criminology, corporate crime, juvenile justice, or criminal behavior. Most educational institutions have guidelines that must be followed for picking criminal justice topics for your criminology research paper, and this list will give you a great place to start researching.

Tips for Choosing a Criminal Justice Research Topic

• Follow the guidelines of your institution. If you are studying criminal justice at any university like Loyola University, Cornell University, Walden University, or even Harvard University, your professor has probably given you guidelines to stick to.
• Keep it focused. When you’re writing a criminal justice research paper it is best to keep a tight focus on your topic. Keep your research focused and remember to stay on task by using study tips, taking breaks, and improving on and practicing your writing skills daily.
• Choose a narrow topic. When choosing your topic the scope of your criminal justice research paper mustn’t be too broad. Ask and answer one question or use one thesis statement that is clear and well-defined.
• Choose a topic that is well-researched. When writing a paper on criminal justice, many topics are too new to have solid research. Pick a topic that has many cases related to it, or is focused on a common issue.
• Choose a topic you are passionate about. There is nothing worse than being stuck writing about a topic you have no interest in. That’s why you should make sure your topic is something that you want to write about. If it ignites your passion, write about it.

What’s the Difference Between a Research Topic and a Research Question?

The difference between a research topic and a research question is that research topics are the broad area of study and research that is used to answer the research question. Research questions are what you are attempting to answer by researching your criminal justice topic.

Criminology topics can encompass areas of study like crime mapping, crime rates, crime prevention, female crimes, experimental criminology, homegrown crimes, or even criminal psychology. Research questions should be very narrow and like do certain criminal justice laws reduce crime? Do criminal justice practitioners engage in critical criminology? Does education in prison reduce reincarnation?

How to Create Strong Criminal Justice Research Questions

When writing a strong criminal justice research question you should ask three questions. Does this question have sufficient research to reference? Is the question narrow and focused? Am I passionate about this topic? If you ask these questions and use our guide to help you get started, you’ll be well on your way to writing a great criminal justice research paper.

Top 10 Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

1. bad living conditions and access to justice.

In the criminal justice system, sometimes where you live may have an impact on your access to justice. In 2011, the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against the City of Chicago alleging that the Chicago police department had slower response times in areas of the city with poor living conditions. The case was settled in 2021 with a plan to improve.

2. White-Collar Crimes Compared to Working-Class Criminals Punishments

White-collar crimes are generally finance-related crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, or money laundering. According to Cornell University School of Law, white-collar crime costs over $300 billion annually in the US. However, white-collar criminals are prosecuted less severely than their working-class counterparts.

3. False Accusation, False Confessions, and Plea Bargaining

This area of criminal behavior is interesting, as our justice system actually allows for admissions of guilt even if the party did not commit the crime. Sometimes sentences can be reduced if a guilty plea is entered even if the party did not commit the crime.

4. Restorative Justice Efforts on Youthful Offenders

Juvenile and youth offenders have many different rules and avenues for justice. One of these unique approaches to keeping young people from their delinquent behavior employed by problem-solving courts is the concept of restorative justice. Restorative justice is a process that helps offenders make amends with the person or community they hurt with their deviant behaviors.

5. Criminal Justice Reform in Hate Crimes

Hate crimes are crimes that are motivated by hatred of someone or a group of people’s immutable characteristics. In recent years, many states have adopted the federal bias categories as outlined by the Department of Justice. These categories are not adopted by every state, which creates several directions for research questions.

6. Organized Crime and the Social Class Criminal Behavior of Members

Organized crime has been around for centuries, but can be prevalent in communities that see crime as a way of life and family. It can be a robust topic to try and understand the influences that family and community have on organized crime.

7. Criminal Justice Agencies and International Crime Investigation Efforts

One thing that is not often talked about is the relationship between criminal justice agencies that work together across countries. Many agencies work together, and many are made jointly. The most notable agency that does this is Interpol which, in 2021, arrested 1,003 alleged criminals and closed 1,660 cases in just one investigation .

8. Impacts of Wildlife Crime and Environmental Crime

Two little written about criminal justice topics in this scientific field are the topics of environmental and wildlife crime. Pollution, littering, dumping, poaching, and wildfire started by humans are all areas that could be a great place to use your analytical skills and nab a decent grade.

9. Relationship Between Crime and Eyewitness Testimony

Eyewitness testimonies are a staple of modern justice. Many violent crime convictions hinge on the ability of eyewitness testimony to convince a jury of what occurred. Sometimes eyewitness testimony can be unreliable, or the multiple witnesses can testify something different from one another resulting in a wrongful conviction. Many crimes like drunk driving or theft can rest on this method of testimony.

10. Relationship Between Law Enforcement and Racial Profiling

Racial profiling is a topic that has received a lot of coverage and is one of the major criminal justice issues of today. Human rights careers deal with the impact of racial and social issues in the US. There are many areas in which law enforcement has to improve in the area of social science. This is a broad topic with many implications for criminal justice ethics and the area of distributive justice.

Other Examples of Criminal Justice Research Topics & Questions

Criminal justice research topics.

• Jury nullification
• Online predators
• Drunk drivers
• Gun control
• Campus crime

Criminal Justice Research Questions

• Does restorative justice reduce incarceration rates in juveniles?
• Do drug courts engage with racial profiling in the criminal justice system?
• Are environmental crimes underreported in the criminal justice field?
• Can organized criminal behavior be reduced by new crime control measures?
• Does mental illness cause more false confessions?

Choosing the Right Criminal Justice Research Topic

If you take these criminal justice research topic ideas and start researching, you’ll find a topic that strikes your creativity and deals with current justice issues. If college courses seem like they may not be for you, you can always use your knowledge to get a job in criminal justice without a degree .

As we stated earlier, two important parts to finding a great topic for criminology studies or criminal justice is to follow your institution’s guidelines and find a topic that you’re passionate about. Difficult topics like child abuse, victim services, jury selection, sexual violence, or any other of the wide range of topics are important and you can do them real justice and care in your paper.

Criminal Justice Research Topics FAQ

A good criminal research topic should be a broad area with lots of research and case studies behind it. It follows your institutional guidelines and that you are passionate about.

Controversial topics in criminal justice include issues that the court is not settled on or ones that disrupt long-standing positions in the courts. Issues like private prisons, gun control, reproductive rights, and criminal court reform could all be considered controversial.

Feminist criminology started in the late 60s and early 70s to bring attention to both female criminals and victims. The movement started because of the male-focused approach to criminal psychology with little to no regard for how a woman may be psychologically different.

Current issues in the criminal justice system include topics like racial justice, social justice, police reform, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ discrimination. Many of these topics are being discussed in both state and federal courts.

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Criminal Justice

IResearchNet

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Criminal justice research topics.

This collection provides overviews of   nearly 100 key criminal justice research topics comprising traditional criminology and its more modern interdisciplinary outgrowths. These topics are divided into six thematic parts:

• Criminology
• Correlates of Crime
• Criminology Theories
• Crime Research
• Types of Crime
• Criminal Justice System

Criminology and Criminal Justice Research Topics

Research topics in criminology:.

• Criminology as Social Science .
• Criminology and Public Policy .
• History of Criminology .

Research Topics in Crime and Victimization:

• Age and Crime .
• Aggression and Crime .
• Citizenship and Crime .
• Education and Crime .
• Employment and Crime .
• Families and Crime .
• Gender and Crime .
• Guns and Crime .
• Immigration and Crime .
• Intelligence and Crime .
• Mental Illness and Crime .
• Neighborhoods and Crime .
• Peers and Crime .
• Race and Crime .
• Religion and Crime .
• Social Class and Crime .
• Victimization .
• Weather and Crime .

Research Topics in Criminology Theories:

• Biological Theori es.
• Classical Criminology .
• Convict Criminology .
• Criminal Justice Theories .
• Critical Criminology .
• Cultural Criminology .
• Cultural Transmission Theory .
• Deterrence and Rational Choice Theory .
• Feminist Criminology .
• Labeling and Symbolic Interaction Theories .
• Life Course Criminology .
• Psychological Theories of Crime .
• Routine Activities Theory .
• Self-Control Theory .
• Social Construction of Crime .
• Social Control Theory .
• Social Disorganization Theory .
• Social Learning Theory .
• Strain Theories .
• Theoretical Integration.

Research Topics in Criminology Research and Measurement:

• Citation and Content Analysis .
• Crime Classification Systems .
• Crime Mapping .
• Crime Reports and Statistics .
• Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) and Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring (ADAM) .
• Edge Ethnography .
• Experimental Criminology .
• Fieldwork in Criminology .
• Program Evaluation .
• Quantitative Criminology .

Research Topics in Types of Crime:

• Campus Crime .
• Child Abuse .
• Cybercrime .
• Domestic Violence .
• Elder Abuse .
• Environmental Crime .
• Hate Crime .
• Human Trafficking .
• Identity Theft .
• Juvenile Delinquency .
• Organizational Crime .
• Prostitution .
• Sex Offenses .
• Terrorism .
• Theft and Shoplifting .
• White-Collar Crime .
• Wildlife Crime .

Research Topics in Criminal Justice System:

• Capital Punishment .
• Community Corrections .
• Crime Prevention .
• Criminal Courts .
• Criminal Justice Ethics .
• Criminal Law .
• Criminal Specialization .
• Drug Courts .
• Drugs and the Criminal Justice System .
• Felon Disenfranchisement .
• Forensic Science .
• Juvenile Court .
• Juvenile Justice .
• Mass Media, Crime, and Justice .
• Offender Classification .
• Offender Reentry .
• Police–Community Relations .
• Prison System .
• Problem-Solving Courts .
• Public Health and Criminal Justice .
• Racial Profiling .
• Restorative Justice .
• Sentencing .
• The Police .
• Victim Services .
• Wrongful Convictions .
• Youth Gangs .

Because just listing suggestions for criminal justice research topics will be of limited value we have included short topical overviews and suggestions for narrowing those topics and divided them into 6 parts as in the list above. If you’re interested in some topic in the list follow the links below for more information.

Example   criminal justice research papers   on these topics have been designed to serve as sources of model papers for most criminological topics. These research papers were written by several well-known discipline figures and emerging younger scholars who provide authoritative overviews coupled with insightful discussion that will quickly familiarize researchers and students alike with fundamental and detailed information for each criminal justice topic.

This collection begins by defining the discipline of criminology and observing its historical development (Part I: Criminology ). The various social (e.g., poverty, neighborhood, and peer/family influences), personal (e.g., intelligence, mental illness), and demographic (e.g., age, race, gender, and immigration) realities that cause, confound, and mitigate crime and crime control are featured in   Part II: Correlates of Crime . The research papers in this section consider each correlate’s impact, both independently and in a broader social ecological context. The sociological origins of theoretical criminology are observed across several research papers that stress classical, environmental, and cultural influences on crime and highlight peer group, social support, and learning processes. Examination of these criminological theory research papers quickly confirms the aforementioned interdisciplinary nature of the field, with research papers presenting biological, psychological, and biosocial explanations and solutions for crime (Part III: Criminology Theories ).

Part IV: Criminology Research provides example research papers on various quantitative and qualitative designs and techniques employed in criminology research. Comparison of the purposes and application of these research methods across various criminal justice topics illustrates the role of criminologists as social scientists engaged in research enterprises wherein single studies fluctuate in focus along a pure–applied research continuum. This section also addresses the measurement of crimes with attention to major crime reporting and recording systems.

Having established a theoretical–methodological symmetry as the scientific foundation of criminology, and increasingly the field of criminal justice,   Part V: Types of Crime   considers a wide range of criminal offenses. Each research paper in this section thoroughly defines its focal offense and considers the related theories that frame practices and policies used to address various leading violent, property, and morality crimes. These research papers also present and critically evaluate the varying level of empirical evidence, that is, research confirmation, for competing theoretical explanations and criminal justice system response alternatives that are conventionally identified as best practices.

Ostensibly, an accurate and thorough social science knowledge base stands to render social betterment in terms of reduced crime and victimization through the development of research–based practices. This science–practitioner relationship is featured, advocated, and critiqued in the research papers of the final section,   Part VI: Criminal Justice System . Here, the central components of criminal justice research paper topics (law enforcement, courts, and corrections) are presented from a criminology–criminal justice outlook that increasingly purports to leverage theory and research (in particular, program evaluation results) toward realizing criminal justice and related social policy objectives. Beyond the main system, several research papers consider the role and effectiveness of several popular justice system and wrap-around component initiatives (e.g., specialty courts, restorative justice, and victim services).

See also: Domestic Violence Research Topics and School Violence Research Topics .

251+ Interesting Criminal Justice Research Topics For Students

Did you know that more than 65 million people have a criminal record in the US alone? Every 36 seconds, an American is put in jail. But are we creating fairness or just locking people up?

Understanding how serious these numbers are shows why it’s so important for students to study criminal justice topics. 

In today’s world, where issues about police, laws, and fairness are always changing, students need to learn about them. 

Research helps students learn to think carefully, understand tough issues, and improve things. 

In this blog, we’ll talk about many different criminal justice research topics that are good for students to study. From looking at the unfairness in the system to thinking about how laws affect people’s lives, we want to give you interesting things to think about and talk about. 

Join us as we explore these topics and try to understand how we can make the world fairer for everyone.

Can You Describe a Criminal Justice Research Topic?

Table of Contents

A research topic in criminal justice is a specific area of interest or inquiry within the field that students or researchers explore to gain a deeper understanding of various aspects of law enforcement, legal systems, and societal issues related to crime and justice. 

These topics can range from studying the effectiveness of policing strategies to analyzing the impact of criminal laws on different communities. 

Research topics in criminal justice aim to address pressing issues, identify trends, and contribute to the development of policies and practices that promote fairness, equity, and safety within the criminal justice system and society as a whole.

How to Choose the Right Research Topic for Criminal Justice?

Choosing the right research topic in criminal justice involves considering various factors to ensure relevance, feasibility, and interest. Here are some steps to help you select a suitable research topic:

1. Identify your interests

Reflect on what aspects of criminal justice intrigue you the most, such as law enforcement practices, legal procedures, or societal impacts of crime.

2. Consider relevance

Choose a topic that is timely and relevant to current issues or debates within the field of criminal justice.

3. Assess feasibility

Evaluate the availability of resources, data, and access to information necessary for researching your chosen topic.

4. Narrow down your focus

Refine your topic to a specific research question or area of inquiry that can be feasibly explored within the scope of your project.

5. Consult with experts

Seek guidance from professors, professionals, or peers in the field to gather insights and refine your research topic further.

6. Ensure significance

Ensure that your chosen topic addresses important gaps in knowledge or contributes to ongoing discussions within the field of criminal justice.

List of Good Criminal Justice Research Topics

Here’s a list of top criminal justice research topics for students:

Law Enforcement

• The impact of community policing on crime rates.
• Strategies for reducing police brutality and misconduct.
• The effectiveness of body-worn cameras in law enforcement.
• Racial disparities in police stops and arrests.
• The role of technology in modern policing.
• Mental health training for law enforcement officers.
• Police use of force policies and their implications.
• Investigating the rise of cybercrime and its challenges for law enforcement.
• The relationship between police militarization and public trust.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of crime prevention programs implemented by police departments.
• Addressing corruption within law enforcement agencies.
• The impact of drug legalization on policing strategies.
• Police response to domestic violence cases.
• The use of predictive policing algorithms and their ethical implications.
• Improving diversity and inclusion in law enforcement agencies.
• The role of police unions in shaping law enforcement policies.
• Analyzing the effectiveness of de-escalation training for police officers.
• The impact of social media on police-community relations.
• Exploring the challenges of policing in rural communities.
• The influence of media portrayals on public perceptions of law enforcement.

Criminal Law and Legal Systems

• The effectiveness of restorative justice programs in reducing recidivism.
• The impact of mandatory minimum sentencing laws on incarceration rates.
• Analyzing the role of defense attorneys in ensuring fair trials.
• Jury selection processes and racial bias in the criminal justice system.
• The use of plea bargaining and its implications for justice.
• Legal and ethical considerations in prosecuting white-collar crime.
• The impact of the war on drugs on criminal justice policies.
• Examining the role of forensic evidence in criminal trials.
• The effectiveness of diversion programs for juvenile offenders.
• The use of solitary confinement in prisons and its psychological effects.
• Investigating wrongful convictions and their causes.
• The influence of political ideologies on criminal justice policies.
• Reforming bail systems to address socioeconomic disparities.
• Legal challenges surrounding the use of new surveillance technologies.
• The intersection of immigration law and criminal justice.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of reentry programs for ex-offenders.
• Analyzing the role of prosecutors in the criminal justice system.
• Exploring the use of alternative dispute resolution methods in criminal cases.
• Legal and ethical issues in handling digital evidence.
• The impact of legalizing marijuana on criminal justice systems.

Corrections and Rehabilitation

• The effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in reducing recidivism.
• Mental health treatment in correctional facilities.
• Overcrowding in prisons and its consequences.
• Examining the role of private prisons in the criminal justice system.
• The use of alternative sentencing options, such as probation and parole.
• Addressing the healthcare needs of incarcerated individuals.
• The impact of solitary confinement on prisoner mental health.
• Gender-responsive approaches to correctional programming.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of drug treatment courts.
• Restorative justice practices in correctional settings.
• The role of education and vocational training in prisoner reintegration.
• Exploring the challenges of managing aging prison populations.
• The impact of reentry support services on post-release outcomes.
• Assessing the use of electronic monitoring as an alternative to incarceration.
• Gender disparities in the criminal justice system.
• The relationship between substance abuse and criminal behavior.
• Correctional officer training and professionalism.
• The effectiveness of faith-based initiatives in rehabilitation.
• Analyzing the impact of incarceration on families and communities.
• Strategies for reducing violence in prisons.

Juvenile Justice

• Exploring the causes of juvenile delinquency.
• The impact of parental involvement on juvenile rehabilitation.
• Assessing the use of restorative justice practices in juvenile courts.
• Examining the relationship between childhood trauma and delinquent behavior.
• Gender disparities in juvenile justice processing.
• The role of schools in preventing juvenile crime.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of mentoring programs for at-risk youth.
• Legal and ethical considerations in juvenile interrogation practices.
• Addressing racial disparities in juvenile justice outcomes.
• The impact of social media on juvenile offending.
• Alternatives to detention for juvenile offenders.
• Exploring the challenges of transferring juveniles to adult court.
• The role of technology in juvenile justice supervision.
• Assessing the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for juvenile offenders.
• The relationship between substance abuse and juvenile delinquency.
• Gender-responsive approaches to juvenile justice programming.
• Preventing gang involvement among youth.
• The impact of family dynamics on juvenile delinquency.
• The use of evidence-based practices in juvenile justice interventions.

Victimology

• Understanding the psychological effects of victimization.
• The role of victim services in the criminal justice system.
• Exploring the experiences of marginalized victims.
• Addressing the needs of human trafficking survivors.
• The impact of technology-facilitated crimes on victims.
• Restitution and compensation for crime victims.
• The role of the media in shaping perceptions of victims.
• Assessing the effectiveness of victim impact statements in court.
• Exploring cultural factors in victimization.
• The intersectionality of victimization experiences.
• Restorative justice approaches to addressing harm and victimization.
• Legal and ethical issues in victim advocacy.
• The impact of victimization on vulnerable populations.
• Preventing revictimization in the criminal justice system.
• Understanding the experiences of hate crime victims.
• The role of community support networks for victims.
• Assessing barriers to reporting crimes and seeking help.
• Victim-offender mediation and its benefits.
• Exploring the long-term effects of trauma on victims.
• Supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Criminology and Criminal Behavior

• Theories of crime causation: exploring biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives.
• The relationship between poverty and crime.
• The impact of media violence on aggressive behavior.
• Gender differences in criminal behavior.
• The influence of peer groups on delinquency.
• Analyzing the root causes of gang involvement.
• The role of substance abuse in criminal behavior.
• Understanding the dynamics of white-collar crime.
• Exploring the connection between mental illness and criminality.
• Environmental criminology: assessing the role of neighborhoods in crime.
• The impact of family structure on juvenile delinquency.
• Cybercrime trends and motivations.
• The relationship between education level and criminal behavior.
• Investigating the role of genetics in criminal propensity.
• The influence of social media on criminal behavior.
• Cultural factors in crime and deviance.
• Exploring the motivations behind hate crimes.
• The impact of immigration on crime rates.
• The role of routine activities theory in understanding crime patterns.
• Assessing the effectiveness of crime prevention strategies.

Forensic Science

• Advances in DNA analysis techniques.
• The use of forensic entomology in criminal investigations.
• Exploring the reliability of fingerprint evidence.
• Digital forensics: examining electronic evidence in criminal cases.
• The role of forensic anthropology in identifying human remains.
• Investigating the accuracy of eyewitness testimony in court.
• Firearms examination and ballistics analysis.
• Forensic psychology: understanding criminal behavior through psychological profiling.
• The use of forensic odontology in identifying individuals.
• The reliability of forensic evidence in court proceedings.
• Advancements in forensic toxicology.
• Exploring the potential of forensic botany in criminal investigations.
• The challenges of forensic evidence preservation and storage.
• Forensic linguistics: analyzing language patterns in criminal cases.
• The use of forensic imaging technology in crime scene reconstruction.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of forensic science in cold case investigations.
• Forensic accounting: uncovering financial fraud and embezzlement.
• The role of forensic nursing in collecting evidence from victims of crime.
• Exploring the ethical implications of forensic research and practice.
• The impact of forensic evidence on wrongful convictions.
• Digital forensics challenges in the age of encryption.
• The use of forensic anthropology in mass disaster victim identification.
• Investigating the reliability of bite mark analysis in forensic investigations.
• The future of forensic science: emerging technologies and methodologies.
• The role of forensic entomology in estimating time since death.
• Analyzing the accuracy of voice recognition technology in forensic analysis.
• Forensic archaeology: excavating and analyzing crime scenes.
• The challenges of forensic evidence admissibility in court.
• The use of forensic geology in criminal investigations.
• The impact of forensic science on criminal justice policy and practice.
• The evolution of cybercrime: from hacking to ransomware.
• Exploring the dark web and its role in cybercrime.
• The challenges of prosecuting cybercriminals across international borders.
• Cybersecurity vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.
• The impact of social engineering techniques on cybersecurity.
• Digital currency and its implications for cybercrime investigations.
• The role of artificial intelligence in cyber threat detection.
• Cyberterrorism: assessing the risk to national security.
• The psychological profile of cybercriminals.
• The use of blockchain technology in combating cybercrime.
• Analyzing the effectiveness of cybercrime laws and regulations.
• Cyberbullying: understanding the psychological effects on victims.
• The role of social media in facilitating cybercrime.
• Investigating the link between organized crime groups and cyber attacks.
• The challenges of securing Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
• Cyber espionage and its impact on corporate and government entities.
• The role of government agencies in cybercrime prevention and response.
• Exploring emerging trends in cybercrime, such as deepfakes and AI-driven attacks.
• The economic impact of cybercrime on businesses and individuals.
• Ethical hacking: assessing the role of white hat hackers in cybersecurity.

Terrorism and Homeland Security

• The root causes of terrorism: ideological, political, and socioeconomic factors.
• The effectiveness of counterterrorism strategies in preventing attacks.
• The role of intelligence agencies in identifying and disrupting terrorist plots.
• Exploring the motivations behind lone wolf terrorist attacks.
• The impact of globalization on the spread of terrorist ideologies.
• Cyberterrorism threats and vulnerabilities.
• Assessing the risk of bioterrorism in the modern world.
• The role of border security in preventing terrorist infiltration.
• The use of drones in counterterrorism operations.
• The psychological effects of terrorism on society.
• Radicalization pathways: understanding the process of becoming a terrorist.
• The role of religious extremism in fueling terrorist violence.
• Exploring the nexus between organized crime and terrorism.
• The challenges of balancing civil liberties with national security measures.
• The impact of counterterrorism policies on immigrant communities.
• The role of social media in terrorist recruitment and propaganda.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of counter-radicalization programs.
• The use of financial intelligence in disrupting terrorist financing networks.
• The role of international cooperation in combating transnational terrorism.
• Homeland security preparedness and response to terrorist threats.

Social Justice and Human Rights

• The intersectionality of race, class, and gender in criminal justice outcomes.
• Addressing systemic racism in policing and the justice system.
• LGBTQ+ rights and discrimination in the criminal justice system.
• The impact of mass incarceration on communities of color.
• Indigenous rights and justice in colonial settler societies.
• Disability rights and access to justice for individuals with disabilities.
• The role of advocacy groups in promoting criminal justice reform.
• Environmental justice and its relationship to crime and punishment.
• The impact of socioeconomic inequality on access to legal representation.
• Human trafficking and modern-day slavery: prevention and intervention strategies.
• Refugee rights and access to asylum in the criminal justice system.
• Restorative justice approaches to addressing historical injustices.
• The rights of prisoners and the conditions of confinement.
• Disability justice: ensuring equitable treatment for individuals with disabilities in the justice system.
• The impact of colonial legacies on contemporary criminal justice systems.
• Gender equality and women’s rights in the justice system.
• The criminalization of poverty: exploring the cycle of poverty and incarceration.
• Intersectional feminism and its implications for criminal justice reform.
• The role of transitional justice mechanisms in post-conflict societies.
• The impact of globalization on human rights and justice.

Comparative Criminal Justice Systems

• Contrasting approaches to policing: community-oriented vs. militarized.
• Legal systems around the world: common law vs. civil law traditions.
• The role of religion in shaping criminal justice systems.
• The influence of cultural values on punishment and rehabilitation.
• Comparing juvenile justice systems: rehabilitative vs. punitive approaches.
• The impact of colonialism on indigenous justice systems.
• Restorative justice practices in different cultural contexts.
• Gender disparities in legal rights and protections globally.
• The role of international law in addressing transnational crime.
• Exploring variations in prison systems and correctional philosophies.

Policy Analysis and Reform

• Assessing the impact of mandatory minimum sentencing laws on incarceration rates.
• The effectiveness of drug decriminalization policies in reducing substance abuse.
• Bail reform: alternatives to cash bail and pretrial detention.
• The role of prosecutorial discretion in shaping criminal justice outcomes.
• Gun control policies and their implications for public safety.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of diversion programs in reducing recidivism.
• The impact of privatization on correctional facilities and rehabilitation programs.
• Sentencing disparities: addressing racial and socioeconomic inequalities.
• Immigration policies and their impact on immigrant communities in the criminal justice system.
• The role of evidence-based practices in shaping criminal justice policy.

Emerging Issues in Criminal Justice

• The legalization of marijuana: impacts on crime rates and law enforcement.
• Artificial intelligence in criminal justice: opportunities and ethical challenges.
• The future of policing: predictive analytics and algorithmic surveillance.
• Environmental crime and its consequences for global security.
• The impact of COVID-19 on criminal justice systems and practices.
• The rise of domestic terrorism: responding to threats from within.
• Mental health crisis intervention: diverting individuals from the criminal justice system
• Cyberbullying legislation and prevention strategies in the digital age.
• The role of big data in criminal justice decision-making.
• Online extremism and radicalization: countering digital propaganda.
• The implications of artificial intelligence in criminal sentencing.
• Police-community relations in the era of Black Lives Matter.
• Restorative justice in schools: promoting accountability and reconciliation.
• The impact of mass surveillance on civil liberties and privacy rights.
• Hate crime legislation and enforcement in multicultural societies.
• Policing protests: balancing public safety and First Amendment rights.
• The role of social media influencers in shaping perceptions of crime and justice.
• Corporate crime and regulatory enforcement: holding businesses accountable.
• The challenges of combating human trafficking in the digital age.
• The future of rehabilitation: integrating technology and evidence-based practices.
• The role of trauma-informed care in criminal justice settings.
• Smart justice initiatives: leveraging technology for offender reintegration.
• The impact of climate change on patterns of criminal activity.
• Exploring the link between mental health and homelessness in the justice system.
• Criminal justice responses to environmental disasters and emergencies.
• Ethical considerations in criminal justice research and experimentation.
• Police use of surveillance drones: balancing security and privacy concerns.
• The role of public defenders in ensuring access to justice for marginalized communities.
• The impact of globalization on transnational organized crime networks.
• Innovative approaches to reducing recidivism and promoting reentry success.

These diverse research topics offer a broad spectrum of areas for exploration and analysis within the criminal justice field, catering to the interests and concerns of students and researchers alike.

Ethics and Challenges in Criminal Justice Research

Ethics and challenges in criminal justice research are significant considerations that researchers must navigate to ensure their studies’ integrity, validity, and ethicality. Here are some key points regarding ethics and challenges in criminal justice research:

• Informed Consent: Ensuring participants understand the purpose, risks, and benefits of the research.
• Confidentiality: Safeguarding sensitive information and protecting the identities of participants.
• Avoiding Harm: Minimizing potential physical, emotional, or psychological harm to participants.
• Conflict of Interest: Maintaining objectivity and integrity in research design and analysis.
• Bias and Stereotyping: Addressing researcher biases and avoiding stereotypes that may influence findings.
• Access to Data: Navigating legal and ethical considerations regarding access to sensitive data.
• Balancing Transparency and Confidentiality: Striking a balance between transparency in research methods and confidentiality of participants.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Acknowledging and respecting diverse cultural perspectives and practices in research.

Bottom Line

The exploration of criminal justice research topics is paramount in understanding, addressing, and reforming the complexities within the justice system. 

By delving into diverse subjects such as law enforcement practices, legal systems, and societal impacts of crime, researchers contribute to advancing knowledge and promoting fairness and equity. 

Through rigorous inquiry and analysis, solutions to pressing issues such as racial disparities, wrongful convictions, and rehabilitation strategies emerge.

 As scholars and practitioners continue to engage with these topics, they play a vital role in shaping policies, practices, and perceptions, ultimately striving towards a more just and equitable society.

1. How can I find reliable sources for my criminal justice research?

Utilize academic databases, peer-reviewed journals, and reputable online resources recommended by your instructors or university library.

2. What are some current trends in criminal justice research?

Current trends include restorative justice approaches, the impact of technology on crime prevention, and the intersection of mental health and criminal justice.

3. How can students contribute to criminal justice research?

Students can contribute to criminal justice research by conducting literature reviews, designing and implementing studies, analyzing data, and disseminating findings through publications or presentations. They can also engage in internships or fieldwork to gain practical experience and collaborate with faculty or professionals.

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224+ Most Amazing Criminal Justice Research Topics for College Students

Studying criminal justice opens up many interesting research opportunities. This field covers a wide range of subjects, from police work and the study of crime to prisons and court systems. 

Whether you are just starting or have been studying for a while, picking the right research topic is important for writing a good paper. 

This list has over 224 criminal justice research topics that will get you thinking deeply, examining data, and contributing to the ongoing discussions in this broad field. 

From new ways to prevent crime to the details of forensic science, these topics will spark your interest and help you write an outstanding research paper.

What is Criminal Justice Research?

Table of Contents

Criminal justice research means examining and learning about issues related to bad behavior, including police, courts, jails/prisons, and programs to stop bad behavior. 

It involves using proper ways to study why people do bad things, how the criminal justice system works, legal stuff, and whether efforts to cut down on bad behavior and keep people okay are working well.

Criminal justice research draws knowledge from many different study areas, such as the study of bad behavior, the study of people, thinking/feelings, rules, making rules for the public, and ways to look at information. 

Researchers learn about criminal justice topics by asking people questions, watching, trying things out, and looking at existing information.

Why is Criminal Justice Research Important?

Criminal justice research is very important for several reasons:

• Evidence-based rules : Research provides real, fact-based proof for making good criminal justice rules, laws, and programs based on evidence rather than guesses or stories.
• Understanding bad behavior trends : Looking at patterns of bad behavior, factors linked to why people do bad things, and the people/places that cause bad behavior can help create ways to stop it from happening.
• Checking programs : Careful research is needed to determine the effect, cost, and unintended results of criminal justice programs , punishment rules, efforts to fix people’s behavior, and other initiatives.
• Finding unfair treatment : Criminal justice research can reveal potential unfair treatment and bad treatment within the system, leading to efforts to make things fair and just.
• Growing knowledge : Research grows our understanding of bad behavior, wrongdoing, and how the criminal justice system functions, contributing to bigger discussions.

By providing real, fact-based insights, criminal justice research is a crucial tool for improving how well the justice system works, how efficient it is, and how fair it is – ultimately keeping people safer and promoting a just society.

Recommended Readings: “ 161+ Engaging Human Geography Research Topics & Ideas “.

Exploring Various Areas of Criminal Justice Research

Criminal justice research covers many different areas and topics. Here are some of the main ones:

• Cops – Research examines how police officers do their jobs, police strategies, use force, community connections, and ways to improve policing.
• Courts – Studies explore how courts work, punishments, how judges make decisions, juries, and court processes.
• Jails/Prisons – Research in this area looks at jails, prisons, probation, parole, fixing people’s behavior programs, and re-entry after being locked up.
• Stopping Bad Behavior – Studies try to understand what makes people do bad things and find good ways to prevent bad behavior through programs, rules, and community efforts.
• Victims – This research area focuses on victims of bad behavior, their needs and rights, the impacts of being a victim, and victim services.
• Youth Offenders – Studies examine young people who do bad things, risk factors, youth courts, detention centers, and rehabilitation for young offenders.
• Laws – Research explores rules, constitutional issues, civil rights, and how rules are applied in the justice system.
• Technology – Emerging technologies like data tools, watching systems, and forensics are researched for criminal justice purposes.

Each area has many specific topics researchers study using different research methods to grow our understanding and improve criminal justice practices, policies, and theories. The variety of research helps address issues across all parts of the justice system.

Top 224+ Criminal Justice Research Topics for College Students

Here is a list of some of the top 224+ criminal justice research topics for college students, organized by category. 

Criminal Justice System

• Racism is how the law punishes people.
• The impact of spending a certain amount of time in jail on the number of people.
• Programs to help people stop doing bad things again: do they work?
• Jails that the government does not run: are they good or bad?
• Making things right between people who did wrong and those they hurt.
• Helping people with mental health issues while they’re in jail.
• Keeping people alone in jail: is this a good punishment?
• Programs to help people who leave jail not do bad things again.
• How does the law treat people differently because of their gender?
• Making the rules for kids who do bad things fairer.

Policing and Law Enforcement

• Police working closely with the people they protect: does it help stop bad things from happening?
• Police acting like soldiers: is this good or bad for people’s rights?
• Police wearing cameras on their bodies: is this helpful or not?
• Police are using too much force and not getting in trouble.
• Technology helping police catch bad people: is it fair?
• Police are doing things that are against the rules.
• Unions helping police do their jobs.
• Making sure police have good training and education.
• Police help people who are not feeling well instead of jailing them.
• Treating everyone fairly when police do their job.

Criminal Law and Legal System

• How the rules for what’s bad to do have changed over time.
• Killing someone as a punishment: is it okay?
• Do people who help bad people in court do a good job?
• Making being caught with drugs not as bad.
• Laws about bad things people do with computers: who can punish them?
• Keeping people safe who tell the court about something bad that happened.
• Making a deal with someone who did something bad instead of going to trial.
• Using science to discover what happened in a bad situation: is it always right?
• Making sure bad people are in trouble even if they are not in a gang.
• Making the rules for how much money someone has to pay to be free while waiting for a trial better.

Crime Prevention and Control

• Making it harder for people to have guns: does it stop bad things from happening?
• Stopping people from making others do things they don’t want to do.
• Helping people who do bad things because they are sick.
• Studying where bad things happen and why.
• Bad things happening on the internet: how can we stop it?
• Helping kids who might start doing bad things.
• Designing places to make it harder for bad things to happen.
• Making sure kids learn things so they don’t do bad things.
• Making things right between people who live together and hurt each other.
• How much money people have affects their likelihood of doing bad things.

Victimology and Victim Services

• How being hurt affects someone: understanding and getting better.
• Paying back people who were hurt: is it fair?
• Helping people who were hurt in a bad way.
• Making sure older people who are hurt are taken care of.
• Using technology to help people who were hurt.
• Helping all kinds of people who were hurt.
• Making things right between someone hurt and the person who did it.
• Blaming people who were hurt: does it help?
• Speaking up for people who were hurt.

Comparative and International Criminal Justice

• Looking at different countries and how they do things: what’s good and what’s not?
• Working together to stop bad people who do things in many countries.
• A big court that punishes bad people from all over the world.
• People who do very bad things in wars ensure they are in trouble.
• How the rules for what’s bad to do change when people move around the world.
• People moving around the world and doing bad things: how do we stop it?
• Looking at how kids who do bad things are treated in different countries.
• Making sure people don’t do bad things with drugs in different countries.
• How is the whole world connected, and how does it affect bad things happening?
• Stopping people who are in charge from doing bad things to get money.

Criminological Theories and Research Methods

• Why some places have more bad things happening: studying why.
• People making choices: why do they do bad things?
• Women and men doing bad things: is it different?
• People are bad because of how they were born and where they grew up.
• Watching people for a long time helps us understand why they do bad things.
• Asking people about bad things that happened instead of looking at numbers.
• Counting and looking at numbers to understand bad things happening.
• Trying to understand why rich people do bad things.
• Looking at why people do bad things again after they stop.
• I am studying what happens when people try to make things right between people who did bad things and people who were hurt.

Special Populations in the Criminal Justice System

• People are treated differently because of their skin color, gender, or how much money they have.
• People who like people of the same sex or both sexes are in trouble with the law: is it fair?
• Make sure the law treats people with difficulty moving or seeing fairly.
• Soldiers who are in trouble with the law: helping them better.
• The first people lived in a place, and how did the law treat them?
• People who are in a place without permission and how the law treats them.
• Women who are having babies or taking care of babies and in trouble with the law: what to do?
• Old people who are in trouble with the law: how to treat them better.
• People without homes are in trouble with the law: what to do to help them?
• People do not think they are in trouble with the law: how to help them better.

Emerging Issues in Criminal Justice

• Computers Helping police find bad people: is it fair and right?
• People are very angry online and want to hurt others: how to stop it?
• People are doing very bad things for the earth: how can we stop it?
• Money used online that no one knows how to stop bad people from using it?
• Keeping things private when the police are watching.
• Sickness changing how the law works: what to do?
• People being allowed to use a drug that was not allowed before: does it make bad things happen less?
• Helping people who did something bad not do it again.
• People do not like others because of who they are or their beliefs.
• Police stop people from talking about things they don’t like.

Policy Analysis and Reform

• Making the rules for how long someone has to stay in jail better.
• Making having drugs not as bad.
• This would make it fairer for people who don’t have much money to get out of jail while they wait for a trial.
• Making sure police don’t use too much force and get in trouble for it.
• Making jails better so there are not too many people inside and the conditions are good.
• Helping people who did something bad not go to jail.
• Ensure the law treats people fairly even if they are not in a group.
• Making the rules for making things right between people who did something bad and people who were hurt.
• Using science to make the law better.
• Deciding how to spend money in the law so everyone gets what they need.

Ethical Considerations in Criminal Justice

• Police are not telling the truth to catch bad people: is that right?
• Being honest when studying how people do bad things.
• Keeping things secret when helping people who were hurt.
• Police have too much power to decide what happens to bad people.
• Killing someone as a punishment: is it right?
• Making sure people in the law don’t have a reason to make bad choices.
• People are not allowed to do something bad; tell the law about it.
• Making sure people who know a lot about the law are honest.
• People who write about bad things do not say bad things about hurt people.
• Using computers to watch people and get proof they did something bad: is it right?

Technology and Innovation in Criminal Justice

• Computers help police know where bad things might happen: is it right?
• A way to keep track of who owns something using a computer: how to keep it safe?
• Making pretend worlds on a computer to help police learn: is it helpful and right?
• Is it private enough to use someone’s body to know who they are?
• Looking at where bad things happen on a computer map to stop them.
• Apps on phones to tell police when bad things are happening.
• Flying machines with cameras to help police watch bad people: is it private enough?
• Using big numbers to understand bad things better.
• Clothes with computers in them to watch people who did something bad: is it fair and right?
• Using a pretend world to examine a place where something bad happened: Does it help to understand what happened?

Juvenile Justice

• When parents go to jail, kids feel bad and maybe do bad things later. How can we help them feel better?
• Ensure kids don’t get in trouble just because they attend a certain school.
• What else can be done without jailing kids for doing something bad?
• Making sure kids have someone to help them in court.
• Helping kids who are hurt in their hearts feel better.
• Making things right between kids who did something bad and kids who were hurt.
• Knowing if a kid might do something bad again and trying to stop it.
• Make sure jail kids have what they need and can be friends when they leave.
• Ensure kids from different races are treated the same way in the law.
• Teaching kids things so they don’t do bad things later.

International Criminal Law

• Making sure bad people are in trouble no matter where they go.
• Making sure bad people who hurt others in wars are in trouble.
• A big court for bad people from all over the world: is it working?
• Making sure bad people who move around don’t do bad things in different places.
• Making sure bad people from wars get in trouble.
• Stopping bad people who move around and make others do things they don’t want.
• Working together to stop bad people from hurting others.
• The world has rules that stop bad people even if they are in charge.
• A big court that helps punish bad people from different places.
• Stopping bad people who use boats to hurt others and take things.

Miscellaneous Topics

• The internet makes people want to do bad things and helps them do it.
• People who believe in something a lot and what they think is bad.
• Selling things without anyone knowing: is it bad?
• Hurting animals and hurting people: what’s the connection?
• People are doing bad things without the law: is it good or bad?
• Studying bad people to find out who they might hurt next.
• People not feeling good and doing bad things: how to help them.
• Using computers to say bad things about people and hurt them.
• Watching people do bad things and not doing anything about it.
• Older people getting hurt: how to stop it?

Legal Systems and Cultural Context

• How do people who believe in one religion follow the rules: what’s good and what’s not?
• The first people who lived in a place and how they made rules.
• People in different places have different rules.
• More than one way to have rules: is it okay?
• Rules from long ago and what people think about them now.
• More than one way to have rules and what they mean.
• People follow the rules because of what they believe in.
• People follow the rules because they don’t want to get in trouble.
• Making things right between people who follow different rules.
• More people are moving around the world and what it means for rules.

International Perspectives on Terrorism

• Countries are making people do bad things: looking at times in the past and now.
• Making sure bad people don’t hurt others in different places.
• The world is coming together to stop bad people who want to hurt others.
• Computers and phones are making it easy to hurt others: how can we stop it?
• People are angry and doing bad things: how can we stop it?
• People believe in something and want to hurt others: how to stop it?
• The world working together to stop bad people who get money in a bad way.
• A big court for people who hurt others from all over the world: does it work?
• More than one way to have rules and what it means to stop bad people.
• The world is using flying machines to stop bad people: is it okay?

Intersectionality in Criminal Justice

• People are treated differently because of how they look, what they believe in, or how much money they have.
• People who like people of the same sex or both sexes are treated differently by the law: is it fair?
• Helping people who can’t do things like others in the law.
• Soldiers who do bad things: helping them better.
• People moving around and doing bad things: how to stop it?
• What to do for people with difficulty moving or getting in trouble with the law?
• People from other places are in trouble with the law: what to do to help them?
• People who are not feeling good are in trouble with the law: how can we help them?

Ethics and Accountability in Law Enforcement

Technology and Privacy in Criminal Justice

• Feeling hurt and how it makes someone feel: understanding and feeling better.

These topics cover various issues within the criminal justice field and can be adjusted or combined based on specific interests and research objectives. 

Additionally, some topics may overlap with multiple categories, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of criminal justice research.

Closing Up 

Picking a good topic to research is an important first step for any criminal justice student’s project or paper. This list provides over 224 potential ideas across many different areas of criminal justice. 

Plenty of interesting topics exist, from how cops do their jobs to computer crime youth offenders to helping victims. By choosing a topic that fits their interests and their program’s needs, students can do meaningful research that grows knowledge and may even suggest ways to improve laws, rules, or practices within the criminal justice system. 

With so many options spanning from concepts to real-world issues happening now, every criminal justice student should be able to find an interesting subject to carefully study through their research.

What makes a criminal justice research topic effective?

Effective criminal justice research topics address significant issues within the field, offer opportunities for meaningful investigation, and have practical implications for policy or practice.

How can college students choose a suitable research topic in criminal justice?

College students can choose a suitable research topic in criminal justice by considering their interests, current trends in the field, and the availability of relevant data and resources for conducting research.

Are there any ethical considerations in researching criminal justice topics?

Ethical considerations in criminal justice research include protecting the rights and confidentiality of research participants, ensuring research integrity, and minimizing potential harm or bias in data collection and analysis.

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Criminal Justice Research Topics: 150 Ideas for Your Legal Essay

The field of criminal justice offers a wide array of intriguing topics for legal essays, providing opportunities to delve into the complexities of law enforcement, court systems, and corrections. From exploring the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs to discussing the ethical implications of new surveillance technologies, there's no shortage of thought-provoking issues to examine. In this article, we've compiled 150 research topics to inspire and guide your exploration of these fascinating areas within criminal justice. Our expert essay writers are ready to help if you are pressed for time.

What Is Criminal Justice Research Paper

A criminal justice research paper is an academic document that explores various aspects of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, and related societal issues. These papers typically involve thorough investigation, analysis, and interpretation of relevant data, literature, and legal precedents to address specific research questions or topics within the field. 

Criminal justice research topics may examine the effectiveness of policies or programs, analyze trends in crime rates, explore the impacts of legal decisions, or propose solutions to address pressing issues within the criminal justice system. Additionally, they often contribute to broader discussions surrounding crime prevention, rehabilitation, social justice, and the protection of individual rights. Since you’ll need to rely on external sources for writing read guide of our research proposal writing service on citation format for research paper . 

Why Students Write a Criminal Justice Research Paper

Students write criminal justice research papers for several reasons, each aimed at enhancing their understanding of the field and developing critical thinking and analytical skills. Firstly, these assignments serve as a means for students to delve deeper into specific criminal justice research topic ideas within the criminal justice system, allowing them to explore areas of interest or concern in greater detail. Through research, students can understand the complexities surrounding law enforcement, judicial processes, corrections, and societal responses to crime. This exploration fosters a deeper appreciation for the nuances and challenges inherent in the criminal justice field, preparing students for future careers in law enforcement, legal practice, policymaking, or academia.

Moreover, criminal justice research papers allow students to hone their research and writing abilities, essential perks for success in both academic and professional settings. Conducting research requires students to gather and critically evaluate relevant literature, data, and legal precedents, enabling them to develop well-informed arguments and conclusions. 

Through writing, students refine their ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, organize their thoughts coherently, and adhere to academic writing conventions. Furthermore, crafting research papers encourages students to engage in thoughtful analysis, synthesis, and interpretation of information, fostering their ability to think critically and creatively about issues within the criminal justice system and beyond. Do you have ideas on how to start a research paper ? If not, feel free to consult our guide.

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How to Choose a Good Research Topic Rules

Good criminal justice research topics are the driving force behind the success of your project, as they will guide your exploration and shape the direction of your study. To select an effective research topic, consider the following steps:

• Identify your interests

Start by reflecting on your interests and passions within criminal justice. Consider topics that intrigue you or issues you feel strongly about. Research is often more engaging and fruitful when genuinely interested in the subject.

• Review existing literature

Conduct a preliminary review of academic literature, textbooks, journals, and reputable websites to identify current trends, debates, and gaps in knowledge within the field of criminal justice. Look for areas where ongoing discussion or emerging research piques your interest.

• Consider relevance and significance

Choose a topic relevant to contemporary issues or debates within the criminal justice system. Consider how your research can address real-world problems, inform policy decisions, or advance theoretical understanding in the field.

• Narrow down your focus

Once you've identified a broad area of interest, narrow your focus to a specific research question or problem. A well-defined research question will help you maintain clarity and focus throughout your study, ensuring that your research remains manageable and achievable.

• Evaluate feasibility

Assess the feasibility of your research topic by considering factors such as access to data, resources, and expertise. Ensure that your chosen topic is feasible within the constraints of your time, budget, and available resources.

• Seek feedback

Discuss your research topic with professors, advisors, peers, or professionals in criminal justice. Their feedback can help you refine your ideas, identify potential challenges, and ensure that your topic is well-suited to your academic goals and interests. If the feedback from your peers and teachers leaves much to be desired, use our coursework writing service to deliver a first-class paper that checks all the quality boxes.

• Stay flexible

Remain open to revising and refining your research topic as you delve deeper into your study. Be prepared to adapt your focus based on new insights, findings, or changes in the research landscape.

Criminal Justice Research Topics: The List

Coming up with strong criminal justice research topics for college students matters because they are the foundation for meaningful inquiry, shaping the direction and scope of academic exploration within a specific field. A well-chosen topic not only captures the researcher's interest but also holds significance within the broader context of the discipline, offering opportunities for original insights, critical analysis, and scholarly contributions. Opt for a custom research paper , and our writers will select compelling and relevant topics that can engage readers, advance knowledge, and address pressing issues or gaps in understanding. 

List of Criminology Research Topics

Begin with the broad research topics in criminology that immediately captivate your reader's attention:

• The impact of social media on crime rates.
• Rehabilitation vs. retribution: effectiveness of different punitive measures.
• Juvenile delinquency: causes and prevention strategies.
• The psychology of criminal behavior.
• Cybercrime: trends and countermeasures.
• The role of gender in criminal justice.
• Illegal substance trafficking and law enforcement challenges.
• White-collar crime: Patterns and detection.
• Community policing: Building trust and reducing crime.
• Mental health and criminal justice system interaction.
• Human trafficking: Modern-day slavery.
• Restorative justice: Healing communities after crime.
• Police brutality and accountability.
• Environmental criminology: Understanding crime hotspots.
• Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED).
• The economics of crime: Cost-benefit analysis.
• Hate crimes: Motivations and impact on society.
• Criminal profiling techniques and accuracy.
• Witness reliability in criminal trials.
• The influence of poverty on crime rates.
• Rehabilitation programs for incarcerated individuals.
• The intersection of race and criminal justice.
• Firearms and violence: Policy implications.
• The role of technology in crime detection and prevention.
• Gangs and organized crime: Structure and activities.
• Domestic violence: Causes and intervention strategies.
• The ethics of punishment: Balancing justice and mercy.
• Crime mapping and geographic information systems (GIS).
• Biological explanations for criminal behavior.
• Crime and deviance: Sociological perspectives.

List of Realistic Crime Research Topics

Continuing with our exploration of criminological research topics, here are some additional options that reflect current global issues in our society, offering a more realistic perspective for study.

• The impact of neighborhood characteristics on crime rates.
• Factors influencing the likelihood of reoffending among convicted criminals.
• The effectiveness of community policing in reducing crime.
• Patterns of illegal substance-related crimes in urban vs. rural areas.
• The role of technology in modern crime detection and prevention.
• Gender disparities in crime victimization and perpetration.
• Strategies for reducing juvenile delinquency in at-risk communities.
• The influence of socioeconomic status on involvement in white-collar crime.
• Cybercrime trends and challenges in the digital age.
• The relationship between mental health issues and criminal behavior.
• The effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for offenders.
• The impact of sentencing guidelines on crime rates.
• Trends in organized crime activity in different regions.
• The role of peer influence in youth involvement in criminal activities.
• Arms control policies and their effects on arms-related crimes.
• The correlation between unemployment rates and property crime.
• Cultural factors influencing attitudes towards crime and punishment.
• The prevalence of hate crimes and strategies for prevention.
• The role of media in shaping perceptions of crime and criminal justice.
• Environmental criminology: Exploring the link between crime and urban design.
• The impact of immigration on crime rates in host countries.
• Psychological profiles of serial offenders.
• The effectiveness of restorative justice programs in reducing recidivism.
• The relationship between substance abuse and criminal behavior.
• Policing strategies for reducing gang-related crime.
• The influence of family dynamics on youth involvement in crime.
• Corporate crime: Investigating fraud and corruption in business.
• The effectiveness of early intervention programs for at-risk youth.
• The role of poverty in driving criminal behavior.
• The ethics and implications of using predictive policing technologies.

List of Basic Criminal Justice Topics

Here is a list of fundamental topics in criminal justice. Assess the available information on each issue carefully. Ultimately, the choice of study topics in criminal justice is entirely yours.

• Overview of the criminal justice system.
• Importance of due process in criminal justice.
• Key components of criminal law.
• Role of law enforcement in society.
• Basics of criminal investigations.
• Types of criminal offenses.
• Understanding criminal courts and procedures.
• Principles of criminal sentencing.
• Purpose and function of corrections.
• Victim rights in the criminal justice system.
• Evolution of criminal justice policies.
• Ethics in criminal justice professions.
• Impact of technology on criminal justice.
• Challenges in administering justice fairly.
• Role of forensic science in solving crimes.
• Rehabilitation versus punishment debate.
• Alternatives to incarceration.
• Importance of community policing.
• Mental health and the criminal justice system.
• Restorative justice approaches.
• Juvenile justice system basics.
• Trends in crime rates and patterns.
• Intersection of race and criminal justice.
• Role of probation and parole.
• Challenges in addressing recidivism.
• International perspectives on criminal justice.
• Role of private security in society.
• Importance of evidence in criminal cases.
• Impact of illegal substances and abuse on crime.
• Contemporary issues in criminal justice reform.

List of Criminal Justice Topics on Racial Discrimination

Let's narrow down our focus to specific topics within the realm of criminal justice for research papers. Here, we'll categorize the prompts based on aspects of racial discrimination.

• Racial profiling in law enforcement.
• Disparities in arrest rates among racial groups.
• Impact of implicit bias on criminal justice outcomes.
• Race and sentencing disparities.
• Effects of socioeconomic status on racial disparities in the criminal justice system.
• Policing practices and their differential impact on racial minorities.
• Racial disparities in juvenile justice system involvement.
• Role of race in jury selection and trial outcomes.
• Disproportionate representation of racial minorities in prisons and jails.
• Effects of mandatory minimum sentencing laws on racial disparities.
• Racial disparities in pretrial detention and bail decisions.
• Impact of race on interactions with probation and parole officers.
• Challenges in addressing systemic racism in the criminal justice system.
• Role of media portrayal in perpetuating racial stereotypes in crime reporting.
• Effects of the school-to-prison pipeline on communities of color.
• Racial disparities in access to legal representation.
• Intersectionality of race with other factors such as gender and socioeconomic status in criminal justice outcomes.
• Effects of racial trauma on interactions with law enforcement.
• Role of community activism in addressing racial discrimination in criminal justice.
• Historical roots of racial disparities in criminal justice.
• Impact of illegal substance policies on racial disparities in arrests and incarceration.
• Role of implicit bias training in reducing racial discrimination in law enforcement.
• Effects of racial segregation on policing practices and community trust.
• Racial disparities in use of force incidents and police brutality.
• Role of accountability measures in addressing racial discrimination in criminal justice.
• Impact of racial diversity within law enforcement agencies on community relations.
• Effects of racialized fear and stereotypes on criminal justice decision-making.
• Role of sentencing reform in addressing racial disparities.
• Racial disparities in access to diversion and rehabilitation programs.
• Strategies for promoting racial equity and fairness in the criminal justice system.

List of Crime Research Topics (Crime Types)

Finally, examine the topics for research papers in criminal justice categorized by different types of crime.

• Burglary patterns and prevention strategies.
• Trends in cybercrime and cybersecurity measures.
• Understanding the psychology of serial perpetrators.
• Illegal substance trafficking routes and law enforcement responses.
• White-collar crime: Fraud, embezzlement, and corporate misconduct.
• Human trafficking: Prevalence, victims, and intervention approaches.
• Homicide investigation techniques and case studies.
• Identity theft: Impacts and prevention tactics.
• Robbery dynamics and risk factors for victimization.
• Hate crimes: Motivations, perpetrators, and legal responses.
• Carjacking trends and prevention measures.
• Arson investigations and forensic analysis.
• Money laundering methods and detection strategies.
• Gang violence: Origins, structures, and intervention efforts.
• Stalking behaviors and legal consequences.
• Art theft: High-profile cases and recovery efforts.
• Wildlife poaching: Impacts, perpetrators, and conservation efforts.
• Online scams: Common schemes and protective measures.
• Domestic violence: Patterns, risk factors, and support services.
• Child abuse and neglect: Identification and prevention strategies.
• Environmental crimes: Illegal dumping, pollution, and enforcement challenges.
• Smuggling operations: Contraband and border security.
• Extortion tactics and responses in law enforcement.
• Organized crime syndicates: Structures, activities, and global impact.
• Counterfeiting: Trends in production methods and law enforcement actions.
• Art forgery: Authentication techniques and case studies.
• Food fraud: Adulteration, mislabeling, and consumer protection efforts.
• Political corruption: Types, impacts, and anti-corruption measures.
• Intellectual property theft: Piracy, counterfeiting, and legal responses.
• Terrorism: Ideologies, tactics, and counterterrorism strategies.

Final Thoughts

In summary, writing research papers in criminal justice is incredibly important for students. It helps them learn about various aspects of the criminal justice system and develop skills like critical thinking and research. 

Choosing the right criminal justice research topic ideas allows you to set the direction for your research and ensure that you stay engaged and interested. By picking a topic they're passionate about or relevant to current issues, students can make the most of their learning experience and even contribute new insights to the legal field. If you’re stuck on such a paper while other assignments have already started to stack up, buy essays online to manage the workload more effectively. 

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100 Amazing Criminal Justice Research Topics 2023

To score the top grades, students must choose the right criminal justice research topics for their papers and essays. Writing assignments in this academic field deal with justice and crime. However, the study field of a learner can be limited to specific academic barriers and choices. Criminal justice is a science. Nevertheless, criminal justice is generally a science that focuses on the study, analysis of the occurrence, and prevention of illegal acts.

But, what are some criminal justice topics that learners can consider? Well, students can select criminal justice topics for their papers by focusing on definite issues.

Criminal justice topics are limited and flexible because they offer hypotheses. However, criminal justice paper topics should be based on case studies or legislative acts. Additionally, students should be confident in terms of their ability to research and write about their chosen topics.

So, are still asking, what are some good criminal justice research topics? If yes, here are some of the great criminal justice research paper topics to consider.

Basic Criminal Justice Research Topics

Perhaps, your educator asked you to write an original paper. In that case, consider standard or basic research topics in criminal justice. Here are examples of such topics.

• What are the major problems in prison systems?
• What are the major crime prevention principles?
• Discuss the deterrence and rational option theory
• How does the law punish workplace and school sexual offenders?
• Why is capital punishment common among men than women?
• What are the most common features for ransom and kidnapping cases- Consider behavior style and motifs
• Explain the cybercrime’s legal perspective
• Crime prevention- What are the major principles?
• How to determine whether a person fired off accidentally or deliberately
• How are crime, justice, and mass media related?
• What is experimental criminology?
• Discuss Miranda vs. Arizona and its effect today
• What are victim services?
• Discuss juvenile recidivism
• A review of parental abduction laws
• How to prevent wildlife crime
• What is felon disenfranchisement?
• Describe the functions of forensic science
• How effective are witness protection programs?
• How do criminal cases differ from civil cases?

If you wish to write a simple paper, consider some ideas from this list of basic criminal justice topics. Nevertheless, make sure that you’re comfortable researching and writing about the topic that you choose.

Controversial Topics in Criminal Justice

Maybe you want to write a paper on a controversial topic. In that case, consider any of these criminal justice controversial topics.

• Major causes of college violence
• Biased investigations of African Americans
• Punishment versus reform- Which one is more beneficial?
• How good is a restorative justice model as a tool for criminal justice
• Should an insane person be exempted from liability?
• Is school-based drug testing ideal for colleges and high schools
• Is the current judicial system racial?
• What is the correlation between crime and race?
• How is juvenile delinquency related to bad parenting?
• Can prisons be decongested by restrictive housing?
• How can people protect themselves from false accusations?
• Should the names of sex offenders be included in public records?
• What causes controversy about prostitution legalization?
• How is crime linked to the social class of a person?
• Selective incapacitation- Is it effective as a crime reduction policy?
• How can eyewitness testimony facilitate crime investigation?
• How effective is community policing as a program for reducing homegrown crimes?
• How effective are youthful offenders’ boot camps?
• Should pornography be categorized as a form of sexual violence?
• How can the state enhance gun control?

This category has some of the best argumentative topics. That’s because somebody can argue from different angles when discussing some of these topics. Nevertheless, extensive research is required to compose solid papers on these topics.

Criminal Justice Debate Topics

Maybe you want to write about a debate topic. This category has some of the best topics to talk about in criminal justice. That’s because they mostly involve current issues that concern most people. Some of them are about problems whose solutions have not been found yet. Here are examples of topics in this category.

• How effective and fair is the death penalty as a way of deterring crime?
• How fair is the extradition law?
• Should deceit and trickery be used for interrogations and investigations?
• Should cooperation with informants in prisons be acceptable?
• Death penalty for juveniles- Should it be used?
• How effective are super-max prisons?
• Super-max prisons are cruel
• How can police shootings be justified?
• Drunk drivers’ punishment- Should it be severe?
• How effective e is zero-tolerance when it comes to crime reduction?
• Should criminal charges attract mandatory imprisonment without a possibility for parole?
• Should shaming become an element of criminal punishment?
• How are civil liberties threatened by the Patriot Act?
• Should the Rights Amendment for a victim be added to the constitution?
• Should plea bargaining be considered an acceptable means of settling criminal cases?
• American society needs more laws to prevent the cruelty meted on animals
• How humane is the U.S society?
• Discuss the Susan Wright trial
• What is political corruption?
• Discuss the Marbury versus Madison Case

Criminal Justice Research Proposal Topics

What are some good research topics for criminal justice that will get you the necessary funding? You’re likely to ask this question when writing a proposal for your research. Here are some of the best research proposal topics to consider in criminal justice.

• How does crime relate to aggression?
• Mental health problems like depression and the internet
• How mental health relate to violence
• Use of violence and torture towards criminals
• Invalidity or validity of Rational Choice theory
• Crime and violence- Are they nurtured or products of nature?
• Major trends in criminology
• Crime and dysfunctional families
• Basis, theories, and limitations of feminist criminology
• How crime occurrence can be reduced by the examination of criminal behavior

Juvenile Justice Paper Topics

Perhaps, you need juvenile topics in criminal justice for your academic papers. In that case, consider criminal justice paper topics, prepared by our writing professionals.

• Do children deserve the same trial with adults?
• Rehabilitation of children involved in violent crimes
• Should children and adults have the same prisons?
• Can juveniles be socio-paths?
• Should house arrest be granted to juvenile offenders that do not engage in violent crimes?
• What are the best solutions for teens that keep committing crimes?
• How can the criminal justice system deal with frequent juvenile offenders?
• Is punitive juvenile justice effective?
• How rampant is juvenile victimization?
• How effective are school-based juvenile programs for preventing crime?

International Topics Dealing with Criminal Justice

Several criminal justice issue topics can be addressed at an international level. Here are examples of such topics.

• How are international offenders treated currently?
• NATO ethics in Afghanistan and Iraq
• Violations of human rights in Uganda
• International intervention- When is it acceptable?
• Information accessibility and police cooperation at an international level
• Methods used by criminals to traffic drugs
• Analysis of an international criminal justice tribunal
• What the appeal process for the international criminal court?
• Discuss the issue of child soldiers during the Israel-Palestine conflict
• Discuss the XYZ Corporation’s transnational crimes

Criminal Justice Thesis Topics

A thesis topic should be interesting and relevant. If struggling to come up with a topic for your thesis, consider these samples for inspiration.

• Why do some offenders become criminals after servicing their sentences?
• How can legislation change the delinquency and violence levels in the U.S concerning drug use?
• How can wrong convictions be prevented?
• How do people influence the making of decisions of public policies about the criminal justice system?
• How accurately do television, novels, and movies depict a country’s criminal justice system?
• Does a criminal deserve cruel treatment and unlawful use of force by law enforcers?
• How effective are strategies for stopping or determining criminal behavior?
• How can the reentry of an offender to society be made seamless?
• Should law enforcers wear cameras?
• How effective and accessible is the judicial system?

In addition to these ideas, you can choose criminal justice reform topics or criminal justice ethic topics. Nevertheless, choose only topics you find interesting and comfortable working on.

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Research Methods for Criminal Justice Students

(3 reviews)

Monica Williams, Weber State University

Copyright Year: 2022

Publisher: Monica Williams

Language: English

Formats Available

Conditions of use.

Learn more about reviews.

Reviewed by Kelly Arney, Dean of Behavioral Sciences, Associate Professor, Grace College on 12/15/23

This textbook covers topics needed for criminal justice students to understand as they are going to be doing continual research in their field. Most of the examples cover criminal justice-specific real work examples with an emphasis on law... read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

This textbook covers topics needed for criminal justice students to understand as they are going to be doing continual research in their field. Most of the examples cover criminal justice-specific real work examples with an emphasis on law enforcement. Interestingly, this could be utilized for a larger behavioral science class as it encompasses the foundations of research that can be applied to most degrees in behavioral sciences. It places a large emphasis on the scientific method, how to design research, and data collection. It differs from other textbooks by not exploring the specifics of experimental designs, nonexperimental designs, quasi-experimental strategies, and factorial designs. The integration of real-world examples throughout each chapter will likely help students to grow in their willingness to engage in research that is necessary to the profession. Emphasis is placed on finding, understanding, and utilizing research.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The content was accurate and error-free. No biases material or examples were identified.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The content was relevant and recent. The foundational terminology spans the last two decades. This book was originally based on Bhattachergee's 2012 Social Science Research: Principles, Methods, and Practice and Blackstone's 2012 Principles of Sociological Inquiry: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods. This material was built on and this textbook is accurate with more recent examples. It has devoted a chapter to ethics in research which I found particularly relevant. It not only covers ethical standards such as the Belmont Report but also dives deep into ethics surrounding the specifics of those requirements. It has a section for research on humans, the Stanford Prison Experiment, Institutional Review Boards, informed consent, vulnerable populations, and the professional code of ethics. This textbook explores these areas in depth. Compared to other textbooks, this has devoted a substantial area to these topics that seem especially relevant recently and particularly important to emphasize for the criminal justice student.

Clarity rating: 5

This textbook seems to make research a little easier. The author has bolded the terminology words for students and created a nice and simple way of organizing the areas of study. The author has multiple categories inside each chapter that give meaning to the section. It is clear what each chapter is about, then each section inside that chapter. Research Methods can be a world of confusing terminology, but this author has simplified this and taken it to a level that students can easily follow. The Key Terms and Discussion Questions at the end of each chapter are also a nice guide for students to clarify what they read in each chapter.

Consistency rating: 4

Consistency is a difficult task in research methods because terms are interchangeable. Some of the terminology was inconsistent, but it described the same things and did not seem confusing. This textbook was the easiest to read when compared to the other textbooks on Research Methods. The sentences were simple and to the point. The book was not overrun with examples or mathematical equations that tend to confuse students. The instructor of the class may need to work to create the standard terminology they want to be used in class. This textbook explores the different terminology, so that can be a learning experience for students in and of itself. People use different terms in real life. It is an easy read as far as research goes. The clarity in the sentences and larger categories is apparent.

Modularity rating: 5

This is one of the largest strengths of this textbook. The text is easy to follow. The author did an excellent job of dividing the chapters into categories that divide the content into smaller readable sections. This makes smaller assignments much easier to assign to instructors. The sections have nice bolded titles and clear spacing between them with bolded words inside the sections. This makes pulling out specific areas and the relevant terminology much easier than in a traditional textbook. It is clear the author put time into organizing this textbook in a student-friendly way.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The topics are organized well. The chapters flow in a way that seems relevant to how it should be taught in the classroom. It is logical in that flow. The chapters are encompassed into larger sections: Think like a researcher, Research design, Qualitative data collection and analysis techniques, A qualitative and quantitative data collection technique, and finally Quantitative data collection and analysis techiniques. Inside each of these larger 5 sections are the chapters that expand on that idea. It is wellorganized.

Interface rating: 5

The digital pdf and the online versions of the textbook did not have any navigational problems. This textbook has some illustrations that worked well. No issues were noted with the interface.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The writing in this textbook was straightforward and clear. I did not find any typos or grammatical errors. This was an easy-to-read textbook.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

This textbook was culturally inclusive. I did not find any of the materials in this book to be insensitive or offensive. The examples in this textbook were general examples and did not associate with a cultural component. The only area I think that encompassed this was the vulnerable population section. That was very generalized and mostly suggested students consider who would fall into the vulnerable population category given what they want to research. The chapter on Research Questions (CH 4) did dive into the idea that students are social scientists and use their bias for their research projects. This was more about observing the world around them and then asking questions. It did not dive into cultural sensitivity any further.

I would recommend this book for research in behavioral science college-level classes. This book can be applied to students well beyond the criminal justice major. Many of the examples can be used for psychology, sociology, law, political science, and social work students. Don't let the criminal justice part of the title limit you. This is an easy-to-read and well-organized research textbook with helpful review guides included at the end of each chapter.

Reviewed by Mari Sakiyama, Associate Professor, Western Oregon University on 12/14/23

Each chapter of the textbook included the objectives, summary, key terms, and a few discussion questions. The key terms used in the book were in bold and were easy to identify. The chapters covered in the textbook are appropriate, and they are... read more

Each chapter of the textbook included the objectives, summary, key terms, and a few discussion questions. The key terms used in the book were in bold and were easy to identify. The chapters covered in the textbook are appropriate, and they are grouped in sections. Given that the provided examples throughout the textbook are CJ related, the major specific students can relate themselves to the course materials and it is easier for them to apply their conceptual CJ research ideas to research questions or a proposal. Glossary with definitions at the end of the book was not listed.

Content Accuracy rating: 2

I thought the content was accurate, and the author put the book together in an error-free manner. However, I thought that the textbook was slightly qualitative research heavy as opposed to quantitative research. Also, in the sampling section, I probably would not label non-probability and probability sampling for inductive qualitative and deductive quantitative research, respectively.

Given that research methods is generally required at all 4-year CJ programs and the majority of the concept of the course does not get outdated, the textbook definitely meets both relevancy and longevity.

Despite research methods tend to be full of jargon and technical terminologies, the material was written and introduced in a very reader-friendly and lucid manner. Perhaps, this book might had been the easiest read amongst all the research methods books I have read.

Both terminology and framework were internally consistent throughout the textbook. Although research methods consist with many interchangeable terms that describe the same thing, the author did a great job maintaining its consistency. In addition, the format for each chapter was also consistent and was easy to follow.

Modularity rating: 4

The textbook contains 15 chapters and are grouped in 5 different sections. Each chapter or even within those chapters can be divisible into smaller segment to fit instructors’ existing course structure. However, as mentioned earlier, the textbook was more qualitative research oriented and I thought some of the sections could be combined (i.e., III & IV). In addition, I think sampling could be its own section. Nonetheless, with the divisibility as well as the author’s permission to reuse and modify with attribution, the issues could be easily resolved.

The textbook was well-organized and -structured. I generally do not cover different designs until after midterm but I personally like the flow of this textbook.

Interface rating: 3

The textbook did not have any navigation problems, since each chapter’s organization is consistent. Some of the tables that provided key summaries of strategies/designs or its comparison of strengths/weakness are very helpful to learners. The author did a great job creating charts and diagrams, bur there could be more of them. Also, the number of illustrations/photos were limited but that could be easily adjusted when incorporating the textbook.

The style of writing was appropriate and straightforward. I did not find any typos or grammatical errors. I believe that the textbook would be an easy read compared to other publishers’ research methods textbooks.

I did not find any of the materials in the textbook that were culturally insensitive nor offensive. Examples throughout the textbook were general examples that did not necessarily associate with cultural component.

While there have been OER research methods books for Sociology and Psychology, I think this is the first OER book for CJ research methods, at least that I know of (and kudos to the author)! It would be an excellent material for undergraduate CJ students. I definitely consider using this book for my class.

Reviewed by Youngki Woo, Assistant professor, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on 12/16/22

The textbook covers most areas of research methods in the field of criminology and criminal justice. Like other textbooks, each chapter identifies the learning objectives and showed it in the beginning. At the end of each chapter, there are... read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The textbook covers most areas of research methods in the field of criminology and criminal justice. Like other textbooks, each chapter identifies the learning objectives and showed it in the beginning. At the end of each chapter, there are several discussion questions for students. Each chapter is comfortable to follow and addresses all the learning objectives to provide a straightforward response to the discussion questions. In addition, each chapter covers ideas of the subject appropriately and provides an effective index, key terms, and glossary.

Content is accurate and it is easy to read and follow.

Each chapter addresses fundamental concepts and techniques that students should know about research methods in social sciences. The book is published in 2022, indicating that content is up-to-date.

The text is simple and well-written, and content is informative and straight-forward.

Consistency rating: 5

The text is internally consistent in terms of terminology and framework. The author did a great job in providing summary at the end of the chapter that tied along with the learning objectives that are provided at the beginning of the chapter.

There are five parts in the textbook and each part is easily divisible into smaller reading sections that can be assigned at different points within the course (please see the Table of Contents). Personally, chapter 4 and 5 covers relevant information, but they could have gone more in depth when describing the different techniques along with a variety of research examples.

The topics in the text are presented in a logical and clear fashion. The logical organization carries students through the sequence of the research process. As an instructor, I like the organization that is flexible and helps students better understand the fundamental research skills in criminal justice.

Personally, I would suggest the author to add more photos/images/charts to give examples of what each objective talk about on each chapter. It would help the reader to figure out some methodological techniques with a visual representation. Nonetheless, the text is free of significant interface issues, including navigation problems and any other display features that may distract or confuse the reader.

There are no typos or technical/grammatical errors that I am aware of in the textbook.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

The text is not culturally insensitive and offensive as the text discuss mainly about research methods. Some examples in the textbooks are children and family.

Overall, this book contains information that could help students understand the knowledge about methodological terms and skills. This book would be suitable for undergraduate methods courses in most social sciences.

Table of Contents

• 1. Scientific Research
• 2. Paradigms, Theories, and Research
• 3. Ethics in Research
• 4. Research questions
• 5. Research approaches and goals
• 6. Research methodologies
• 7. Measurement
• 8. Sampling
• 9. Focus groups
• 10. Field research
• 11. Qualitative data analysis
• 12. Interviews
• 13. Surveys
• 14. Experiments
• 15. Quantitative data analysis

Ancillary Material

About the book.

This book is based on two open-access textbooks: Bhattacherjee’s (2012) Social science research: Principles, methods, and practices and Blackstone’s (2012) Principles of sociological inquiry: Qualitative and quantitative methods. I first used Bhattacherjee’s book in a graduate-level criminal justice research methods course. I chose the book because it was an open educational resource that covered the major topics of my course. While I found the book adequate for my purposes, the business school perspective did not always fit with my criminal justice focus. I decided to rewrite the textbook for undergraduate and graduate students in my criminal justice research methods courses. As I researched other open- educational resources for teaching social science research methods, I found Blackstone’s book, which covered more of the social science and qualitative methods perspectives that I wanted to incorporate into my book.

As a result, this open-access textbook includes some content from both previous works along with my own additions based on my extensive experience and expertise in conducting qualitative and quantitative research in social science settings and in mentoring students through the research process. My Ph.D. is in Sociology, and I currently teach undergraduates and graduate students in a criminal justice program at Weber State University. Throughout my career, I have conducted and published the results of research projects using a variety of methods, including surveys, case studies, in-depth interviews, participant observation, content analysis, and secondary analysis of quantitative data. I have also mentored undergraduates in conducting community-based research projects using many of these same methods with the addition of focus groups and program evaluations.

About the Contributors

Monica Williams, Ph.D ., Associate Professor, Weber State University

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Strong Research Questions

A strong research question covers a well-defined and well-studied area of research. Strong research topics/questions are:

• clear and simple
• consistent with assignment requirements
• of interest to you

Developing Your Research Question

A broad topic has literally thousands of articles on it, and you won't be able to adequately cover it in your literature review. It will be far easier for you to research and write your literature review if you develop a strong, focused research question:

Do some exploratory research  on your topic idea, in your course textbook and class notes to identify specific issues, arguments, and analytical approaches in your research area and then identify possible relationships between them. 

Ask yourself questions about your topic idea. What concepts, issues, or other aspects of this topic interest you? What have people said about it? What gaps, contradictions, or concerns arise as you learn more about it? What relationships are there between different aspects of the topic? What makes this topic important to society?

Focus your topic:   Use the information from your exploratory research to identify a few of the specific aspects that interest you and then use the questions you had about those to create your research question.

Choose a current topic:  Your goal is to summarize and evaluate current findings of an area of research. Pick a research topic about which articles are continuing to be published. Avoid defunct or little-known areas of research. 

Write about what interests you:  Professors want students to write about topics that they care about. If you're interested in the topic, it will be more fun for you to write your paper and probably more fun for your professor to read it, too.

Ask your course professor  for feedback on your research question.

Picking Your Topic IS Research

Once you've picked a research topic for your paper, it isn't set in stone. It's just an idea that you will test and develop through exploratory research. This exploratory research may guide you into modifying your original idea for a research topic. Watch this video for more info:

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256 Research Topics on Criminal Justice & Criminology

Are you a law school student studying criminal behavior or forensic science? Or maybe just looking for good criminal justice topics, questions, and hypotheses? Look no further! Custom-writing.org experts offer a load of criminology research topics and titles for every occasion. Criminological theories, types of crime, the role of media in criminology, and more. Our topics will help you prepare for a college-level assignment, debate, or essay writing.

• ⚖️ Criminology vs. Criminal Justice
• 🔬 120 Criminology Research Topics
• 💂 116 Criminal Justice Research Topics

🔥 Hot Criminology Research Topics

• The role of media in criminology.
• Cultural explanation of crime.
• Benefits of convict criminology.
• Main issues of postmodern criminology.
• Is criminal behavior affected by the politics?
• How does DAWN collect data?
• The limitations of crime mapping.
• Personality traits that trigger criminal behavior.
• Community deterioration and crime rates.
• Does experimental criminology affect social policy?

🔬 120 Criminology Research Topics & Ideas

Here are 100 criminology research topics ideas organized by themes.

General Criminology Research Paper Topics

• Criminology as a social science.
• Criminology and its public policies.
• History of criminology.
• Crime commission: legal and social perspectives .

Criminal Psychology Research Topics

• What is the nature of criminal behavior?
• How does the lack of education affect the incarceration rates?
• Childhood aggression and the impact of divorce
• The effect of the upbringing on antisocial adult behavior
• How do gender and cultural background affect one’s attitude towards drug abuse ?
• Forensic psychology and its impact on the legal system
• What is the role of criminal psychologists?
• Different types of forensic psychological evaluations
• What’s the difference between therapeutic and forensic evaluation?
• Does socioeconomic status impact one’s criminal behavior?

Criminology Research Topics: Theories

• What crimes are typical for what ages?
• How does the type of crime correspond with the level of exerted aggression ?
• What is the connection between citizenship (or lack thereof) and law violation?
• How does education (or lack thereof) correspond with crime level?
• Does employment (or lack thereof) correspond with law violation?
• What is the connection between family status and law violation?
• Does gender affect on the type of law violation?
• How does ownership of firearms correspond with law violation?
• Does immigrant status correlate with law violation?

• Is there a connection between mental health and law violation?
• What are the causes of violence in the society?
• Does the crime rate depend on the neighborhood?
• How does race correspond with the type of crime?
• Do religious beliefs correspond with law violation?
• How does social class correlate with crime rate?
• What are the reasons for the homeless’ improsonment?
• How does weather correspond with law violation?

Criminology Topics on Victimization

• Biological theories of crime: how do biological factors correspond with law violation?
• Classical criminology: the contemporary take on crime, economics, deterrence, and the rational choice perspective.
• Convict criminology: what do ex-convicts have to say on the subject?
• Criminal justice theories: punishment as a deterrent to crime.
• Critical criminology : debunking false ideas about crime and criminal justice.
• Cultural criminology: criminality as the product of culture.
• Cultural transmission theory: how criminal norms are transmitted in social interaction.
• Deterrence theory: how people don’t commit crimes out of fear of punishment.
• Rational choice theory : how crime doing is aligned with personal objectives of the perpetrator.
• Feminist Criminology: how the dominant crime theories exclude women.
• Labeling and symbolic interaction theories: how minorities and those deviating from social norms tend to be negatively labeled.
• Life course criminology : how life events affect the actions that humans perform.
• Psychological theories of crime: criminal behavior through the lense of an individual’s personality.
• Routine activities theory : how normal everyday activities affect the tendency to commit a crime.
• The concept of natural legal crime.
• Self-control theory: how the lack of individual self-control results in criminal behavior.
• Social construction of crime: crime doing as social response.
• Social control theory : how positive socialization corresponds with reduction of criminal violation.
• Social disorganization theory : how neighborhood ecological characteristics correspond with crime rates.
• Social learning theory : how (non)criminal behavior can be acquired by observing and imitating others.
• Strain theories : how social structures within society pressure citizens to commit crime.
• Theoretical integration: how two theories are better than one.

Criminology Research and Measurement Topics

• Citation content analysis (CCA): a framework for gaining knowledge from a variety of media.
• Crime classification systems: classification of crime according to the severity of punishment.
• Crime mapping as a way to map, visualize, and analyze crime incident patterns.
• Reports and statistics of crime: the estimated rate of crime over time. Public surveys.
• Drug abuse warning network (DAWN): predicting trends in drug misuse.
• Arrestee drug abuse monitoring (ADAM): drug use among arrestees.
• Edge ethnography: collecting data undercover in typically closed research settings and groups through rapport development or covert undercover strategy.
• Experimental criminology: experimental and quasi-experimental research in the advancement of criminological theory.
• Fieldwork in criminology: street ethnographers and their dilemmas in the field concerning process and outcomes.
• Program evaluation: collecting and analyzing information to assess the efficiency of projects, policies and programs.
• Quantitative criminology: how exploratory research questions, inductive reasoning, and an orientation to social context help recognize human subjectivity.

Criminology Topics on Types of Crime

• Campus crime: the most common crimes on college campuses and ways of preventing them.
• Child abuse : types, prevalence, risk groups, ways of detection and prevention.
• Cybercrime : cyber fraud, defamation, hacking, bullying, phishing.
• Domestic violence: gender, ways of detection and prevention, activism.
• Domestic violence with disabilities .
• Elder abuse: types, prevalence, risk groups, ways of detection and prevention.
• Environmental crime. Natural resource theft: illegal trade in wildlife and timber, poaching, illegal fishing.
• Environmental crime. Illegal trade in ozone-depleting substances, hazardous waste; pollution of air, water, and soil.
• Environmental crime: local, regional, national, and transnational level.
• Environmental crime: climate change crime and corruption.
• Environmental crime: wildlife harming and exploitation.
• Hate crime: how prejudice motivates violence.

• Homicide : what motivates one person to kill another.
• Human trafficking : methods of deception, risk groups, ways of detection and prevention.
• Identity theft : methods, risk groups, ways of detection and prevention.
• Gambling in America .
• Juvenile delinquency : risk groups, prevention policies, prosecution and punishment.
• Juvenile Delinquency: Causes and Effects
• Organizational crime: transnational, national, and local levels. Ways of disrupting the activity of a group.
• Prostitution: risk groups, different takes on prevention policies, activism.
• Robbery: risk groups, ways of prevention, prosecution and punishment.
• Sex offenses: risk groups, types, prevalence, ways of detection and prevention.
• Terrorism: definition, history, countermeasures.
• Terrorism : individual and group activity, ways of detection and prevention.
• Theft and shoplifting : risk groups, ways of detection, prevention policies, prosecution and punishment.
• Counter-terrorism: constitutional and legislative issues.
• White-collar crime : types, ways of detection, prevention policies, prosecution and punishment.

Criminology Topics on Racism and Discrimination

• How systemic bias affects criminal justice?
• How discriminatory portrayal of minority groups in the media affects criminal justice?
• Racial profiling : targeting minority groups on the basis of race and ethnicity.
• Racism and discrimination towards African-Americans .
• Racial profiling : what are the cons? Are there any pros?
• How discriminatory is the UK Court System?
• How discriminatory is the US Court System?

Other Criminology Research Topics

• Corporate crime : the ruling class criminals.
• Genetics: illegal research and its dangers.
• Hate crime : the implications in criminal justice.
• Serial killers : risk groups, ways of detection and prevention.
• Serial killers: portrayal in media.
• Organized crime : how does it affect criminal justice?
• Crime prevention programs.
• Street lighting: does it reduce crime?
• Terrorism prevention technology.
• Identity theft: risk groups, ways of deception, prevention policies.
• Due process model: procedural and substantive aspects.
• Crime control in criminal justice administration.
• Types of drugs: how do they affect the users?
• Smart handheld devices: their function for security personnel.
• Social media: its impact on crime rate.
• Public health: how does criminal justice affect it?
• Psychometric examinations: what is their role in criminal justice?
• National defense in the US.
• National defense in the UK.
• Sexual harassment: the role of activism, ways of responding, prevention and prosecution.
• Substance abuse: military.
• Criminology and criminal justice jobs: a full list.

🌶️ Hot Criminal Justice Topics

• The history of modern police.
• Different types of prison systems.
• Is situational crime prevention effective?
• How to prevent wrongful convictions.
• Challenges faced by crime victims.
• The advantages of community corrections.
• How do ethics influence criminal justice?
• Disadvantages of felony disenfranchisement.
• Does correctional system in the USA really work?
• Possible problems of prisoner reentry process.

💂 116 Criminal Justice Research Topics & Questions

Here are some of the most typical and interesting criminal justice issues to dazzle your professor.

• Prison system : the main problems and the hidden pitfalls.
• The question of gender: why are there more men who receive capital punishment than women?
• Kidnapping and ransom: common features, motifs, behavior patterns.
• Crime prevention : key principles.
• Firing a gun: what helps professionals understand whether it was deliberate or happened by accident?
• Cybercrime : the legal perspective.
• Internet vigilantism: revenge leaks.
• Hate crime on the Internet: revenge leaks, trolling, defamation.
• Crime and justice in mass media .
• Parental abduction laws.
• Sex offender registry: pros and cons.
• The deterrence theory and the theory of rational choice : are they relevant in the modern world?
• Sexual assault in schools and workplaces.
• Jury selection: how is it performed?
• Experimental criminology: the latest innovations.

• Wildlife crime: areas of prevalence, ways of prevention.
• Felony disenfranchisement laws: when do they apply?
• The relation between organized crime and corruption .
• Victim services: what help can a victim of a crime get?
• Prison rape and violence: the psychological aspect, ways of prevention.
• Juvenile recidivism : what are the risk groups?
• Forensic science: role and functions in modern criminal justice.
• Shoplifting: how to prevent theft?
• Witness Protection Program: who is eligible and how to protect them.
• Date rape : what are the ways for the victims to seek legal assistance?
• Substance abuse and crime: correlation or causation?
• Identity theft: dangers and consequences in the modern world.
• Online predators: what laws can be introduced to protect kids? Real-life examples.
• Civil and criminal cases: how to differentiate?
• Domestic abuse victims: what laws protect them?
• Elder abuse: what can be done to prevent it?
• The strain theory : the unachievable American dream.
• Concepts of law enforcement: pursuing criminal justice .
• Ethics and criminal justice: the unethical sides of law enforcement.
• The top problems to be solved by law enforcement today.
• Information sharing technology: how has it helped in the fight against terrorism?
• Terrorism in perspective: characteristics, causes, control.
• Serial killers : types.
• Drug use and youth arrests.
• Aggressive behavior: how does it correlate with criminal tendencies?
• Community corrections : are they effective?
• Sentencing: how does it take place?
• Punishment types and the established terms.
• Unwarranted arrest: when is it acceptable?
• Human trafficking in the modern world.
• Human trafficking: current state and counteracts .
• The role of technology in modern forensics .
• Similarities and differences between homicide , murder, and manslaughter.
• Types of offenders: classification.
• Effects of gun control measures in the United States .
• The role of crime mapping in modern criminal justice.
• Male crimes vs female crimes: are they different?
• Prisons: the problems of bad living conditions.
• Victimization : causes and ways of prevention.
• Victimology and traditional justice system alternatives .
• Rape victims: what are their rights?
• Problem-solving courts: what underlying problems do they address?
• Mandatory sentencing and the three-strike rule.
• Have “three-strikes” laws been effective and should they be continued?
• Criminal courts: what can be learned from their history?
• Hate crimes: what motivates people to commit them?
• Youth gangs: what is their danger?
• Fieldwork: how is it done in criminology?
• Distributive justice: its place in criminal justice.
• Capital punishment : what can be learned from history?
• Humanities and justice in Britain during 18th century.
• Abolition of capital punishment .
• Criminals and prisoners’ rights.
• Crime prevention programs and criminal rehabilitation .
• Campus crime: what laws and precautions are there against it?
• Criminal trial process: how does it go?
• Crimes committed on a religious basis: how are they punished?
• The code of ethics in the Texas department of criminal justice .
• Comparison between Florida and Maryland’s legislative frameworks .
• Fraud in the scientific field: how can copyright protect the discoveries of researchers?
• Prosecution laws: how are they applied in practice?
• The classification of crime systems.
• Cyberbullying and cyberstalking: what can parents do to protect their children?
• Forgery cases in educational institutions, offices, and governmental organizations.
• Drug courts : how do they work?

Controversial Topics in Criminal Justice

Want your work to be unconventional? Consider choosing one of the controversial topics. You will need to present a number of opposite points of view. Of course, it’s acceptable to choose and promote an opinion that you think stands the best. Just make sure to provide a thorough analysis of all of the viewpoints.

You can also stay impartial and let the reader make up their own mind on the subject. If you decide to support one of the viewpoints, your decision should be objective. Back it up with plenty of evidence, too. Here are some examples of controversial topics that you can explore.

• Reform vs. punishment: which one offers more benefits?
• Restorative justice model : is it the best criminal justice tool?
• The war on drugs : does it really solve the drug problem?
• Criminal insanity: is it a reason enough for exemption from liability?
• Juvenile justice system: should it be eliminated?
• Drug testing on the school ground.
• Police brutality in the United States .
• How to better gun control ? 
• Why Gun Control Laws Should be Scrapped.
• Pornography: is it a type of sexual violence?
• Whether death penalty can be applied fairly?
• Jack the Ripper: who was he?
• The modern justice system: is it racist?
• A false accusation: how can one protect themselves from it?
• Concealed weapons: what are the criminal codes of various states?
• Race and crime: is there a correlation?
• Registering sex offenders: should this information be in public records?
• Juvenile delinquency and bad parenting: is there a relation?
• Assessing juveniles for psychopathy or conduct disorder.
• Should all new employees be checked for a criminal background ?
• Are delinquency cases higher among immigrant children?
• Restrictive housing: can it help decongest prisons?
• Homegrown crimes: is there an effective program against them?
• Prostitution: the controversy around legalization .
• Eyewitness testimony: is it really helpful in an investigation?
• Youthful offenders in boot camps: is this strategy effective?
• Predictive policing : is it effective?
• Selective incapacitation: is it an effective policy for reducing crime?
• Social class and crime: is there a relation?
• Death penalty: is it effective in crime deterrence?
• Extradition law: is it fair?
• Devious interrogations: is deceit acceptable during investigations?
• Supermax prisons: are they effective or just cruel?
• Zero tolerance: is it the best policy for crime reduction?
• Marijuana decriminalization: pros and cons.
• Marijuana legalization in the US .

Now that you have looked through the full list of topics, choose wisely. Remember that sometimes it’s best to avoid sensitive topics. Other times, a clever choice of a topic will win you extra points. It doesn’t depend on just the tastes of your professor, of course. You should also take into account how much relevant information there is on the subject. Anyway, the choice of the topic of your research is up to you. Try to find the latest materials and conduct an in-depth analysis of them. Don’t forget to draw a satisfactory conclusion. Writing may take a lot of your time and energy, so plan ahead. Remember to stay hydrated and good luck!

Now, after we looked through the topic collections on criminology and criminal justice, it is time to turn to the specifics in each of the fields. First, let’s talk more extensively about criminology. If you are training to be a criminologist, you will study some things more deeply. They include the behavior patterns of criminals, their backgrounds, and the latest sociological trends in crime.

In the field of criminology, the specialties are numerous. That’s why it’s difficult to pinpoint one career that represents a typical member of the profession. It all depends on the background of a criminologist, their education, and experience.

A criminologist may have a number of responsibilities at their position. For example, they might be called forth to investigate a crime scene. Participation in autopsies is unpleasant yet necessary. Interrogation of suspects and subsequent criminal profiling is another essential duty.

Some professionals work solely in research. Others consult government agencies or private security companies. Courts and law firms also cooperate with criminologists. Their job is to provide expert opinion in criminal proceedings. Some of them work in the prison systems in order to oversee the rehabilitation of the convicted.

Regardless of the career specialty , most criminologists are working on profiling and data collection. A criminologist is another word for an analyst. They collect, study, and analyze data on crimes. After conducting the analysis, they provide recommendations and actionable information.

A criminologist seeks to find out the identity of the person who committed the crime. The time point of a crime is also important, as well as the reason for it. There are several areas covered by the analysis of a criminologist. The psychological behavior of the criminal or criminals is closely studied. The socio-economic indicators are taken into account. There are also, of course, the environmental factors that may have facilitated the crime.

Some high-profile cases require a criminologist to correspond with media and PR managers extensively. Sometimes criminologists write articles and even books about their findings. However, it should be noted that the daily routine of a professional in the field is not so glamorous. Most criminologists do their work alone, without the attention of the public.

The research a criminologist accumulates during their work is extensive. It doesn’t just sit there in a folder on their desk, of course. The collected statistics are used for developing active criminal profiles that are shared with law enforcement agencies. It helps to understand criminal behavior better and to predict it. That’s why a criminologist’s work must be precise and accurate for it to be practical and useful. Also, criminology professionals must have a good grasp of math and statistics.

Thinking of a career in criminology? You will need to, at the very least, graduate from college. There, you’ll master mathematics, statistics, and, of course, criminology. An associate’s degree may get you an entry-level position. But the minimum entry-level requirement is usually the bachelor’s degree. The best positions, though, are left for the professionals with a master’s degree or a PhD.

Just having a degree is not enough. To succeed as a criminologist, you will require all your intelligence, commitment, and the skill of analyzing intricate situations. An aspiration to better the society will go a long way. You will need to exercise your creative, written, and verbal communication skills, too. An analytical mind will land you at an advantage.

Criminology: Research Areas

Times change and the world of crime never ceases to adapt. The nature of criminal transgression is evolving, and so do the ways of prosecution. Criminal detection, investigation, and prevention are constantly advancing. Criminology studies aim to improve the practices implemented in the field.

There are six unified, coordinated, and interrelated areas of expertise. Within each, the professionals are busy turning their mastery into knowledge and action.

The first research area is the newest worry of criminology – cybercrime. The impact of this type of crime is escalating with every passing day. That’s why it’s crucial for the law enforcement professionals to keep up to date with the evolving technology. Cybercrime research is exploring the growing threat of its subject at all levels of society. Cybercrime may impact people on both personal and governmental levels. Cybercrime research investigates the motivation and methodology behind the offenses and finds new ways to react.

The second research area is counter fraud. Crimes that fall under this category include fraud and corruption. The questions that counter fraud research deals with are many. How widely a crime is spread, what method is best to fight it, and the optimal courses of action to protect people and organizations.

The third research area is that of forensics. The contemporary face of justice has been changed by forensic science beyond recognition. Nowadays, it’s much harder for criminals to conceal their activity due to evolved technologies. The research in forensics is utilizing science in the identification of the crime and in its reconstruction. It employs such techniques as DNA recovery, fingerprinting, and forensic interviewing.

What is forensic interviewing? It helps find new ways to gather quality information from witnesses and crime scenes. It also works on developing protocols that ensure the protection of this human data and its correct interpretation by police.

The fourth research area is policing. Police service is facing a lot of pressing issues nowadays due to budget cuts. At the same time, police officers still need to learn, and there are also individual factors that may influence their work.

The fifth research area is penology. It’s tasked with exploring the role of punishment in the criminal justice system. Does punishment aid the rehabilitation of perpetrators, and to what extent? The answer will help link theory to practice and thus shape how criminal justice practitioners work.

The sixth research area is that of missing persons. Before a person goes missing, they may display a certain pattern of behavior. The study of missing persons helps to identify it. The results will determine the handling of such cases.

Now that we know what criminology is, it’s time to talk about criminal justice.

While criminology focuses on the analysis of crime, criminal justice concentrates on societal systems. Its primary concern is with the criminal behavior of the perpetrators. For example, in the USA, there are three branches of the criminal justice system. They are police (aka law enforcement), courts, and corrections. These branches all work together to punish and prevent unlawful behavior. If you take up a career in criminal justice, expect to work in one of these fields.

The most well-known branch of criminal justice is law enforcement. The police force is at the forefront of defense against crime and misdemeanor. They stand against the criminal element in many ways. For instance, they patrol the streets, investigate crimes, and detain suspects. It’s not just the police officers who take these responsibilities upon themselves. There are also US Marshals, ICE, FBI Agents, DEA, and border patrol. Only after the arrest has been made, the perpetrator enters the court system.

The court system is less visible to the public, but still crucial to the criminal justice system. Its main purpose is to determine the suspect’s innocence or guilt. You can work as an attorney, lawyer, bailiff, judge, or another professional of the field. In the court, if you are a suspect, you are innocent until proven guilty. You are also entitled to a fair trial. However, if they do find you guilty, you will receive a sentence. Your punishment will be the job of the corrections system.

The courts determine the nature of the punishment, and the corrections system enforces it. There are three elements of the corrections system: incarceration, probation, and parole. They either punish or rehabilitate the convicts. Want to uptake a career in corrections? You may work as, including, but not limited to: a parole officer, a prison warden, a probation officer, and a guard.

📈 Criminal Justice: Research Areas

The research areas in criminal justice are similar, if not identical, to those of criminology. After all, those are two very closely related fields. The one difference is that criminal justice research has more practical than theoretical applications. But it’s fair to say that theory is the building blocks that practice bases itself on. One is impossible without the other unless the result you want is complete chaos.

So, the question is – what topic to choose for the research paper? Remember that the world of criminal justice is constantly changing. Choosing a subject for research in criminal justice, consider a relevant topic. There are many pressing issues in the field. Exploring them will undoubtedly win you points from your professor. Just make sure to choose a direction that will give you the opportunity to show off both your knowledge and your analytical skills.

Not sure that your original research direction will be appreciated? Then choose one of the standard topics. Something that is widely discussed in the media. And, of course, make sure that you are truly interested in the subject. Otherwise, your disinterest will translate into your writing, which may negatively affect the overall impression. Also, it’s just more enjoyable to work on something that resonates with you.

What can you do with your research paper? Literally anything. Explore the background of the issue. Make predictions. Compare the different takes on the matter. Maybe there are some fresh new discoveries that have been made recently. What does science say about that?

Also, remember to backup all your arguments with quotes and examples from real life. The Internet is the best library and research ground a student could hope for. The main idea of the paper, aka the thesis, must be proven by enough factual material. Otherwise, it’s best to change your research direction.

And, of course, don’t put it all off till the last minute. Make a plan and stick to it. Consistency and clever distribution of effort will take you a long way. Good luck!

🤔 Criminal Justice Research FAQs

Criminological and criminal justice research are the scientific studies of the causes and consequences, extent and control, nature, management, and prevention of criminal behavior, both on the social and individual levels.

Criminal justice and criminology are sciences that analyze the occurrence and explore the ways of prevention of illegal acts. Any conducted personal research and investigation should be supported by the implemented analytical methods from academic works that describe the given subject.

There are six interrelated areas of criminology research:

• Cybercrime research makes law enforcement professionals keep up to date with the evolving technology.
• Counter fraud research investigates cases of fraud and corruption.
• Forensics research utilizes science: DNA recovery, fingerprinting, and forensic interviewing.
• Research in policing investigates individual factors that may influence the work of police officers.
• Penology explores the role of punishment in the criminal justice system.
• The study of missing persons helps to identify patterns of victims’ behavior.

There are seven research methods in criminology:

• Quantitative research methods measure criminological and criminal justice reality by assigning numerical values to concepts to find patterns of correlation, cause and effect.
• Survey research collects information from a number of persons via their responses to questions.
• Experimental research assesses cause and effect in two comparison groups.
• Cross-sectional research studies one group at one point in time.
• Longitudinal research studies the same group over a period of time.
• Time-series designs study the same group at successive points in time.
• Meta-analysis employs quantitative analysis of findings from multiple studies.

The basis of criminological theory is criminological research. It influences the development of social policies and defines criminal justice practice.

Criminological research doesn’t just enable law students to develop analytical and presentational skills. The works of criminal justice professionals, scholars, and government policymakers dictate the way law enforcement operates. The newest ideas born out of research identify corrections and crime prevention, too.

Here is a step-by-step instruction on how to write a criminal justice research paper:

• Choose a topic
• Read the materials and take notes
• Come up with a thesis
• Create an outline for your work
• Draft the body
• Start with a cover page, an abstract, and an intro
• List the methods you used, and the results you got
• Include a discussion
• Sum it up with a conclusion
• Don’t forget a literature review and appendices
• Revise, proofread, and edit

The most common types of methodologies in criminal justice research include:

• Observation of participants.
• Surveys and interviews.
• Observation of focus groups.
• Conducting experiments.
• Analysis of secondary data and archival study.
• Mixed (a combination of the above methods).

Learn more on this topic:

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• The Differences Between Criminal Justice and Criminology: Which Degree Is Right for You? (Concordia St. Paul)
• Corporate Crime: Britannica
• The Development of Delinquency: NAP
• Databases for Research & Education: Gale
• A CS Research Topic Generator: Purdue University
• A Introduction To The Federal Court System: US Department of Justice
• Criminal Justice Research Topics: Broward College
• Research Topics in Criminology: Cambridge Institute of Criminology
• CRIMINOLOGY: University of Portsmouth
• Research: Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice, University of Maryland
• Criminal Justice: RAND
• Research Methods in Criminal Justice: Penn State University Libraries
• Research: School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Arizona State University
• Criminology – Research Guide: Getting started (Penn Libraries)
• Criminology Research Papers: Academia
• The History & Development of the U.S. Criminal Justice System: Study.com
• CRIMINAL JUSTICE & CRIMINOLOGY: Marshall University
• Criminal Justice: Temple University
• Criminal Justice: University of North Georgia
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Online Research Guide

The internet has revolutionized the way that students conduct research. Students can access thousands of libraries, archives, journals, and other publications using a laptop or a mobile device. Not surprisingly, most students turn to online resources for their term papers and assignments. Internet resources are available for free or at a minimal charge, allow access 24/7, and deliver the most current information available.

Students can access thousands of libraries, archives, journals, and other publications using a laptop or a mobile device.

Despite these advantages, students should approach online resources with some degree of caution. The internet is full of biased and inaccurate data. Skilled researchers learn to eliminate untrustworthy sites, outdated material, and patently false information. Students new to research can also feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of material. Students may become confused and unable to sort through sources.

This guide examines the most relevant online resources, databases, and search engines, with a specific emphasis on criminal justice research topics. The page also includes research tips for criminal justice students to help them evaluate sources, gather and organize their evidence, and prepare a well-documented and properly cited research paper.

Using Google for Online Research

Altering search engine settings can help students to refine their search results and collect more useful and relevant information. Savvy researchers know how to filter out unwanted sources, use search shortcuts, search certain domains, and enable advanced search functions. The most popular and powerful search engine on the internet, Google features several tools and filters that students can use when conducting criminal justice research. Students can apply these techniques and tips to other search engines as well.

Refining Your Search Results

While most students are familiar with Google, they may not know about its advanced functions, search tools, or other features. Google features several kinds of search shortcuts . Using certain symbols or words in your search can make your results more specific and precise. For example, you can search for a price by placing a dollar sign in front of a number (e.g., “cell phone $900”), or you can combine two searches by placing the capitalized word “OR” between each search query (e.g., “election OR campaign”).

Google features several kinds of search shortcuts .

The site search function allows users to search within a particular domain. In the search bar, type the word “site:” followed by the domain name, leaving no spaces. You can add a keyword at the beginning to find a specific topic within that domain. For instance, if you type “certification site:ncja.org,” the search will bring up information on certifications from the official website for the National Criminal Justice Association. The site search function can also filter results to a specific class of site (e.g., site:.edu, site:.gov, or site:.org).

Google’s advanced search function offers several options for searching websites and images. This feature allows you to select several filters to refine your search, including language or reading level. When searching images, you can apply filters such as size, color, or usage rights. The tool button allows users to further refine their searches. Entering a specific time range, for example, will bring up the most recent and updated sources.

Google Scholar

Google Scholar hosts a useful open-access search engine. This easy-to-use but powerful research tool offers a broad range of scholarly resources, including online archives, academic publishers, university pages, government agencies, and trusted websites. Unlike an ordinary Google search of public web content, Google Scholar provides access to scholarly publications through university libraries and established publishers. Students can search for full-text, peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, books, dissertations, and other academic research. Google Scholar also automatically generates full citations in many common styles. Students can narrow results to a particular timespan or choose to include less well-known publications. Google Scholar can also pull up other articles related to students’ sources.

Students looking for useful criminal justice online research tips can find many resources through Google. For example, Google’s Scholar search tips page includes resources on how to find the most recent articles and locate free full-text articles. By setting up Google Scholar preferences , students can directly link to research materials available through their university libraries. Students can also expand the number of results per page, find research in other languages, and import full citations.

Beyond Google

Because Google has established itself as such a well-known and widely used search engine, “Google it” has become a common catchphrase among students. Students are sometimes surprised to learn that several other kinds of helpful search engines and databases are available for academic research, including some that are particularly relevant for criminal justice research. Many of these online resources are free or offer significant discounts to students.

• AMiner This site provides a search engine and data mining services for researchers. Search results include profiles of researchers and experts. The database sorts publications and conference presentations by researcher name.
• BASE Operated by Bielefeld University, this search engine targets academic research from a wide range of sources, including the deep web. BASE selects and reviews results for academic quality and relevance.
• CGP The Catalog of U.S. Government Publications provides data on historical and current federal publications. Users can search by agency, subject, title, and keywords. CGP also provides direct links to full-text documents.
• CIA World Factbook Maintained by the Central Intelligence Agency, this factbook presents current data for 267 countries. The factbook also features geographical and political maps of the world and time zone information.
• ERIC The Education Resources Information Center, sponsored by the U.S Department of Education, maintains an online archive of peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and other research content.
• iSeek Education This search engine specifically targets teachers, administrators, students, and caregivers. iSeek Education provides access to a wide variety of university and government resources. Its editor-reviewed content includes lesson plans and activities for various subject areas and grade levels.
• National Archives This website, maintained by the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, hosts the nation’s most important legal, political and historical records. Public documents include military data, naturalization records, and resources for educators.
• OCLC The Online Computer Library Center hosts the world’s largest online public access catalogue, WorldCat. Its open access archive, OAIster, includes digital records such as audio and video files, photos, data sets, and research documents.
• CORE CORE provides data aggregation and text mining services. The database harvests open access research and full-text documents from repositories and journals across the world.

For Criminal Justice Students

• National Criminal Justice Reference Service The online NCJRS library presents summaries of over 200,000 research studies in criminal justice, juvenile justice and substance abuse. Users can access full texts of federally funded studies.
• FBI Uniform Crime Report This site provides in-depth, reliable crime data for the U.S. The FBI collects and archives data from over 18,000 federal, state, county, city, and college agencies. The FBI Uniform Crime Report produces four annual publications.
• Bureau of Justice Statistics This federally sponsored search engine for criminal justice professionals, researchers, and students provides crime data from across the U.S. Users can search for data by type of offense, victims, law enforcement organization, court, expenditures, and employment.
• Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Publications The OJJDP website is the official government source for statistics on juvenile justice and juvenile delinquency. The site features downloadable online resources on juvenile crime and legislation.
• National Institute of Justice The NIJ archives contain several categories of criminal justice research, including journal articles and multimedia presentations. The website also lists continuing education and training courses for students and professionals.
• Criminal Justice Database (ProQuest) This comprehensive online database features a broad assortment of books, articles and other scholarly publications. These sources investigate aspects of crime, litigation, and crime trends. Several sources examine the causes and societal impact of crime.

Evaluating Sources

The internet is not regulated for accuracy or academic quality. Nearly anyone with online access can create content and post on websites without checking facts or providing references. One of the most important research tips for criminal justice students is to evaluate whether a source is reliable, accurate, and unbiased. Students using online resources for their research must carefully assess the information they find.

As more students rely on online research, some institutions have developed tools for evaluating the reliability of internet sources. The following list, based on guidelines developed by Georgetown University and the University of Chicago Press , includes questions students should consider when working with online sources.

Who Is the Author?

Can you find the name of the author? Is this person qualified to write in this field? Once you locate the author’s name, you can conduct a quick search of their name to find any credentials or professional affiliations. Do they provide an email, school, or professional address? Many professional sites do not list a specific author. In this case, check to see if the domain name or URL is legitimate.

What Is Its Purpose?

If you can understand the purpose of the page or the author’s motive, you can better evaluate its content. Does it provide information to a general audience or is it written for academics or students? Can you tell if the intention is to explain or persuade? Because academic research requires objectivity and ethical standards, students should avoid pages that sell products or solicit.

Does It Look Professional?

Professional, reliable websites usually look well-maintained and thoughtfully designed. Is the content free of spelling and grammar mistakes? Is the prose free of emotionally charged language or profanity? What graphics are present? While visuals can help illustrate points, elaborate graphics can sometimes detract from the material.

Is It Objective?

As you read through the article or the page, can you discern the author’s point of view? Does the argument appear prejudiced or one-sided? Does it provide factual support or references? Does the writer’s professional affiliation influence the argument? Does the content carry official approval from a biased sponsoring organization?

Is It Current?

Can you determine when the site was created and if it has been updated? Is the information still relevant and does it include new developments? If you are using journal articles or books, have they been recently published, and does the content include contemporary research in the field?

What Sites Does It Link to?

Links provide a useful indicator of the quality of a site and how well it has been maintained. Are the links relevant to the purpose of the site? Do they connect to useful research sources? Are the links annotated so you can evaluate their relevance to your research questions? Is the site free of dead links?

Organizing Your Research

Conducting online research can seem overwhelming, but if you begin with a plan and take the time to learn how to apply a few helpful techniques, you will have a much easier time. While there is no single way to manage your research, consider the following tips to help you get started. You should also familiarize yourself with some of the online tools available for searches, note taking, and citations.

Choosing Your Topic

Go beyond google, learn how to use keywords, become familiar with keyboard shortcuts, use proper citation, online tools to manage your research.

This app automatically generates accurate bibliographies and formats them in several citation styles. EasyBib can also create citations using a mobile phone camera to scan book barcodes.

The EndNote software package includes a set of multiplatform tools to create and format citations and footnotes. The software can also automatically build bibliographies.

The Mendeley reference management application allows users to manage information, share research papers, collect data, and collaborate with one another. Mendeley offers full-text search and extracts metadata from PDF papers.

This web-based reference and bibliography manager imports references directly from text files, online databases, or other sources. These references automatically format into citations, endnotes, and bibliographies.

This free open-source citation management software collects, organizes, and formats references. The tool generates in-text citations, footnotes, and bibliographies. Zotero integrates with Microsoft Word and LibreOffice Writer.

Citing Online Resources for Criminal Justice Students

Scholarly research builds on the prior contributions of others. As with any kind of academic writing, it is important to state where you found your data, recognize the previous research of others, and provide sufficient information for others to find the same sources. Many academic disciplines specify a certain style for acknowledging research, formatting references, and building biographies. Citation styles vary because different fields of study emphasize different details.

While American Psychological Association (APA) style is the most commonly used format in criminal justice research, some professors may ask for American Sociological Association (ASA) style. Both APA and ASA provide the same basic source information and use similar formatting, including parenthetical referencing. Make sure that you use the style approved by your professor or department. The list below includes examples from the most frequently used citation formats. Consult the APA and ASA websites for more illustrations and explanation.

ASA Print Book Example:

Gunter, Anthony. 2017. Race, Gangs and Youth Violence: Policy, Prevention and Policing . Bristol, UK: Policy Press.

ASA Print Journal Article Example:

Page, Randy M., and Jon Hammermeister. 1997. “Weapon-Carrying and Youth Violence.” Adolescence 32(127):505-13.

ASA Online Journal Article Example:

Johnson, Lee M., Todd L. Matthews, David Jenks, and Christy W. Bass. 2013. “Juvenile Gun Ownership in the USA: Current Knowledge and Future Directions.” International Journal of Criminal Justice Sciences 8(2):133-152. Retrieved April 4, 2018 ( http://ezproxy.wou.edu/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/1459136040?accountid=8134 ).

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CCJ4701 - Research Methods in Criminal Justice

Starting your search, research methods in criminal justice, tips for writing research proposals, literature reviews & empirical research articles.

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Social Sciences Librarian

Identify your topic and possibly even your thesis statement.  Unlike in Google, in our databases, you need to search by using keywords.  Keywords are the words that describe your topic.  So, start brainstorming about what words you can use to describe your topic.  

Here is a sample topic:  I am conducting a literature review on drug use by Hispanic gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender adults, possibly even polysubstance use.  I would also like try to find research that incorporates information from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).  

Right away you can identify some key concepts:

• Polysubstance use
• National Survey on Drug Use (NSDUH)

Now that you have identified your key concepts, you need to flesh these out to include all the various forms of these concepts - this allows for your search to be as inclusive as possible:

• drug use or drug abuse or substance abuse or substance use or recreational drug use
• polysubstance use or polysubstance abuse
• drug users or drug abusers or drug addicts
• hispanic or latino or latina or mexican or central american or south american or hispanics or latin or Latinx
• gay or lesbian or glbt or homosexual or transgender or lgbt or lgbtq or queer
• National Survey on Drug Use and Health or NSDUH

You're now ready to begin searching!  Just remember to check-out the recommended databases to search for peer-reviewed articles!

Research Questions Research proposals outline a planned research project and the research questions that will be investigated. Requirements and expectations may differ based on the discipline and whether the proposal is for a class assignment, a thesis or dissertation, or to apply for research funding or grants. However, regardless of the type, all proposals require clearly defined research questions. Some challenges for choosing good research questions often include identifying questions that have a manageable scope and locating sources that include scholarly research about the issues.

Identifying a Manageable Scope Research questions that have a manageable scope are neither too broad nor too narrow. If a research question(s) is too broad, there will be too much information and too many issues to cover. If a research question(s) is too narrow, there may not be enough information. Keep in mind that assigned topics are often designed to be broad to allow you to choose the focus and specific issues you want to investigate. To select an appropriate scope, investigate the topic and issues by reviewing books, ebooks, encyclopedias, or handbooks that provide topic overviews.

Locating Criminal Justice Research To narrow a research question think about the issues associated with the broader topic or problem. Then, explore the topic by locating academic research that discusses evidence about the issues. The library provides access to thousands of criminal justice resources where you can find background information about topics and scholarly research articles that discuss issues.

Developing an outline early in the writing process using section headings and sub headings is a good first step to get organized and begin thinking through your proposal. It is also good to establish a habit of regularly reviewing sources about your topic (books, journal articles, etc.) and keep track of the sources you read and will potentially use. Listed below are some writing tips to consider as you begin to write your proposal.

Research Proposals should include: 

• concise title that describes the focus of your research (working titles are often changed while investigating a topic)
• document elements that include appropriate headings/subheadings (Title, Abstract, Introduction, Literature Review, Method,  Proposed Timeline, References)
• explanation of why your research is important and useful within your discipline (how does the research fit in with existing research)
• statement of aims that indicate the goals and scope of your investigation (focus on developing a manageable topic) 
• synthesis of "the literature" related to your research topic/questions (the literature refers to relevant research found in scholarly, peer-reviewed journal articles)
• describe the research method you propose (research setting, sample, and a protocol showing the steps you will use in the process) 
• citations to the sources you consulted for your proposal (APA style requires in-text citations and complete reference entries)

References & Resources

Creswell, J.W. (2009). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches . Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. Feig, E. (n.d.). Writing the research proposal . In OER Commons . Retrieved from https://www.oercommons.org/courseware/module/13393 Grand Canyon University. (n.d.). Developing a research proposal . In Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching . Retrieved from https://cirt.gcu.edu/ University of Central Florida Writing Center. (n.d.). Grammar and punctuation . Retrieved from  http://uwc.cah.ucf.edu/find-resources/ University of Southern California USC Libraries. (2018). Writing a research proposal. In Organizing Y our Social Sciences Research Paper. Retrieved from http://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/researchproposal  

Literature Reviews

Literature reviews provide a synthesis of the scholarly literature related to a research question(s) or topic. They include a discussion of information reported by researchers in empirical journal articles along with your own analysis and evaluation of sources. Preparing a literature review is a two-step process that includes conducting literature searches to locate relevant empirical articles and your own analysis and synthesis of the research in the written review.

Keep in mind that there are various types of literature reviews. The most common are included as a section in an empirical research article, a chapter in a thesis or dissertation, a standalone literature review article, or a section in an academic paper.

• Literature reviews in empirical research articles, theses and dissertations, or standalone review articles are considerably broader in scope and involve comprehensive literature searches.
• Literature reviews in academic papers are narrower in scope and requirements are typically based on course assignments. Often, students are required to locate a certain number of empirical journal articles (research articles). Secondary sources (journal articles, books, book chapters, government reports, etc.) that often discuss empirical research or provide background information might also be included.

Academic Databases & Google Scholar

Empirical articles are published in peer-reviewed journals (sometimes called refereed), which means that articles are reviewed by experts in their field prior to publication to ensure that only reliable, high-quality information is published. Empirical journal articles for all disciplines are accessible by searching academic databases that are provided by the Libraries. The video below provides an example of how to locate Criminal Justice databases and search strategies to locate peer-reviewed research articles.

Google Scholar can also be helpful to use in combination with library database searches because it provides citations and links to empirical journal articles. Typically Google Scholar does not provide full text access to most articles. You must link to, but you can use the links provided to access the full text from the UCF Libraries pages. Google Scholar also does not include options to limit searches to view only peer-reviewed journal articles or filter options to refine searches.

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Improving the Criminal Legal Justice System with User-Centered Research

Duren Banks is a criminologist dedicated to advancing outcomes for preventing and responding to crime and violence.

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In an ideal society, a fair criminal legal system acquits the innocent, punishes the rightfully convicted, and rehabilitates the incarcerated for successful reintegration back into their communities. With over 3,000 counties that have unique court systems and differing state systems in the U.S., this is easier said than done. Many times, the outcome of a court case depends on where the arrest takes place and access to an attorney. And often, these factors are more influential in determining outcomes than the actual facts of the case.    

Duren Banks, PhD , a criminologist by training, knows the complexity of the U.S. criminal justice system all too well. In her early career, working for the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the statistical arm of the Department of Justice, Duren oversaw court-related data collections. This experience exposed her to the myriad ways that people process through the system.  

“You think about the criminal legal system as largely conducting trials with vigorous prosecution and defense counsel, but most people don’t even get to that point,” said Duren. “Around 95% of people who are charged with a criminal offense don’t go to trial. They plead out, or their case is disposed in some other way.”   

Many defendants face challenges when they are detained pretrial or cannot afford an attorney. Duren learned that it may appear more advantageous in the short term for the accused to plead to a lesser offense than go through a trial. Individuals who are detained pretrial can lose their job, home, child custody, etc. These facts weigh into someone’s mind when they decide to plead to a lesser charge and potentially avoid these outcomes along with those that are associated with a felony conviction.    

The process of the criminal legal system is one of many misconstrued realities that Duren discovered in her early career. Now serving as the Senior Vice President of RTI’s Justice Practice Area, she devotes her time to identifying and addressing the limitations of the criminal legal system by overseeing and creating applications that directly benefit communities, practitioners, and professionals.   

“We all have priorities to have an efficient system that is fair and just,” she said. “In that context, it’s important to understand the people who work and come in contact within those systems and who need support beyond what the criminal legal system can offer.”   

Discovering a Passion for Criminology  

Duren has had many life experiences that lead her to study criminology. Growing up, she had someone close to her who cycled in and out of the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems. She often wondered why this cycle happened to this person and not others.   

“It sparked a curiosity in me,” states Duren. “I often questioned what are the risks for why somebody gets involved in those systems or why they don’t. What protective factors are there that prevent somebody from being involved in them?”  

Duren was also exposed to the legal system at a young age, as her father was a criminal defense attorney. She often had conversations with him and her family members about the fairness of the criminal legal system and the factors that may drive outcomes in one jurisdiction or situation as compared to others.   

These experiences, along with her fascination with human behavior, led Duren to earn her bachelor’s degree in sociology at Wake Forest University. She combined this passion with her skill for math and earned her master’s and doctoral degrees in criminology at the University of Maryland, College Park. She was interested in a career outside of academia that had direct implications for those who engage with the criminal legal system, which led her to the Bureau of Justice Statistics and then to RTI.   

Expanding Data Collection Practices  

Over the course of her career, Duren has observed changes in the criminal legal system, from social reform to the use of data and digital resources to understand what’s happening in real time. She is particularly proud of developing approaches to solve persistent data limitations. She worked with the Bureau of Justice Statistics and RTI to address a long-standing problem in the criminal legal system: arrest-related deaths.   

When looking for data on arrest-related deaths, she led a team that found that the federal government’s databases were incomplete. She worked with people in different disciplines, including medical examiners, coroners, analysts, and law enforcement professionals to explore and test ways to solve the problem. Her team used open-source data collection approaches to measure and address missing information in official systems.   

“The FBI had one of the largest databases at the time that tracked this information, but our analysis found that they were missing about 50% of people who died in law enforcement custody,” said Duren.  

To fill the gap, Duren’s team relied on more localized and unofficial sources like news media outlets and reports from medical examiners and coroner’s offices that reported arrest-related deaths. By pulling in data beyond what the federal government had collected, her team was able to better understand the rate of deaths and why they occurred. This information helps point to solutions to prevent future deaths.   

“Understanding the circumstances of arrest-related deaths can help inform policy and practice,” she said. “It also identifies where there may be a need for more community and law enforcement partnerships, which I think also can go a long way in developing more equitable approaches to engaging with residents and de-escalating situations while keeping communities and law enforcement safe.”   

Emphasizing User-Centered Research  

Duren also emphasized the importance of a user-centered approach when collecting and applying complex data. It is important to start with the end user in mind when beginning a research or technical assistance project. The Justice Practice Area team at RTI thinks first about who is going to use the information and why RTI is involved with the project before starting the work.   

“It’s about prioritizing community and practitioner priorities and needs above those that are solely developed by researchers,” said Duren. “It’s the people who are impacted by crime and who work in those justice system agencies that need accessibility to research first.”   

A few years ago, Duren’s team had another opportunity to more intentionally focus on the needs of practitioners across the criminal legal system. She led the merger of two RTI teams: social scientists and forensic scientists who were both focused on improving justice outcomes but relied on very different disciplines to do so. While challenging, it created a new environment that fostered better research and advances for the criminal justice system.   

“It was a challenge because physical and social science disciplines can feel like completely different languages and approaches,” said Duren. “It took a lot of energy and attention to leverage synergies where we could work better together, but it makes sense and works really well.”   

Data Driving the Future   

Despite limitations to our current criminal legal system, Duren is optimistic about the future. Advancements in technology and data collection have allowed for more information to understand what’s happening in real time. Some examples include access to data from 911 calls, police officer body cameras, personal mobile technologies, and closed-circuit cameras.   

The digital explosion has really impacted our society at large and really affects what we do with our criminal justice research. Advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning approaches, and other analytic techniques have the capacity to process and identify relationships across large amounts of information, such as recent advances in Forensic Genetic Genealogy. While these advances hold tremendous promise, it is also critical to focus on the data sources and inputs to address the potential for bias, which can lead to inequitable outcomes. Attention to community needs first and a full understanding of the promise and limitations of data sources are critical as we leverage these advances in technology and analytic capabilities. This focus also allows investigators to develop strategies to support victim resilience, solve cold cases, and advance fairness and equity in the criminal legal system. – Duren 

“ The gold standard should be to implement policies that are supported by data”

As part of a new series profiling participants in SSRC ’s Criminal Justice Innovation Fellowship program, Romaine Campbell talks about his research on police and prison policies.

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Recently, the Social Science Research Council ( SSRC ), with support from Arnold Ventures ( AV ), launched the Criminal Justice Innovation ( CJI ) Fellowship program , which supports early-career researchers who are exploring what works to make communities safer and the criminal justice system fairer and more effective. 

“ These CJI fellows will spend the next three years investing in their own policy-relevant research, as well as conducting policy analyses for AV that will directly inform our work,” Jennifer Doleac , executive vice president of criminal justice at AV , says. ​ “ We are eager to know if particular policies and programs are working, and this group of researchers will figure that out. I’m thrilled to get to work with these brilliant, talented scholars.”

According to Anna Harvey , president of the SSRC , this new fellowship program will uniquely foster innovative and rigorous causal research on criminal justice policies. ​ “ By supporting ​ ‘ people, not projects,’ the CJI fellowships will give these exceptional young researchers the time and freedom to pursue novel and creative approaches to evaluating criminal justice policies and practices. We can’t wait to see what they produce,” she says. 

In part one of a new series profiling the CJI fellows, AV spoke with Romaine Campbell, a Ph.D candidate in economics at Harvard University whose work addresses racial disparities in the criminal justice system.

Romaine Campbell: Police Behavior and Community Safety

A labor economist by training, Campbell will produce research as a fellow through the CJI fellowship program over the next two years before joining the faculty at Cornell University’s Brooks School of Public Policy. His research will focus on how federal scrutiny impacts police behavior and community safety, as well as the effects of higher education in prison on the outcomes of people who are incarcerated, among other topics. 

Campbell, who is originally from the Caribbean, says that he has seen how rigorous empirical research can help to explain the things that are important for his community. ​ “ A lot of my work looks at how we can improve law enforcement in the United States,” he says. ​ “ Policing serves an important role in ensuring the public safety of communities, but increasingly we’re aware of the social costs that can sometimes come with policing. My work examines policies that can help balance the important work that officers do with trying to mitigate the harms that come out of the excesses of policing.”

percentage police stops were reduced in Seattle during 2023

In 2023 , Campbell published a  working paper on the results of federal oversight of policing in Seattle. Using administrative data from the Seattle Police Department, the paper found that federal oversight resulted in a  26 % reduction in police stops in the city — mostly by reducing stop-and-frisk style stops. Importantly, that reduction had no impact on the rates of serious crime or other community safety measures. 

As part of the new fellowship, Campbell expects to expand his work on the impacts of police oversight. By working with other police departments across the country, he will explore how officers respond to federal investigations, how it affects their behavior, and what types of policing are actually effective for crime reduction. Some policymakers, Campbell notes, have expressed concerns that adding oversight to police departments causes them to pull back from policing, which can damage community safety. As such, policies are needed that reduce the harms of policing while also allowing officers to address serious crime and build trust with the communities they serve. ​ “ As our society considers the best ways to improve policing,” he says, ​ “ it’s going to be important to document the types of policies that can achieve this without having deleterious effects for communities.” 

Additionally, working in partnership with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, Campbell and colleagues intend to explore the impact of Brady Lists — public-facing records of information about police misconduct, decertification, use-of-force reports, and other metrics — to understand how prosecutors use such information in charging decisions in their cases. 

Separately, Campbell and colleagues plan to launch a project to understand how the provision of higher education in prison affects short- and long-term outcomes of people who are incarcerated, especially their social and economic mobility. He will focus on Iowa, where agreements with the state’s department of corrections, department of education, and workforce development agency will provide him with the necessary data. 

Campbell says that rigorous research is important for decision-making about public policy in the criminal justice system. ​ “ When you operate in public policy spaces, you really want to build out evidence-based policy,” he explains. ​ “ We can all have our feelings and intuitions about what will happen when a policy goes into effect, but the gold standard should be to implement policies that are supported by data.”

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What Should I Know Before Studying Criminal Justice? 10 Things to Keep in Mind

By Hope Rothenberg on 05/16/2024

If you're interested in studying criminal justice, odds are pretty high that you care about making a positive impact on your community. As laws evolve and reform takes hold, there's no question that it's an interesting—and an important—time to learn more about the criminal justice system we all live in.

“All of the justice careers are so interesting,” says Eileen Carlin, Professor of Criminal Justice at Rasmussen University. “No matter what you choose to go into, whether you wind up as a victim advocate or a parole officer, you’re going to love it.”

Whether you’re looking to explore anything from family services to security management, a criminal justice degree could be a perfect way to start. But what can you expect from a criminal justice degree program?

Here are 10 things to know before studying criminal justice.

1. It's a bigger field than you may realize

The justice system spans from crime prevention to legal careers to corrections and rehabilitation. A lawyer, a private investigator, a crime victim advocate , a social work assistant—these can all fall under the realm of criminal justice.

Depending on the role, you may need additional education beyond an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice to pursue some of the above career paths. It is important to check the education and work experience requirements for any role you’re interested in.

“There’s so much you can do with it,” Carlin says. “I’m just so proud of our students. A lot of them have gone on to law school—and that’s not easy. They’re just amazing.”

If you’re interested in that path, check the bachelor’s degree major, Law School Admission Test ® (LSAT ® ) score, and GPA required for any law schools you might apply to.

Carlin says many students go on to work as parole and corrections officers, police officers and 911 dispatchers. 1 “It’s the best part of my job,” Carlin says. “Students will stay in touch and ask me for letters of recommendation, and I see them get into these professions so quickly.”

Graduates with an associate's degree may consider roles in investigation and security services, probation and parole and individual and family services. Possible career paths for graduates with a bachelor’s degree include becoming a crime victim advocate, security manager, corporate security supervisor, court clerk or a security officer.

2. Most justice careers involve a ton of writing

This is the main thing Carlin wishes all her students knew before studying criminal justice—pretty much every role is writing-heavy.

“Court clerks are writing constantly; victim advocates need to record everything that happens when they meet with a victim; Judges, defense attorneys and juries all rely on police reports…If there’s even one mistake, one word spelled wrong, you can jeopardize a case,” Carlin says.

Because of this need for precision, justice studies programs really need to include lots of training in writing. Carlin explains that sometimes students come into the program expecting a law enforcement career to be totally hands-on.

“You’re used to watching cop shows where they spend maybe ten minutes responding to a call, then it sort of cuts away,” Carlin laughs. “What they don’t show you is because of that call, those officers will spend the next 3-4 hours writing a report. The secretary doesn’t do that. We do it.”

But for Carlin, the writing is actually pretty soothing. “I don’t mind writing reports, especially if you can get comfortable. But sometimes you’re sitting in the patrol car, sort of sideways, typing on a computer while wearing 25 pounds of gear, which does feel more like a chore.”

3. Some programs are made for working adults

Going to school (or back to school) is a big commitment. But what many prospective students don't realize is that you can work on it without putting your life on hold.

Criminal justice degree programs like the ones offered at Rasmussen University are online, and they're specifically designed to fit into the schedule of a working adult’s life. The format of the courses can enable you to schedule schoolwork around your other responsibilities as you complete your degree.

4. There are multiple criminal justice degree paths

When it comes to choosing a criminal justice degree program, you'll likely come across two main pathways: an associate's degree in criminal justice or a bachelor's degree in criminal justice . These are two separate programs that differ in a few ways. Here's a brief breakdown of each, using the Rasmussen University programs as an example.

Criminal Justice Associate's Degree

Created to help you earn your degree online and prepare to protect and serve your community, the associate's degree program requires about half as many credits as the bachelor's degree program, and it can be completed in a few as 18 months. 1

Designed to help students understand the history and development of the criminal justice system and its effect on society, an associate's degree in criminal justice could lead to roles in investigation and security services, probation and parole and individual and family services. For more on that, check out the Criminal Justice Associate’s Degree program page.

Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree in criminal justice requires about twice as many credits as an associate's degree, and subsequently takes roughly twice as long to complete. That said, you can still complete the program in as few as 36 months with no previous experience or credits. 2

Since it’s a higher degree level, completing a criminal justice major in a bachelor's degree program could lead to additional roles and opportunities in the field. Get more details at the Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree page.

5. You’ll be exposed to diverse coursework

In any comprehensive criminal justice program, you’ll learn through live interactive sessions with faculty and peers, and engage in real-world projects like analyzing real interrogation videos.

From studying human behavior to diving deep into the law, criminal justice coursework covers a wide range of topics and learning formats. Some example courses? Cultural Diversity and Justice, Values-Based Leadership in Criminal Justice, and Mental Health and Substance Abuse in Criminal Justice. For detailed descriptions, take a look at the Rasmussen University 2023 - 2024 course catalog .

6. Your instructors might be intimidating

Once you head down a criminal justice degree pathway, you may be surprised to find you'll be taught by real-life criminal justice professionals. The curriculum for the Rasmussen University criminal justice programs is developed and refreshed with the assistance of industry subject matter experts—which is to say, experts who have lots of experience in different criminal justice careers.

These instructors bring years of experience in law enforcement, narcotics, combating human trafficking and corrections to the classroom—and they'll be equally committed to your success as a criminal justice student. Rather than be intimidated, take it as an opportunity to learn as much as possible from those with experience in the field, and form lasting connections you can carry through your career.

7. You won't just be writing papers and taking tests

In a program like Rasmussen’s, criminal justice students practice career-ready criminal justice skills through realistic scenarios that include police ride-alongs, interrogation analysis videos and drafting search warrants.

Yes, there’s still a lot of writing to do—but Rasmussen’s program was designed to help students understand the day-to-day realities of each career area they are working toward. 

8. You'll gain a variety of skill sets

While it may seem like a rigid or straightforward career path, a criminal justice program can teach you a range of valuable interpersonal and transferable skills that can make you a more effective worker across a variety of roles. By pursuing a criminal justice degree, you can expect to learn and accomplish the following.

• Strong foundational knowledge. Your coursework is ultimately designed to help you understand the history and development of the criminal justice system and its impact on society. At the end of it all, you'll be able to truly understand what criminal law is and the legal procedures required to enforce it.
• Serving with integrity. You'll develop an understanding of the relationships—and tensions—between the criminal justice system and the diverse populations it serves. This awareness will help you act ethically, responsibly and with the right amount of personal character.
• Quick critical thinking. You'll be equipped to apply critical-thinking skills and appropriately react to fast-paced, constantly changing issues in criminal justice—including everything from security to juvenile justice to domestic violence.
• Compassionate communication. Whether you’re helping a coworker complete paperwork or speaking with crime victims, strong communication skills are key to a successful criminal justice career, and you’ll have every opportunity to improve yours.

As you make your way from the classroom to a career in the field, you'll find yourself relying on the skills listed above and many more—and sometimes the most critical ones will be the ones you least expect.

9. Continuing education is really encouraged, and sometimes reimbursed

“While I was a police officer, I knew I’d retire, and I’d still be fairly young, so I got my master's degree,” says Carlin. “My department paid for it. It’s very common, almost every department gives some form of tuition reimbursement. It helps to have that educational background if you want promotion.”

The level of education encouraged often depends on the specific department and state. In some places, the more formal education you have, the more options you’ll have.

“In New Jersey for example, you get hired, and then the department sends you to the police academy,” continues Carlin. “Education helps there. You’re more likely to get called back. But in Minnesota, you put yourself through the skills academy after graduating a program.”

While the standards are different everywhere, Carlin says a foundational associate's or bachelor’s level criminal justice degree, students can pursue work throughout the justice and corrections systems—leading to a variety of criminal justice career opportunities to explore.

10. The criminal justice system isn't perfect

Of course, you already know this. And it's a big part of why you're motivated to study the current criminal justice system and make a positive difference in your community. Whether you opt for an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree, you're embarking on a meaningful path—and one that can lead you to a whole range of places.

So you might be wondering—how do these programs work? How much does a criminal justice program cost? Get those answers and read more at Rasmussen’s online Criminal Justice Degree program page.

LSAT ® is a registered trademark of LAW SCHOOL ADMISSION COUNCIL, INC. Law School Admission Test ® is a registered trademark of Law School Admission Council, Inc. 1 Rasmussen University’s Criminal Justice Associate’s and Criminal Justice Bachelor degree programs are not designed to meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in any state. In Minnesota, the Criminal Justice Associate’s degree program does not meet the standards established by the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board for persons who seek employment as a peace officer. For further information on professional licensing requirements, please contact the appropriate board or agency in your state of residence. Additional education, training, experience, and/or other eligibility criteria may apply. 2 Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each term.

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About the author

Hope Rothenberg

Hope Rothenberg is a creative copywriter with agency, in-house, and freelance experience. She's written about everything from area rugs to artificial intelligence, and a ton in between.

Posted in General Justice Studies

• justice studies education
• justice studies careers
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• Correctional Health
• Reentry for Formerly Incarcerated
• CDC Recommendations

Public Health Considerations for Correctional Health

• To provide people who are justice system-involved, correctional facility staff, public health professionals, community organizations, and anyone else with an interest in correctional health with resources.
• Review CDC resources, guidelines, and data on correctional health and justice-involved populations

Correctional health is community health

Correctional health encompasses all aspects of health and well-being for adults and juveniles who are justice system*-involved. This starts at the point of arrest, continues at detention or incarceration, and carries through after they return to their community (called "reentry"). Correctional health also includes the health of families and communities of persons who are justice system-involved, as well as the health administrators and staff who work in facilities.

Justice System-Involved‎

Persons who are justice system-involved are more likely to experience risk factors for HIV, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), tuberculosis (TB), latent TB infection (LTBI), and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions . The prevalence of these infections, diseases, and injuries is higher than in the general population. Additionally, a high proportion of people with justice system involvement have a history of unstable housing and mental health and substance use disorders, which increases vulnerability and risk for HIV, viral hepatitis, STIs, tuberculosis/latent tuberculosis infection, and injuries like TBI. This puts many in need of linkage to substance use and mental health treatment, employment, and permanent housing upon release. Justice-involvement also leads to family and community instability and adverse childhood events , with 1 in 28 children having a caregiver who is incarcerated.

Taken together, these multiple health conditions and social determinates of health contribute to the health disparities found in this population and their communities.

CDC has worked to provide people who are justice system-involved, correctional facility staff, public health professionals, community organizations, and anyone else with an interest in correctional health with data, testing and treatment guidelines, educational materials, and other correctional health resources.

How CDC supports correctional health

Community support.

• Funds partners working with health departments to improve health in the communites of justice-involved persons, particularly related to priority pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis, STIs, and TB.
• Develops programs and guidance that address community health disparities and social determinants of health (SDOH).

Intake / entry

• Develops intake screening and treatment guidance for use by clinicians/administrators of correctional health services and health departments.

During incarceration

• Works with state, tribal, local, and territorial health departments to investigate disease outbreaks.
• Develops and provides useful health education materials for staff and justice-involved persons.
• Supports projects that improve the continuity of care for people returning to their communities.
• Offers policy and planning guidance that support efforts to improve the continuity of care within communities.

Surveillance

• Identifies/monitors cases and potential exposures to HIV, viral hepatitis, STIs, TB, and other pathogens among persons who are justice-involved or work in correctional facilities.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics , over 5 million people are estimated to be under the supervision of U.S. adult correctional systems (in prison or jail, or on probation or parole). Many persons who are justice-involved experience multiple risk factors for HIV, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), tuberculosis (TB) and latent TB infection (LTBI), and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions . The prevalence of these infections, diseases, and injuries among people who are incarcerated is higher than in the general population.

• In 2021, about 1.1% of persons incarcerated in state and federal prisons were known to be persons with HIV; this rate was three times higher than the prevalence in the general U.S. population.
• In 2021, 16 U.S. states conducted mandatory HIV testing of all persons under state law enforcement custody, and 23 states and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons offered opt-out HIV testing, accounting for 84% of all persons admitted and sentenced to more than 1 year in the custody of state and federal correctional authorities.
• In a 2013 survey of women across 20 metropolitan areas with high HIV prevalence, women who were recently incarcerated were significantly more likely to have factors that increase their risk for HIV infection than those who were never incarcerated, including receiving money or drugs in exchange for sex with a partner, multiple casual partners, multiple casual condomless partners, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis.

More information on HIV Surveillance in the United States .

Viral hepatitis

• In 2009, a systematic review of 23 studies from incarcerated populations in the U.S. reported a wide chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence range of 0.9%–11.4%.
• HBV prevalence has been estimated to be 3 to 38 times higher in correctional settings than in the general population in 2009.
• From 2013–2016, people who were incarcerated were estimated to have a rate of current hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection 10 times higher (10.7% vs 1%) than persons in the general population.
• Approximately 30% of all persons infected with HCV in the United States spend at least part of the year in correctional facilities.

More information on viral hepatitis surveillance in the United States.

• Males and females 35 years of age and younger in juvenile and adult detention facilities have been reported to have higher rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea than nonincarcerated persons in the community.
• Jail-based chlamydia screen-and-treat programs can potentially decrease chlamydia prevalence in communities with higher incarceration rates —as much as 13% in large communities and 54% in small communities.

More information on STIs among persons detained or incarcerated .

Tuberculosis (TB)

• In 2021, 2.4% of persons 15 years of age or older diagnosed with tuberculosis were current residents of correctional facilities at the time of diagnosis.
• From 2003–2013, annual median tuberculosis incidence was about 6 times higher for persons in jails and federal prisons compared with the general population.
• An analysis during 2011–2019 demonstrated that large tuberculosis outbreaks still occur in state prisons and account for a large proportion of total tuberculosis cases in some states.

For more information on Tuberculosis cases by residence in and type of correctional facility .

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

• Research in the United States and from other countries suggests almost half (46%) of people in correctional or detention facilities such as prisons and jails have a history of TBI, but the exact number is not known.
• Studies show an association between people in correctional or detention facilities with a history of TBI and mental health problems, such as severe depression and anxiety, substance use disorders, difficulty controlling anger, and suicidal thoughts and/or attempts.
• People in correctional or detention facilities with TBI-related problems may not be screened for a TBI or may face challenges with getting TBI-related care. These challenges may continue after a person is released from the facility.

Find more information about TBI and other brain injuries .

CDC guidance and resources

HIV, viral hepatitis, STIs, and tuberculosis

• At-A-Glance: CDC Recommendations for Correctional and Detention Settings for Testing, Vaccination, and Treatment for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, TB, and STIs – Summary of current CDC guidelines and recommendations for testing, vaccination, and treatment of HIV, viral hepatitis, TB, and STIs for persons who are detained or incarcerated. Links to full guidance documents are included.
• Guidance on Management of COVID-19 in Homeless Service Sites and in Correctional and Detention Facilities – Guidance that can be used to inform COVID-19 prevention actions in homeless service sites and correctional and detention facilities.

Worker safety

• Safe and Proper Use of Disinfectants to Reduce Viral Surface Contamination in Correctional Facilities – Steps to reduce viral surface contamination through safe and proper use of disinfectants for persons who work in correctional facilities, including a companion printable poster to be displayed throughout the facility. The poster is available in English and Spanish.
• Reducing Work-Related Needlestick and Other Sharps Injuries Among Law Enforcement Officers (PDF) – Provides recommendations for reducing needlesticks and other sharps injuries to law enforcement officers, which specifically includes guidance for correctional employees.

Overdose prevention

• Partnerships Between Public Health and Public Safety – Overview of CDC partnerships built through multiple public health and public safety collaborations to strengthen and improve efforts to reduce drug overdoses.
• Public Health and Public Safety Resources – Resources for jails and prisons that support public health and public safety related to overdose prevention and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder.
• What Health Departments Need to Know When Responding to Mumps Outbreaks in Correctional and Detention Facilities – Job-aid with guidance for health departments and facilities during mumps outbreaks.
• LM Maruschak. HIV in Prisons, 2021—Statistical Tables. U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Washington, DC (Published May 2022). https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/hivp21st.pdf , Accessed 16 Mar 2023
• Wise A, Finlayson T, Nerlander L, Sionean C, Paz-Bailey G; NHBS Study Group. Incarceration, Sexual Risk-related Behaviors, and HIV Infection Among Women at Increased Risk of HIV Infection, 20 United States cities. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2017 Jul 1;75 Suppl 3:S261-S267. Incarceration, Sexual Risk-Related Behaviors, and HIV Infection Among Women at Increased Risk of HIV Infection, 20 United States Cities – PubMed (nih.gov)
• Harzke AJ, Goodman KJ, Mullen PD, Baillargeon J. Heterogeneity in Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Seroprevalence Estimates from U.S. Adult Incarcerated Populations. Ann Epidemiol. 2009;19(9):647-650. doi:10.1016/j.annepidem.2009.04.001. Heterogeneity in Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Seroprevalence Estimates from U.S. Adult Incarcerated Populations | Elsevier Enhanced Reader
• Roberts H, Kruszon-Moran D, Ly KN, Hughes E, Iqbal K, Jiles RB, Holmberg SD. Prevalence of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection in U.S. Households: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1988-2012. Hepatology. 2016 Feb;63(2):388-97. doi: 10.1002/hep.28109. Epub 2015 Oct 27. PMID: 26251317. Prevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in U... : Hepatology (lww.com)
• Hofmeister MG, Rosenthal EM, Barker LK, et al. Estimating Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the United States, 2013-2016. Hepatology. 2019;69(3):1020-1031. doi:10.1002/hep.30297. Estimating Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the United States, 2013-2016 – PubMed (nih.gov)
• CDC 2021 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Treatment Guidelines: Persons in Correctional Facilities
• Bernstein KT, Chow JM, Pathela P, Gift TL. Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Disease Screening Outside the Clinic–Implications for the Modern Sexually Transmitted Disease Program. Sex Transm Dis. 2016;43(2 Suppl 1):S42-S52. Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Disease Screening Outside the Clinic–Implications for the Modern Sexually Transmitted Disease Program – PubMed (nih.gov)
• Owusu-Edusei K Jr, Gift TL, Chesson HW, Kent CK. Investigating the potential public health benefit of jail-based screening and treatment programs for chlamydia. Am J Epidemiol. 2013 Mar 1;177(5):463-73. doi: 10.1093/aje/kws240. Epub 2013 Feb 12. PMID: 23403986. Investigating the potential public health benefit of jail-based screening and treatment programs for chlamydia – PubMed (nih.gov)
• CDC Tuberculosis Data & Statistics: Reported Tuberculosis in the United States, 2021 in Residents of Correctional Facilities https://www.cdc.gov/tb/statistics/reports/2020/risk_factors.htm Lambert LA, Armstrong LR, Lobato MN, Ho C, France AM, Haddad MB. Tuberculosis in Jails and Prisons: United States, 2002-2013. Am J Public Health. 2016 Dec;106(12):2231-2237. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2016.303423. Epub 2016 Sep 15. PMID: 27631758; PMCID: PMC5104991. Tuberculosis in Jails and Prisons: United States, 2002-2013 – PubMed (nih.gov)
• Stewart RJ, Raz KM, Burns SP, Kammerer JS, Haddad MB, Silk BJ, Wortham JM. Tuberculosis Outbreaks in State Prisons, United States, 2011 – 2019. Am J Public Health. 2022, 112(8), 1170-1179. PMID: 35830666; PMCID: PMC934802. Doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2022.306864
• Hunter S, Kois L, Peck A, Elbogen E, LaDuke C. (2023). The prevalence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) among people impacted by the criminal legal system: An updated meta-analysis and subgroup analyses. Law and Human Behavior , 47(5), 539–565.
• Moore E, Indig D, Haysom L. Traumatic brain injury, mental health, substance use, and offending among incarcerated young people. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. 2014;29(3):239-247.
• Ray B, Sapp D, Kincaid A. Traumatic brain injury among Indiana state prisoners. Journal of Forensic Sciences. 2014;59(5):1248-1253.
• Walker R, Hiller M, Staton M, Leukefeld C. Head injury among drug abusers: An indicator of co-occurring problems. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. 2003;35(3):343-353.
• Slaughter B, Fann J, Ehde D. Traumatic brain injury in a county jail population: Prevalence, neuropsychological functioning and psychiatric disorders. Brain Injury. 2003;17(9):731-741.
• Blaauw E, Arensman E, Kraaij V, Winkel F, Bout R. Traumatic life events and suicide risk among jail inmates: The influence of types of events, time period and significant others. Journal of Traumatic Stress. 2002;15(1):9-16.
• Allely C. Prevalence and assessment of traumatic brain injury in prison inmates: A systematic PRISMA review. Brain Injury. 2016;30(10):1161-1180.
• Williams W, Mewse A, Tonks J, Mills S, Burgess C, Cordan G. Traumatic brain injury in a prison population: Prevalence and risk for re-offending. Brain Injury. 2010;24(10):1184-1188.
• “Criminal legal system” may also be used as an alternative to “justice system” to reflect historic and current challenges to achieving justice in the U.S. criminal legal system.

CDC provides health resources to protect the health of people in correctional settings who are at higher risk for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STIs, and Tuberculosis.

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Huriya Jabbar awarded major grant to explore links between housing policies and school integration and desegregation

Grant awarded by the American Institutes for Research (AIR) in the Behavioral Sciences.

The USC Rossier School of Education is pleased to announce that Associate Professor Huriya Jabbar has been awarded a $442,340 grant from the American Institutes for Research (AIR) in the Behavioral Sciences for her project, “Moving in Motown: Examining Promise of Integrated Neighborhoods and Schools Through Detroit’s Choice Neighborhood Initiative.” The award was granted as a part of AIR’s School Integration and Equity 2.0: Tools and Strategies Grant Competition.

The award will support Jabbar’s continued work to explore links between housing policy and educational opportunities. The research team, which includes co-principal investigators, Kara Finnigan, University of Michigan; DeMarcus Jenkins, University of Pennsylvania; and Sarah Winchell Lenhoff, Wayne State University, will study the implementation of the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI) in the Detroit neighborhood of Corktown and its impact on school diversity and community integration.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the CNI was created in 2010 to strengthen community cohesion by creating opportunities for community organizations and agencies to collaborate. The study aims to build on the idea that “housing policy is education policy,” by examining how various stakeholders collaborate throughout the implementation of the CNI. The team will do this by tapping into their deep connections in Detroit, conducting interviews with key actors and residents, conducting network analyses, examining project implementation documents and observing community meetings. Through the study , the team will explore CNI implementation with an eye toward building theories and best practices on how federal programs like this “can transform and integrate neighborhoods and schools.”

“We believe that fostering true integration in communities and schools requires a radical transformation of systems,” said Jabbar. The team will examine what conditions foster authentic relationships across differences and in pursuit of shared goals, where conflicts emerge and how they can learn from the politics and power dynamics in this case to enhance community voice and democratic processes. “We are so excited to explore these and other questions through this grant and to inform future desegregation efforts and cross-sector collaborations,” she said.

The 12-month study is set to begin in summer 2024 and conclude in summer 2025 when the team plans to present their final findings to Corktown residents, city officials, and district staff.

About Huriya Jabbar Huriya Jabbar is an associate professor of education policy at USC Rossier. Her research uses sociological and critical theories to examine how policies in PK–12 and higher education shape inequality, opportunity and democracy in the U.S. She is currently studying school choice policy and school leaders' behavioral responses to competition; teacher job choices, recruitment, and retention; and how investments in public housing can transform educational and economic opportunities for historically marginalized communities. Jabbar’s work has been published in numerous academic journals, and she is currently an associate editor at the American Educational Research Journal .

Her recent research includes a study funded by a $1 million grant from the Spencer Foundation, in collaboration with Jennifer Holme, that examines how improvement in schools and organizations can be impeded by staff turnover and reproduce structural inequalities in education. The Spencer Foundation also awarded Jabbar a $75,000 grant earlier this year for her research examining the effects of blending school and housing policies to bolster housing stability for vulnerable families.

About USC Rossier School of Education USC Rossier School of Education prepares educational leaders to tackle inequities through research, policy, and practice. With a focus on urban settings and marginalized groups, USC Rossier emphasizes cultural context and innovative solutions to complex challenges.

About AIR Established in 1946, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance both domestically and internationally in the areas of health, education, and the workforce. AIR's work is driven by its mission to generate and use rigorous evidence that contributes to a better, more equitable world. With headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR has offices across the U.S. and abroad. For more information, visit https://www.air.org .

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