Digital Commons Network^™

Moving Toward Police Accountability: Beyond Senate Bill 2, Ani Boyadjian

Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review

On September 30, 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), “creat[ing] a system to investigate and revoke or suspend peace officer certification for serious misconduct,” as well as establishing the Peace Officer Standards Accountability Division and the Peace Standards Accountability Advisory Board, which will be responsible for investigations into police misconduct. This Note will describe the new features of SB 2’s decertification provisions in contrast to traditional methods of addressing police misconduct. Additionally, this Note will examine where the bill fell short, and how to overcome its shortcomings.

Fhsu Shotgun Team Continues Dominance In Fall Season, December 21, 2023, Tisa Mason Ed.D.

Heart of a Tiger Columns

No abstract provided.

Vega V. Tekoh And The Erosion Of Miranda: A Reframing Of Miranda As A Procedural Due Process Requirement, Tess A. Chaffee

University of Cincinnati Law Review

No abstract provided.

Section 230 As Civil Rights Statute, Enrique Armijo

University of Cincinnati Law Review

Many of our most pressing discussions about justice, progress, and civil rights have moved online. Activists advocating for social change no longer need to be in the same physical space to connect with others who share their challenges and aspirations. But the convergence of mobility, connectivity, and technology is not the only reason why. Thanks to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act’s (“Section 230”) immunity for online platforms, websites, and their hosts, speakers can engage in speech about protest, equality, and dissent without fear of collateral censorship from governments, authorities, and others in power who hope to silence them. …

Ethical Leadership: A Study Of Behaviors Of Leaders In Higher Education Today, Jonathan Hubchen, Samuel L. Wyatt, Michael Burnett

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the behaviors of an ethical leader as perceived by tenured and tenure-track faculty at a research university (RU/VH) in the southeastern portion of the United States. The researcher utilized a researcher-designed survey instrument which consisted of twenty possible behaviors of an ethical leader and selected demographic characteristics.

Examination of the study results revealed that the majority of respondents were male (66.20%) and tenured (75.00%). Additionally, the largest group were Professors (49.60%), and had been at the study institution for less than l0 years (38.20%). The characteristics that were most related to …

Gavin Newsom, Olivia Leyva

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

No abstract provided.

Winter/Spring 2024

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

No abstract provided.

Warming Up Cold Cases With Dr. Krystal Hans, Vanessa Cooper

Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement

Dr. Krystal Hans is an assistant professor of forensic entomology in the Department of Entomology. Dr. Hans teaches courses on forensic science and forensic entomology, including the “Forensic Investigation” (ENTM 22810) course, where a major component of the course is a cold case project. The cold case project focuses on accessing information about an unresolved case and trains students to engage with empathy as advocates for victims while developing skills in research, digital and information literacy, submission of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, designing infographics, and public speaking. Students produce digital case files and infographics to display the …

Smart Money For The People: Using Financial Innovation And Technology To Promote Esg, Frank Emmert

Duke Law & Technology Review

Traditional fiat currencies managed by governments and central banks have had negative impacts on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. Central banks in mature democracies pursue policies that prioritize economic growth and high employment. However, these policies often lead to inflation, eroding the savings and pension funds of average citizens and encouraging risky behavior by banks and entrepreneurs. The pursuit of endless growth is socially and environmentally unsustainable. Leaders in developing countries and dictatorships use expansive monetary policy to maintain their positions, further exacerbating the situation. Convertible fiat currencies moving across borders in untraceable transactions evade regulation and taxation, with …

Constitutional Right To A Fair Trial And Social Justice Influence, Kaitlyn Marchant

Pace Law Review

This article evaluates the challenges that have arisen from the growth of social media and its influence on the right to the fair trial process in high-profile cases. Pretrial publicity through media exposure can bias potential jurors, potentially leading to decisions based on outside information rather than courtroom evidence. The article highlights the risks associated with jurors being exposed to external information through various media sources, which can significantly impact their objectivity and ability to make impartial judgments. It scrutinizes the limitations of the existing legal framework in addressing these challenges, including the reliance on jurors’ assurances of impartiality and …

The Effect Of Postoperative Naloxone In Certain Otolaryngologic Surgeries, Natalie M. Perlov, Sohan S. Shah, Joann Bluj, Zachary D. Urdang, Rebecca C. Chiffer

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of postoperative naloxone with the development of new substance use disorder (SUD), overdose, and death within 6 months of otolaryngologic surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort database study on TriNetX.

METHODS: Adult patients who underwent tonsil surgery (noncancerous), thyroid/parathyroid, septorhinoplasty, otology/neurotology, sinus/anterior skull base, and head and neck cancer surgeries between January 2003 and April 2023. Patients were excluded if they had an instance of SUD or overdose recorded in their charts prior to surgery, or had undergone another surgery within that 6-month time frame. We hypothesized that patients prescribed naloxone postoperatively would have decreased odds …

Do Judges Understand Technology? How Attorneys And Advocates View Judicial Responsibility In Cyberstalking And Cyberharassment Cases, Kateryna Kaplun

International Journal on Responsibility

As new technologies emerge and are increasingly used to commit interpersonal cybercrimes like cyberstalking and cyberharassment, the legal system lags in assisting victims in obtaining justice in these types of experiences. This qualitative research study explores how attorney and advocate interviewees from Illinois, New Jersey, and New York view judges’ responsibility to the law in cyberstalking and cyberharassment cases. This study finds three themes: judges’ lack of understanding of technology and its harms, discretion, and law on the books versus law in action as important factors and frameworks that contribute to why judges do not consider the importance of technology …

Visualizing The Risks: The Significance Of Graphic Design In Educating Women About The Risks Of Prescription Opioids & Pre-Existing Mental Health Conditions, Natascha Foret Truong

Masters Theses

This thesis explores the critical issue of educating women about the increased risks of prescription opioid use and misuse relating to a co-occurring mental health illness. The research-based graphic design solutions proposed in the thesis aim to create awareness and provide knowledge to women on this matter. It is imperative to address this issue as it has severe consequences for women, their families, and society. This thesis utilizes research and best practices from scholarly articles, case studies, visual analysis, personas, and mind mapping to present graphic design solutions based on evidence. These solutions aim to educate women about the gender-specific …

A Public Technology Option, Hannah Bloch-Wehba

Law and Contemporary Problems

No abstract provided.

The History Of Systemic Racism In The Texas Rangers, John E. Jordan Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

White people dominated North American society from the first settlement of North America through the twentieth century and their own cultural norms dictated their actions, both good and bad. The Texas Rangers and other police officers in Texas played a major role in the discrimination of people of color, particularly the Hispanic population. Systemic racism is found in the militarizing of the police and how they interacted with people of color.

Mass Incarceration In America: Where's The Church?, Michael J. Wing

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Due to mass incarceration, correctional facilities in America are dealing with unprecedented levels of overcrowding, staff shortages, violence, suicide, and widespread mental illness among inmates. Budget cuts and the corresponding loss of vocational, educational, and treatment programs have exacerbated such problems. Mass incarceration and its deleterious consequences are challenging the very soul of America, and the church has largely stood by and watched this tragic situation unfold over the last fifty years. This research project has explored some of the barriers that have precluded churches from taking a more intentional, active, and impactful role in doing something about the national …

A Phenomenological Approach: How Hopelessness Affects Achievement In The Areas Of Socio-Economic, Criminality, And Educational Success Within The African American Community, Shawn A. Parker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study was designed to examine how the concept of hope or lack thereof has an impact on the negative discrepancies in the areas of education, criminal behavior, and socio-economic status among African Americans as it compares to Whites. There may be other ethnicities who have significant inconsistencies as well, but for the sack of this study, the comparisons were primarily among African Americans and Whites. The theory guiding this study is the psychodynamic approach. This approach was guided by Sigmond Freud’s desire to understand human behavior; provided a path to studying the events of the past and present …

A Qualitative Descriptive Study: Exploring Organizational Justice, Equity, Diversity, And Inclusion In The Workplace For Individuals With A History Of Criminal Behavior, Heather Danielle Morton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Individuals with a history of criminal behavior often experience difficulties finding employment once labeled a criminal by society. Maintaining stable employment post-release has been found to lower recidivism rates, thus supporting safer communities. In concert, positive experiences with equity and inclusion in the workplace have further been found to support stronger social identities and belonging in the workplace. Currently, no study has specifically examined the impact of organizational justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion implementation and practices in the workplace among individuals with a history of criminal behavior. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to better understand the …

Understanding Lived Experiences Of Correctional Officers' Reintegration Back Into The Work Environment Post-Assault, Claudette Duggins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The researcher explored the experiences of correctional officers assaulted by inmates, focusing on the impact of such assaults on their reintegration into the work environment. The researcher sought to understand how these experiences affect officers' attitudes, behaviors, and decision-making, which could impact the safety and security of the institution and the public. A qualitative approach using a phenomenological research design was employed to understand the lived experiences of assaulted correctional officers. Data emerged through participant interactions, capturing their personal experiences and perspectives. The qualitative method was chosen over a quantitative approach as it allowed for an in-depth understanding of the …

Exploring The Need For Additional Title Ix Education And Training, Maria K. Lamiotte

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study explores the differences between students, faculty, and staff about the need for additional Title IX education and training at a community college in Southeastern Connecticut from the four-level construct of the Social-Ecological Model of sexual misconduct prevention. This paper analyzed the existing literature on sexual misconduct education and training across higher education institutions, specifically related to community colleges nationwide. The literature was limited, related to community colleges. The data analysis explored the differences between students, faculty, and staff’s gender, sexual orientation, and college status about the need for additional Title IX education and training using archival data …

A Quantitative Study On The Impact Of Covid-19 On Drug Treatment Courts, Derek J. Kingsbury

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this research study was to investigate how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted drug treatment courts (DTCs) in Pennsylvania. DTCs were created as an alternative to the traditional court system by allowing those convicted of a drug offense to receive treatment. Just as these DTCs were dealing with the opioid crisis, a new obstacle occurred in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing DTCs to adapt to the quickly evolving and changing mandates and policies implemented by the federal and local governments. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these essential DTCs was examined using a therapeutic jurisprudence perspective. …

A Quantitative Analysis Of Servant-Leadership Characteristics Among Those Called To Serve And Protect, Louden S.B. Suggs

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to determine if servant-leader characteristics were common among recruits enrolled in basic law enforcement training programs in North Carolina Community Colleges and the relationship between recruit commitment to preserving public safety and public order and the call or natural feeling to serve others. This study explored whether law enforcement recruits inherently possessed servant-leader characteristics defined by Greenleaf and Spears (1998, 2002) and described in Matthew and Mark. One hundred eleven law enforcement recruits, both men and women, from various demographic backgrounds actively enrolled in 22 North Carolina Community College System’s Basic Law …

Does Federal Law Ban Mailing Abortion Drugs? A Textual Analysis Of 18 U.S.C. § 1461, Peter Allevato

Pepperdine Law Review

As the regulation of abortion availability returned to the States, many have grappled with so-called trigger laws: dormant laws that were set to take effect to restrict or ensure access to abortion should constitutional protection be revoked. While the federal government has no true trigger law, it does have long-unenforced laws prohibiting the mailing of “[e]very article or thing designed, adapted, or intended for producing abortion.” 18 U.S.C. § 1461 is an old law, and it has not been enforced for at least fifty years. But the law’s potential effect on the growing practice of mail-distribution of chemical abortion pills …

Bi-Negativity: An Assessment Of Negativity Surrounding Bisexuality From The Lgbtq+ And Heterosexual Communities, Whitney R. Ford

The Confluence

This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that negative attitudes towards bisexual people (bi-negativity) exists within the LGBTQ+ and heterosexual communities and to determine if levels of bi-negativity are higher within the LGBTQ+ group. I administered the Gender-Based Attitudes Towards Bisexuality (GBAB) Scale by Nielsen et al. (2022) to measure bi-negativity using an online survey. The results, obtained from 87 participants who identify as LGBTQ+ and 121 participants who identify as heterosexual between the ages of 18 and 80, support my hypothesis that bi-negativity exists within both groups. However, contrary to my second hypothesis, higher levels of bi-negativity were …

Survivors Of Sexual Assault On The Stand: A New Feminist And Victim-Centered Bioethical Framework To Discuss Justice And Trauma, Mathilde Genest

Journal of International Women's Studies

This essay argues that neuroscientific knowledge of trauma should be utilized to address injustices experienced by survivors of sexual assault (SA) in the courtroom and introduces a new feminist and victim-centered bioethical framework. Survivors face several injustices during a SA trial. Rape myths and victim stereotypes, which stem from gender discrimination, create unrealistic expectations for survivors’ behaviors and engender epistemic injustices. Other injustices are inherent to SA trials. Notably, the justice system fails to protect survivors and actually harms them by granting them little agency while risking secondary victimization. Many injustices experienced by survivors are linked to their reactions to …

The Influence Of Prior Legal Background On Judicial Sentencing Considerations, Esther Nir, Siyu Liu

International Journal on Responsibility

State court judges are influenced by a myriad of factors during criminal case processing. To study the influence of prior legal background on judicial decision-making at sentencing, we performed in-depth qualitative interviews of 39 trial court judges presiding over criminal cases in a Northeastern U.S. state. We find that judges are influenced by their former legal experiences and most judges are cognizant of this influence. While certain sentencing considerations are prioritized for almost all judges (e.g., criminal history, seriousness of the offense), prioritization and processing of many other sentencing criteria are correlated with prior legal background. Former defense attorneys tend …

Fact Based Death Penalty Research, Lewis L. Laska

Tennessee Journal of Law and Policy

No abstract provided.

Region-Specific Structural Covariates Of Homicide Rates In Latin America: State Legitimacy And Remittances, Guillermo Escano, William Alex Pridemore

School of Criminal Justice Other Graduate Student Scholarship

The goal of this study was to examine region-specific structural covariates of homicide rates in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). LAC nations possess 8% of the global population but 33% of homicides, yet the region receives limited attention in studies of social structure and violence. Prior literature suggests two separate social forces particularly relevant to the region, state legitimacy and monetary remittances. Theory from multiple fields provides distinct pathways through which each may influence LAC violence rates, suggesting a negative legitimacy-homicide association but competing hypotheses about the remittances-homicide association. Our unit of analysis was the nation-year, and our sample …

Distance From A Cultural Model Of Substance Use Risk, Internalization, And Self-Stigma In Urban Brazil, Nicole L. Henderson, William W. Dressler, Natalia Priolli Jora Pegoraro, Ana Falcao, Sandra Cristin Pillon

APC Fund

Introduction: A cognitive theory of culture as socially distributed cultural models has proven useful in research. Cultural models exist in two forms: the model shared by individuals in a social group, and individual versions of that model modified by personal experience. In previous research we documented a shared cultural model of substance use risk among a general population sample in urban Brazil. Here we examine how this model is distributed among persons under treatment for substance use/misuse and the implications for perceived and self-stigma.

Methods: A convenience sample of 133 persons under treatment rated the influence of risk factors for …

Editors' Note, Nirupama Devaraj, Bharath Ganesh Babu

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

No abstract provided.