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Beyond "Bad Apples": Political Identity, Moral Interpretation, And Institutional Response To Abuse, Laura Werner

Student Theses

This thesis examines how psychological explanatory frameworks and structural institutional response interact to shape how domestic violence and sexual abuse are understood and addressed. Drawing on behavioral design theory and John Dewey's transactional approach to experience, I argue that harm is interpreted through mental models that simultaneously shape both individual perception and institutional action. Using survey data from 736 participants, I demonstrate that endorsement of the "bad apples" explanatory framework, attributing abuse primarily to a small group of deviant individuals, is predicted by psychological essentialism, belief in a just world, social dominance orientation, and political conservatism. These findings suggest that …

Exploring Biogeographical Ancestry Inference Of New York Residents Using A 45 Indel Panel, Amanda Martinez

Student Theses

Biogeographical ancestry (BGA) inference is an important tool in forensic science, providing supplemental information when comparison/reference DNA is not available for traditional DNA analyses. Insertion/deletion polymorphisms (INDELs) have been used in the last decade as ancestry-informative markers (AIMs) for BGA inference because they can be easily adapted to forensic-type samples and are determined using low cost and easy processing methods. Limited research has attempted to estimate ancestry and admixture in United States (U.S.) populations. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a 45- and 21- INDEL panel to measure population admixture proportions of four different origins (African, European, East Asian and …

Refuting Ruscism: A Critique From Biblical Social Ontology, Paul Miles

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation argues that the ideology of Ruscism is incompatible with biblical Christianity on the basis of God’s design for the individual, the family, and the country. Indeed, the extent of incompatibility between these two worldviews renders any attempt to syncretize them a significant departure from biblical Christianity. God’s design for society is an absolute standard by which political ideologies may be evaluated, and these three societal units will suffice to demonstrate that Christians must reject Ruscism.

This dissertation will describe these three societal units—the individual, the family, and the country—as they are described in biblical Christianity and contrast their …

Critical Lawyering Pedagogy: Transformational Legal Education, Carolyn Grose

Minnesota Journal of Law & Inequality

In an era marked by democratic backsliding, systemic inequality, and widespread disillusionment with legal institutions, traditional legal education has proven not merely inadequate, but actively complicit in reproducing the institutional norms, professional identities, and hierarchies that have enabled democratic erosion and the misuse of law as a tool of exclusion and domination.

This Article describes a comprehensive, justice-oriented framework that reimagines the structure, content, and outcomes of legal education to better meet those needs. Critical Lawyering Pedagogy (CLP) draws from Critical Pedagogy, Narrative Theory, and Critical Lawyering and challenges the entrenched hierarchies and exclusionary norms that dominate most law schools …

Behavior Analysts' Recommendations For Police Interactions With Youth On The Autism Spectrum, Emily Emily Hinterneder

Honors Theses

Autism spectrum disorder affects nearly 2% (1 in every 36) of children in the United States, yet few resources exist to aid police officers in effective communication and interaction with this portion of youth. This study surveyed behavior analysts’ recommendations for police regarding how they can better interact with youth with autism spectrum disorder based on their knowledge, experiences, and opinions. The research surveyed behavior analysts initially in Massachusetts, then throughout the United States, on how police interact with youth with autism, with the intent to propose possible improvements. Quantitative analyses of the closed-ended questions were conducted to examine familiarity, …

Men Who Murder Their Families: Crime Script Analysis Of Surviving Familicide Perpetrators’ Characteristics And Behaviors, Margaret Potthoff

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Mental Health Services For Foster Care Youths Aging Out Of The System, Kenya Staten Hennigan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Chosen Career And Job Fitness, Grace Corinne Jennings

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative correlational study examined how experiences of abuse and neglect influenced career choice and whether individuals perceived their chosen careers as a good fit. Data were collected through an electronically distributed survey shared via social media, resulting in a sample of 542 participants. Analyses explored relationships between ACE scores, career field, job fit, and demographic variables including age and sex. Findings indicated that there was no statistically significant relationship between ACE scores and perceived job fit. Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences between men and women in reported levels of job fit, nor between sex and highest level …

A Qualitative Study Of De-Policing And The 2020 Anti-Police Movement, Corey Lee Piser

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study is to understand de-policing among police officers in the U.S. state of Minnesota (MN) relative to the 2020 anti-police movement. The theoretical underpinning of this study is rooted in Rational Choice Theory (RCT) and its focus on rational actors engaging in cost-benefit analysis as a behavioral model. RCT serves to capably explain de-policing behavior as a law enforcement officer (LEO) reaction to fears that engaging in self-initiated policing activity has become detrimental to their careers. The research design to be utilized is the generic qualitative method which will utilize officer questionnaires, interviews, and reflexive …

Education Journey: A Phenomenological Investigation Of The Lived College Experiences For Black Women Ages 20–39, Marsha Natalie Tucker-Scott

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study focused on the lived college experiences of Black female students aged 20-39 in the New York Metropolitan area, drawing on Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory to examine how cultural context, social interaction, and community expectations shaped their academic engagement and development. Using in-depth interviews, focus groups, and journal prompts with ten participants from local communities and churches, the study found that race and social expectations exerted a more profound influence on participants’ academic journeys than gender or age. Their narratives affirmed the value of hermeneutic phenomenology and intersectionality in understanding Black women’s experiences in higher education, particularly as they …

The Necessity Of Human Taphonomy Facilities, Mia Frame

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

This review explores the question of whether human taphonomy facilities (HTFs) are necessary for forensic science research. These facilities are used for multiple facets of research including postmortem interval (PMI) estimation or time since death, entomology, taphonomy, and the study of volatile organic compounds. The use of human analogues like pigs and rabbits will also be addressed to show why taphonomic research on human remains must be done. It is important to look at the physical and logistical limitations of these facilities, as well as ethical limitations including religious beliefs and public perception. This article will conclude by examining future …

Digital Recruitment Strategies In Kansas Police Departments, Kacey Leigh Wiltz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study will be to explore how law enforcement leaders implement and evaluate digital recruitment strategies (DRS) to address staffing challenges in Kansas police departments. The central research question guiding this study is: How do law enforcement leaders in Kansas, utilize digital recruitment strategies to attract qualified candidates in the post-George Floyd era? This qualitative study included three focus groups with law enforcement leaders and recruitment personnel representing departments of varying sizes. Additionally, this study utilized semi-structured interviews with law enforcement leaders and recruitment personnel from 30 different Kansas police departments. The research was conducted across …

The Integration Of Cybersecurity In Social Science Classes: A Study On Adolescents, Callie Lynea Hansen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In this quasi-experimental, pre-test/post-test study, the researcher examined adolescents’ vulnerability to cyber threats, a challenge exacerbated by the current compartmentalized approach to cybersecurity education. Grounded in psychological theory, biblical world views, and current cybersecurity best practices, the purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of integrating cybersecurity education into social science classes to enhance adolescents’ judgment and confidence in online environments. Approximately 45 adolescent students were recruited to participate. Participants completed a pre-test consisting of a Cybersecurity Judgment Questionnaire (CJQ) and a self-reported cybersecurity confidence survey (CCS), establishing a baseline of their judgment and confidence in virtual spaces. …

Entrepreneurship After Incarceration: The Barriers And Success Factors For Startups Led By Individuals With A Conviction Record, Charlotte E. Garnes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This mixed-methods study examined the barriers and facilitators influencing the success of businesses established by formerly incarcerated individuals through an online survey. It explored the roles of support and resilience in overcoming societal stigma and institutional constraints through survey questions (N = 119) and semi-structured interviews (N = 7). Quantitative analyses included binary logistic regression to evaluate relationships between region, industry, time in business, years since incarceration, and scale scores for support, motivation, and barriers with three outcomes: annual revenue, net profit or loss, and customer ratings. I also conducted a thematic analysis to understand the challenges, supports, and successes …

Living In The Shadows: Men Who Suffer Domestic Violence: A Phenomenological Study, Sharon R. Blackmon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Domestic violence (DV) among male victims is increasingly prevalent today, and it has a tremendous effect on both male and female victims. DV has had a lasting negative impact on the overall well-being of the male victims, and it has caused them to experience physical, emotional, and psychological distress. DV does not discriminate against race, gender, cultural background, economic or educational status. While there are a vast number of studies on DV, male victims are considered perpetrators instead of victims. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe male domestic violence victims' experiences with domestic violence in rural West …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Spouses Of Veterans With Ptsd And Nightmares In Coastal Georgia, Heather Evans

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of spouses of veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with recurring nightmares in coastal Georgia. Since the experience of the spouse of a veteran is a unique experience, the theories that guided this study were Bowen’s family systems theory and Lazarus and Folkman’s stress theory. These theories guided this study in comprehending the complexities of this role and the family dynamics and stress of a spouse of a veteran with PTSD and nightmares. Thematic analysis was used in this study to analyze the data. The literature on …

Rape Shield Laws: A Call For Reform, Ava Cunningham

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Rape shield laws were originally created during the 1970s to prohibit the admission of a victim’s past sexual history as evidence in court. Such laws aimed to prevent prejudicial questioning that could alter the jury's perceptions. However, they are deeply rooted in gendered biases, do not ensure fairness in the courtroom, and fail to keep pace with advancing technology. This paper argues that a thorough reexamination of rape shield laws is necessary to address these limitations and achieve impartial legal outcomes. Authors of the justice community display widespread support for reform of such laws. Researchers such as Flowe et al. …

The Prison Industrial Complex And The Exploitation Of Prisoners Through The 13th Amendment, Lindsey Adams

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

This paper analyzes the relationship between the government and the private prison industry, specifically examining how the exception clause in the Thirteenth Amendment permits conditions resembling modern-day slavery through exploitative prison labor. Neoliberalism and the War on Drugs have contributed to mass incarceration in the United States, which has led to an increase in prison labor. Mass incarceration has disproportionately affected people of color and those living in poverty. To address these issues, more intensive vetting processes are needed at all levels of law enforcement, particularly during hiring, to reduce racial bias and improve accountability.

The Impact Of Stigmatization On Professional Responses And Support For Trafficked Youth: A Qualitative Content Analysis, Kate R. Sandoval

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Child trafficking is among the most underreported and misunderstood crimes that affects vulnerable populations. Trafficked youth are often criminalized by law enforcement because they are ill-equipped in identifying them, resulting in arrest and involvement in the system. Signs of victimization are overlooked by healthcare providers, who are typically the first to interact with trafficked youth. As a result, very few investigations are carried out, and victims are discouraged from seeking support. The role of stigma is important in understanding how perceptions and responses to trafficked youth are formed, which impacts their outcomes. This study examined how stigmatization influences professional responses …

Record Clearance: Practical And Essential Justice Reform, Brendan Krepchin

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Record clearance is the process of expunging and reducing offenses listed on an individual’s Record of Arrests and Prosecutions (RAP). The current regime of laws surrounding the issue of record clearance is a patchwork of state laws that permit and restrict the process depending on the offense, the sentence, and multiple factors pertaining to the judicial process. The mere existence of a RAP sheet creates barriers to achieving any number of goals established at the individual or societal level. This article argues that record clearance should be universally proportional to circumstances across all levels of the justice system, as it …

Militarized Policing In Democratic Societies: Origins, Firearms Proliferation, Impacts, And The Erosion Of Democratic Governance, Carlos Alcantar

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Police militarization has become a global trend in recent decades across many democratic societies, often justified as a necessary improvement in policing to address contemporary threats. This shift not only changes police agencies’ equipment but also their organizational structure, training, operations, and culture, raising concerns about its impact on democratic policing practices, public safety, and civil liberties. This study examines the historical and structural developments behind this trend, focusing on military-grade equipment transfers, firearms availability, and the global diffusion of militarized security models as key drivers. Using a qualitative comparative case analysis, the research finds that police militarization is shaped …

The Night Stalker: The Killer Who Learned To Kill, Briana Farias

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Richard Ramirez’s criminal career can be best understood through Akers’ Social Learning Theory, which explains deviance as a learned behavior shaped by social interactions. This paper analyzes Ramirez’s childhood exposure to abuse, violent role models, and criminal reinforcement to demonstrate how his behavior may have developed over time. It draws on empirical studies demonstrating that social learning influences offenses such as adolescent drug abuse, gang affiliation, stalking, and sexual aggression. The analysis suggests Ramirez’s violence was not random, but the product of a social environment that rewarded violence. The paper concludes that understanding learned violence is essential for prevention efforts, …

Pandangan Hakim Terhadap Keadaan Memaksa, Suhandi Cahaya

Jurnal Hukum & Pembangunan

Abstract

Algorithms And The Duty To Explain, Tatiana Dancy

Indian Journal of Law and Technology

This article addresses the judicial duty to explain a decision that is informed by the output of a predictive algorithm. In discharging this duty, courts generally point to evidence about how the algorithm performs: the reason for using an algorithm just is that it makes accurate predictions for all groups within the target population, without causing unjustified disparities between them. As predictive performance can be validated statistically, judges have not sought access to the algorithm itself. I argue for a more robust approach to transparency in certain cases, which involve predictions about individual behaviour. In these cases, there are reasons …

Book Review: #Metoo And The Politics Of Transnational Feminism, Muhammad Umer Azim

Journal of International Women's Studies

No abstract provided.

Reading Indian Newspaper Reports To Uncover Cinematic Misrepresentations Of Rape In Mom (2017) And Guilty (2020), Samikhya Dash, Soumya Jose

Journal of International Women's Studies

Hindi cinema has witnessed a transformation in the portrayal of rape narratives subsequent to India’s Nirbhaya rape case in 2012 and the global #MeToo movement in 2017. The rape narratives released after the #MeToo movement are characterised by a departure from the stereotypical depiction of rape victims as forlorn and vulnerable figures; instead, they are depicted as assertive and empowered survivors that challenge entrenched power dynamics. Hindi films such as Mom (2017) and Guilty (2020) exemplify this paradigm shift by featuring women characters who defy gender stereotypes and resist patriarchal constraints, experience rape trauma syndrome and post-traumatic growth, and embody …

Pelaksanaan Hukuman Cambuk Di Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Berdasarkan Perspektif Hak Asasi Manusia, Sheila Namira Marchellia

Indonesia Criminal Law Review

The Province of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam imposes caning punishment as a sanction for several criminal offenses. Many parties consider this sanction to be a violation of human rights. This study employs a normative juridical method using statutory and conceptual approaches. Primary legal sources include Law Number 39 of 1999 concerning Human Rights, Qanun Aceh Number 12 of 2025 concerning Jinayat Law, the Indonesian Criminal Code, and Governor Regulation of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Number 10 of 2005 concerning Technical Guidelines for the Implementation of Caning Punishment. Secondary sources were obtained from legal literature and related legal theories. The results of the …

Proporsionalitas Penjatuhan Pidana, Eva Achjani

Jurnal Hukum & Pembangunan

Abstract

All Hands On Deck: How Virginia’S Fentanyl Strategy Can Guide State Policy, Lydia W. Couric

Journal of Statesmanship & Public Policy: Briefs and Commentaries

No abstract provided.

The Normative Evolution Of Political Crime In Egyptian Criminal Law 1881 – 1981, Anas Sayed Elkorashy

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the historical evolution of the Egyptian criminal justice system's approach to managing political opposition. It employs the concept of "political crime" as a heuristic for analyzing the prosecution of dissent, despite the absence of a statutory definition within the legal system. By situating these practices within the broader context of political conflict, the study traces how criminal law has been used to manage rivalry and neutralize perceived threats to the state. Drawing on Fraenkel’s theory of the "Dual State," the thesis argues that modern Egyptian criminal justice has developed through a distinctive dual structure. The research distinguishes …