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Current Challenges Of Digital Forensics, Alec Noland
Current Challenges Of Digital Forensics, Alec Noland
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Criminals have access to advanced technology that enables them to carry out malicious activities, often leaving behind digital evidence. Digital forensics is the scientific investigation of digital evidence that aims to uncover criminal activity and prevent further disruption. The increase in cybercrime has made digital forensics an essential aspect of the justice system. However, the field is currently struggling to keep up with the rapidly growing threat of cybercrime due to several challenges. One of these challenges stems from a lack of universal standardization in required qualifications, education, and training, causing discrepancies between agencies and organizations. The pace of technological …
The Use Of Microbiome Sequencing To Identify Individuals In Forensic Science, Sophia Konieczny
The Use Of Microbiome Sequencing To Identify Individuals In Forensic Science, Sophia Konieczny
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
The Human Genome Project's (HGP) completion in 2003 laid the groundwork for further research into the human body. This paved the way for microbiome sequencing, revealing the diverse microbial communities within the human body. These advancements led to the emergence of microbial forensics, leveraging Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies like Amplicon sequencing and shotgun metagenomics for individual identification. Unlike traditional genetic profiling, microbiome analysis provides insights beyond genetic profiling, offering information about an individual's lifestyle and environment. Microbial communities on the skin's surface and objects can serve as trace evidence, aiding in suspect identification and investigative leads. Despite its promise, …
Taser Use In Law Enforcement: Examining Effectiveness, Medical Consequences, And Ideal Scenarios, Benjamin Smyers
Taser Use In Law Enforcement: Examining Effectiveness, Medical Consequences, And Ideal Scenarios, Benjamin Smyers
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
The methods police officers use to detain resisting subjects have changed over time. One addition to their methods is the Thomas A. Swift Electric Rifle (TASER), which hinders subjects using electric shock. This paper examines the effectiveness of the TASER, the potential risk of injury for suspects, and scenarios where its use is most likely to succeed. Since its adoption, the TASER has reduced the likelihood of injury to officers and suspects and is more effective against heavy-set and intoxicated individuals. Although extremely unlikely to result in death, injuries are more likely when used against mentally disturbed people and in …
The Limitations And Future Of Isotope Analysis In Forensic Anthropology, Kris Weller
The Limitations And Future Of Isotope Analysis In Forensic Anthropology, Kris Weller
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
This research paper will discuss the applications of isotope analysis in forensic anthropology, focusing on the limitations of this technique and its potential future uses. Isotope analysis is based on the principle that isotope ratios vary across geographic regions and that humans incorporate those unique isotope ratios into their bodies when they eat and drink. Forensic anthropology uses isotope analysis to determine a decedent’s approximate region of origin or residence. It is especially in cases where the remains are partially or highly decomposed, and when other avenues of investigation have been exhausted. In its current form, the applications of isotope …
Child Pornography: A Growing Threat For Forensic Science In The Digital Age, Nadia Palomares
Child Pornography: A Growing Threat For Forensic Science In The Digital Age, Nadia Palomares
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
In the United States, child pornography is any visual portrayal of people under the age of eighteen in sexually explicit circumstances. Child pornography can be found in multiple forms. With each advancement in visual technology, there is a new form in which sexual content, including child pornography, can be depicted. Photographs, films, videos, and live streaming are all popular modern forms, while artwork and the written word were popular forms before the invention of the camera in 1816. Unfortunately, the rate of these advancements in technology has far surpassed the rate of those in forensics. The use of outdated techniques …
Privatized Immigration Detention In California And The Opportunity For Reform, Natalie Lager
Privatized Immigration Detention In California And The Opportunity For Reform, Natalie Lager
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
The expanding literature on “crimmigration” law has turned academic attention toward the state of carceral immigration detention in the U.S. Immigration detention has increasingly become a private enterprise, which raises new concerns for immigrant rights and the political legitimacy of privatizing carceral institutions. California’s private detention centers have an alarming record of Constitutional violations, and detention corporations are seldom penalized for violating immigrants’ rights. In response, the California legislature passed AB 32 to ban private prisons and detention centers. In Geo Group v. Newsom (2020), the Ninth Circuit Court struck down the ban. Laws that dismantle private detention, such as …
Deconstructing Drugs: Addressing The Stigma, Harm Reduction, And Policy Solutions, Charlotte Theriault
Deconstructing Drugs: Addressing The Stigma, Harm Reduction, And Policy Solutions, Charlotte Theriault
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Black and homeless people who struggle with substance use disorder (SUD), especially opioid use disorder (OUD), have experienced unique obstacles due to inequalities relating to their social determinants of health (SDOH). Historical context and peer-reviewed research were used to evaluate racial bias and expand upon the factors that contributed to the opioid crisis, the effects of COVID-19 on drug overdoses, and the presence of fentanyl in illicit drug supplies. Various studies combat the stigma surrounding substance use disorder (SUD) by acknowledging the disease as a chronic health condition. Research showed that the most effective way to combat these inequalities and …
Understanding Cadaver Dogs, Carlyn Sampson
Understanding Cadaver Dogs, Carlyn Sampson
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
The exploration of cadaver dogs as an accuracy and reliability tool in the field of forensic science. Due to limited research on cadaver dogs, this paper will illustrate the main factors that are crucial to making reliable and accurate scent detection dogs. It also highlights the olfactory system of dogs, which sets them apart from other mammals and enables them to detect scents with a high degree of accuracy. It will dive into the research on the genetics of canine olfaction, and the role of olfactory receptor genes in scent identification. It is demonstrated that different dog breeds are comparable …
Turning Points: An Evaluation Of Formal And Informal Interventions In The Life Of Ex-Offenders, Kapil Sharma
Turning Points: An Evaluation Of Formal And Informal Interventions In The Life Of Ex-Offenders, Kapil Sharma
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
In life course criminology, turning points and how they relate to the desistance process have received considerable attention. Scholars have proposed that significant events in people's lives, such as employment, marriage, and parenthood, strengthen their social ties and cause them to refrain from committing crimes. This study uses data from the Record Clearance Project of San Jose State University to identify concrete, significant "turning points" in the lives of ex-offenders. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate specific "turning points" events in offenders' life courses that compelled them to stop anti-social behavior and develop a pro-social identity, as well as the …
The Downfall Of Capitalism: Its Exploitation Of Mental Health And The Working Class, Joanna Castaneda
The Downfall Of Capitalism: Its Exploitation Of Mental Health And The Working Class, Joanna Castaneda
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Capitalism has been part of American culture for so long, but so has the topic of mental health. America has seen high rates of mental health issues occurring among working-class people of America. High-end companies making billions of revenues have taken advantage of their workers, leaving many to rely on working multiple jobs to get their families by. As for women and minorities, the job setting has not come easy for many as they face major inequality in the workforce and setbacks in wanting to reach positions. Capitalism has shown that income inequality has made life in America difficult, leaving …
Advancements In Technology To Solve Cold Cases, Melissa Hernandez
Advancements In Technology To Solve Cold Cases, Melissa Hernandez
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the crisis of cold case investigations and discuss the advancements being made in this area over the last four decades. Technology such as CCTV cameras, DNA Phenotyping, and Genetic Genealogy have allowed many cases to be reopened but there are still not enough resources or funds to close the immense number of unsolved cases. There are also ethical concerns being addressed to allow for this technology to continue to be applicable. In some instances, it takes a combination of preexisting technology and new applications to work around previous barriers in investigations. Despite …
Examining The Relationship Between Legal Systems And Forensic Science: Current Issues And Proposed Solutions, Rowan Dunton
Examining The Relationship Between Legal Systems And Forensic Science: Current Issues And Proposed Solutions, Rowan Dunton
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Forensics and legal systems are often seen working together, but the relationship between the two disciplines is thornier and more complex than it may appear on the surface. This paper will examine why courtrooms struggle to accommodate forensic fields, how the nature of science can impede its utilization in court, and where legal education may fall short in educating students about the forensic sciences. After the literature is reviewed, solutions will be proposed to address each area of concern. Where possible, these solutions expand on existing infrastructure and ideas to make them easier to incorporate. Since the greater-scope issue is …
Los Angeles Homeless Encampments: East Of Mainstreet, Desarey Castellanos
Los Angeles Homeless Encampments: East Of Mainstreet, Desarey Castellanos
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Homelessness can impact a person’s ability to navigate public spaces, find employment, meet basic subsistence, and have access to essential social services. Instead, the long-term consequences of homelessness have been focused of the criminalization of unhoused people. This fieldwork analyzes the daily obstacles that individuals face east of main street in downtown Los Angeles. Although wide variation exists from different locations many challenges stemming from mental illness, substance use disorder, and ostracization from mainstream society make these circumstances increasingly difficult to navigate. All these factors are influenced by the policy environments that continuously impact these targeted populations. I will present …
Discovering A Pathway To Reestablishing Policing By Consent In The United States, Everett Glynn
Discovering A Pathway To Reestablishing Policing By Consent In The United States, Everett Glynn
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Policing in the 21st century faces issues with leadership and accountability within officer ranks. Police organizations increasingly resemble paramilitary organizations, from their hierarchy to their eagerness to use force. Investigations into the conduct of the Minneapolis, Chicago, and Ferguson police departments uncover widespread, paternal issues of abuse from police officers. The abuse includes paternal excessive force, discrimination, and even the social media targeting of community members of color Solutions proposed from President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, combined with a proposition to espouse Sir Robert Peel’s Principles of community policing, offer a pathway toward regaining the …
Stigma Of Incarceration And Motivation Of Undergraduate Students For Service-Learning, Kapil Sharma
Stigma Of Incarceration And Motivation Of Undergraduate Students For Service-Learning, Kapil Sharma
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Incarceration can be a long-lasting, stigmatizing life event that significantly impacts one's life and limits ex-offenders in various aspects of their life. The impact of widespread criminal records can obstruct reentry, economic stability, and full participation in society, whether minor, major, old, or new. The study aims to explore the stigma attached to incarceration and the motivation of undergraduate students for Service-Learning. Based on responses from three semi-structured interviews with students interns of the Records Clearance Project of San Jose State University, it was evident that after completing their sentences, ex-offenders come into many barriers that may prevent them from …
Effect Of Child Abuse On Eating Disorders And Suicidal Behaviors, Hannah Lyons
Effect Of Child Abuse On Eating Disorders And Suicidal Behaviors, Hannah Lyons
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
The broad range of psychological disorders and correlations with childhood upbringing has resulted in the creation of a complex connection between mental illness in adults as a result of childhood trauma. My research findings indicate that child abuse experienced during youth often leads to higher susceptibility to eating disorders in adulthood. Further, the research reflects that the type of child abuse experienced, influenced the type of eating disorder developed later in life. By researching the relationship of child abuse and eating disorders, it becomes evident that suicidal behaviors are also increased due to childhood experiences with abuse as well as …
The Crisis Of Femicides In Mexico, Alejandra Vela
The Crisis Of Femicides In Mexico, Alejandra Vela
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Femicides are a growing issue in Mexico. These murders are intertwined with the incompetence of authorities, poverty, corruption, and organized crime. Authorities tend to blame victims by not taking missing reports seriously, nor do they conduct searches in these urgent situations. Authorities do not have DNA databases, space in morgues, and have little forensic science training. Ways of identifying remains involve odontology, bitemarks, and saliva. These provide a means of identifying through individual characteristics and DNA. Evidence is usually mishandled and not tested, or purposely lost to stop the investigation, thus, involving corruption. Criminal organizations, known as cartels, bribe authorities …
The Effects Of Marital Rape On A Woman’S Mental Health, Brisa Victorio
The Effects Of Marital Rape On A Woman’S Mental Health, Brisa Victorio
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Marital rape has been a topic that does not receive the awareness it needs. About 14% of married women experience marital rape in the United States, and of that fourteen percent, 77% of those cases go unreported. Women experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, higher levels of anger, fear, and guilt, and begin to hate their bodies, therefore causing their self-esteem to drop. Despite the argument that women who are raped by their husbands suffer less because they have already consented to having sexual relations, it is the opposite. Marital rape victims suffer more severe psychological consequences and for a …
The Perpetuation Of Racial Inequalities In The Criminal Justice System, Chloe Bessette
The Perpetuation Of Racial Inequalities In The Criminal Justice System, Chloe Bessette
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
The criminal justice system is not necessarily just and is particularly unfair towards Black Americans. The research shows that they face discrimination in every step of the justice system, from initial arrest to sentencing. Many peer-reviewed sources were analyzed in order to compile the evidence that supports that claim, and what follows is a summation of that research. This paper succinctly proves, using facts, that discrimination and racism still run rampant in the American justice system. These facts include an over 50% higher chance of being killed during an arrest, five times as likely to be incarcerated, three times as …
The Student-Athlete Dilemma: The Hidden Truth, Andrew Jenkins
The Student-Athlete Dilemma: The Hidden Truth, Andrew Jenkins
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
This paper presents an in-depth analysis of student-athletes' challenges transitioning to college life. The findings indicate that many student-athletes struggle with adapting to the academic demands, navigating the social landscape, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. To address these issues, this paper recommends that universities implement comprehensive orientation programs that provide students with the necessary tools, resources, and support to succeed. Additionally, universities should offer targeted interventions such as mentoring, tutoring, and counseling to students who may be at risk of falling behind academically or experiencing mental health concerns. By taking a proactive approach, universities can ensure that students have …
Semi Structured Interview: Public Perceptions Of Family Resource Centers As Seen By Staff Personnel, With An Emphasis On The Undocumented Community, Eva Gonzalez
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
The value of Family Resource Centers in communities is examined in this research paper, with a focus on legal advocacy in undocumented communities. To begin, do Family Resource Centers provide sufficient resources to the undocumented population? By 2022, there will be over 3,000 FRCs in 30 states, serving over 2 million people per year. Second, how can the Family Resource Center best support Valley Palms' undocumented population? Finally, do Family Resource Centers play an important role in community development? These are some of the questions that helped lead the research when it came down to semi-structured interviews with employees from …
Criminal Injustice: An Examination Of Racial Profiling And Discriminatory Police Practices In Canada And The United States, Patricia Advincula
Criminal Injustice: An Examination Of Racial Profiling And Discriminatory Police Practices In Canada And The United States, Patricia Advincula
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
The Black Lives Matter movement swept across the United States after the murders of black people at the hands of law enforcement. Not fully acknowledged in the media are the police brutality cases that have also occurred in Canada, a country that prides itself on tolerance, acceptance, and diversity. Police brutality is an unfortunate reality that stems from racial profiling, one of the many symptoms of historically oppressive institutions. In this paper, I will examine police coercion and racial profiling in Canada and the United States. This paper will employ a theoretical framework of conflict theory and minority threat hypothesis …
Blood’S Evidentiary Value Based On Its Biological And Physical Properties, Samantha Boman
Blood’S Evidentiary Value Based On Its Biological And Physical Properties, Samantha Boman
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Prior to 1955, bloodstain evidence was considered to be unreliable and therefore inadmissible in a court of law. Today, DNA profiles can be derived from leukocytes, which comprise less than 1% of our total blood volume. Aside from genetic profiles, the biological and physical properties of blood can reveal a great deal to investigators. The first landmark case to utilize blood’s class characteristics reliably was in the State of Ohio vs. Samuel Sheppard. This paper explains how viscosity, surface tension, flow, velocity, and Newtonian laws of motion can be used to determine: the relative locations of victims and offenders, handedness …
Rights That Are Not Guaranteed: Failures Of Government Policy On Homelessness, Jeffrey Kaspraw
Rights That Are Not Guaranteed: Failures Of Government Policy On Homelessness, Jeffrey Kaspraw
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Since the 1980s, the rising number of homeless people has caused the problem to become a significant political issue. Politicians have made promises in their campaigns to solve the emergency every election cycle. Most of these campaign promises never come to fruition, and we see a continuing rise in homelessness. This paper examines the political context of housing insecurity to argue that housing is a human right, and that homelessness is a failed policy decision. Homelessness comes in four different forms that all require individual attention. The current policies aimed to address homelessness cannot be one size fits all. While …
Exploring The Impacts Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The Number Of Reported Missing Persons In Canada During 2020, Alexandria Connolly, Mauranne Ste-Marie, Kevin O'Shea
Exploring The Impacts Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The Number Of Reported Missing Persons In Canada During 2020, Alexandria Connolly, Mauranne Ste-Marie, Kevin O'Shea
International Journal of Missing Persons
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in notable social and economic impacts in many countries, including Canada. This study examines the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of reported missing persons, adults and children, in Canada during 2020. Results indicate that there was a decrease in the number of reported missing persons cases during 2020 as compared to 2019 by 20.20%. All provinces and territories experienced a decrease, with the exception of New Brunswick. The pandemic had notable impacts specifically on the number of reported missing children, missing teenagers, and missing male individuals in general. This study provides a …
An Interview With Dr. Steven Lee: Scientist, Jazz Musician, Athlete, Wine Connoisseur, And Founder And Former Director Of The Forensic Science Program At Sjsu, Steven Lee
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
No abstract provided.
The Impact Of Intimate Partner Violence On Women's Financial Wellbeing, Rowan Dunton
The Impact Of Intimate Partner Violence On Women's Financial Wellbeing, Rowan Dunton
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Domestic violence and intimate partner violence against women affects all aspects of their health, including physical, mental, emotional, and economic health. When social programs, support networks, and better opportunities exist to improve the lives of female survivors, the financial impact of their abuse can be addressed and reduced in a significant, sustainable manner. Reviewing existing literature on this financial impact of abuse makes it apparent what women want and need to recover from their former, or even ongoing, situations. Effective preventative measures against financial harm include closing the gender wage gap and offering welfare programs for lower-income women to increase …
The Criminal Justice System And The Lgbtq Community: An Anti-Queer Regime, Steven Peck
The Criminal Justice System And The Lgbtq Community: An Anti-Queer Regime, Steven Peck
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
The LGBTQ community in the US, while experiencing great strides in social equality, continues to suffer disproportionately in the criminal justice system. Historical precedents of criminalizing the LGBTQ community are rife within the criminal justice system; the establishment of anti-sodomy laws, belief of inherent criminality, and a heteronormative perspective have all fostered a greater anti-queer regime. The criminalization and incarceration of the LGBTQ community remain steadfastly in place, with little to no reprieve. Establishing a new narrative in the criminalization and imprisonment of the LGBTQ community may assist in efforts to achieve real change within the criminal justice system. Moving …
The Implications Of A Militarized Police Force In The United States, Nhat Dang
The Implications Of A Militarized Police Force In The United States, Nhat Dang
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
The police model in America is slowly changing. From the early days of America, the police were modeled after the London Metropolitan Police. Over time, this has changed from a civilian police model into a more militaristic one. Police militarization in America can be traced to the implementation of the 1033 program, which granted local law enforcement agencies surplus military equipment such as weapons, surveillance gadgets, and armored vehicles. This research paper examines the effects of increasing police militarization on public perception and public trust of police.
The Lasting Impact Of Deinstitutionalization: Policing And The Mental Health Crisis, Ruqayyah Sorathia
The Lasting Impact Of Deinstitutionalization: Policing And The Mental Health Crisis, Ruqayyah Sorathia
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Society is combating the detrimental effects of the deinstitutionalization policy, which transferred the treatment of mentally ill patients from state-run psychiatric hospitals to community-run psychiatric facilities. These patients frequently fall into relapses and are more likely to experience risky encounters with law enforcement officials who have no formal training in dealing with them. The paper analyzes the criminalization of mentally ill people, many with substance abuse and alcohol addictions, receiving treatment in jails and state prisons. Incarcerating people with mental illness, though reducing the homeless population from the street and disturbances faced by the public, still does not address the …