Legal Studies Commons^™

Structural Racism And Mass Shooting Events In Mountain West Cities, 2015-2019, Mohit Pande, Nicole Diaz Del Valle, Olivia K. Cheche, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Criminal Justice

This fact sheet presents data on the link between social and demographic metrics of principal cities in four Mountain West metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs): Phoenix, AZ; Tucson, AZ; Denver, CO; and Las Vegas, NV. This fact sheet also reports the number of people affected by mass shooting events (MSEs) as originally reported in “Association Between Markers of Structural Racism and Mass Shooting Events in Major US Cities,” published by The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Surgery. The original article derives data from 865 MSEs across 51 MSAs in the United States.

Variation Of Oregon Law Enforcement Agency Clearance Rates And Their Influencing Factors, Kendra Macsaveny

University Honors Theses

Clearance rates are one of the few ways to measure the efficiency and performance of a law enforcement agency. So, if an agency has a low clearance rate, then this reflects poorly on an agency's capabilities when it comes to solving crimes and making arrests. This study's purpose is to (1) present the clearance rates for a sample of police agencies in Oregon; (2) determine how the agencies vary from each other; (3) determine if the clearance rates for individual agencies remain stable over time; and (4) determine what agency factors might be influencing the clearance rate. Although agency factors …

The Ferguson Effect, Ayleen A. Suarez

Quest

Research Essay

Research in progress for CRIJ 2328: Police Systems and Practices

Faculty Mentor: Stephanie Abramoske-Austin, PhD

This article began from a term paper assignment in CRIJ 2328, Police Systems and Practices—a required course for Criminal Justice students. The assignment asks students to research a current policing topic and write an essay that includes the history of the topic, its importance for modern-day policing, a review and analysis of the empirical evidence on the topic, and proposed solutions. Ayleen Suarez chose to research the “Ferguson effect.” The Ferguson effect began circulating online and in a variety of news programs after …

Beyond Barriers: Supporting Formerly Incarcerated Students In American Higher Education, Carly Jean Colbert

Journal of Prison Education Research

The United States prison industry is the largest in the world. With the reintroduction of Second Chance Pell in 2015, more people are starting their education while incarcerated, and some attempt to finish after release. However, they are faced with numerous barriers that may prevent graduation. Drawing on Astin’s theory of student involvement, this mixed-methods study examines the challenges that formerly incarcerated people face while pursuing college degrees. Rather than focusing on access, this research focuses on the supports that institutions of higher education can establish to help formerly incarcerated students persist and successfully complete their undergraduate degrees. The findings …

Listening Suppers At The Landing Place: Talking With Rockland-Area Youth About School, Work, & Life, Jillian Foley Mppm, Swathi Sivasubramanian, Timothy Atkinson, Olivia Eckert, Emma Schwartz

Justice Policy

This piece (June 2025) is a collaboration with our partners at The Landing Place to amplify youth voices and ideas for systems change that came out of a series of conversations with youth in Rockland, called Listening Suppers which aimed to inspire conversations about school, work, family, community supports, relationships, and more. This short brief highlights the themes that came out of these conversations including community strengths and assets, gaps and youth needs, and youth informed recommendations for change. While much of the conversations were specific to the local Rockland community, the challenges and solutions highlighted are similar to what …

Black Incarcerated Veterans And Va Service Access, Kimona S. Spencer

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This study investigates racial disparities in access to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) services among incarcerated Veterans, with a specific focus on Black incarcerated Veterans. Drawing from critical race theory and the minority stress model, the study explores how race, discharge status, military experiences, and mental health conditions intersect to affect potential eligibility for and receipt of VA healthcare and benefits. Utilizing a secondary analysis of data from the Survey of Prison Inmates (SPI), the research employs quantitative methods to examine whether disparities exist in discharge characterizations, potential eligibility for VA care, and service utilization by race. Findings highlight …

Non-Destructive Dry Vacuum Recovery Of Dna From Fabric, Emily Sam-Zee-Moi

Student Theses

Trace DNA has proved to be a reliable forensic tool when investigating crimes. Current methods of trace DNA recovery from fabric include cutting, swabbing, scraping, and tape lifting. A dry vacuum collection method originally developed for paper evidence is an alternative nondestructive option for DNA collection from fabric. This research evaluated the success of the dry vacuum technique on pieces of cotton fabric that had been briefly touched as well as the effectiveness of different moistening agents and filters. The samples were designed to simulate an assault with the suspect grabbing the clothing of their victim. Volunteers created samples by …

From Australian Influence To Rohingya Refugees: A Systematic Literature Review Of Asylum Seekers And Refugees In Indonesia, Bilal Dewansyah

The Indonesian Journal of Socio-Legal Studies

The fact that Indonesia hosts asylum seekers and refugees attracted not only policy debate and media attention but also academic research. However, no systematic review has been conducted to assess the scholarly literature on this topic. This article is intended to fill this gap by presenting a systematic literature review (SLR) on asylum seekers and refugees in Indonesia. As a result, I found five major themes in the reviewed literature: (1) the focus on the Indonesia – Australia relationship; (2) people smuggling; (3) refugees’ journey and living conditions in Indonesia; (4) Rohingya refugees; (5) legal protection and refugee status. However, …

Health Care In Women’S Carceral Spaces, Kate Gouveia Pereira

Culture, Society, and Praxis

Canada has had a long history of mistreating incarcerated women in their jails. The carceral system was built to fit around the needs of men, neglecting to consider the various health issues that only women face. For many years. federally imprisoned women were held in one deteriorated prison, the Prison for Women (P4W), and were held in abhorrent conditions and experienced many acts of violence. Despite the opening of five more prisons and funding for various programs for women, incarcerated women continue to experience violence and health crises, leaving imprisoned women extremely vulnerable to mental and physical distress. In particular, …

The Effect Of Bullet Morphology And Intermediate Targets On Bullet Path, Natalia Aguilar

Student Theses

A key feature of shooting reconstruction is trajectory analysis. There are several different methods of assessing this from the bullet impact mark including: best-fit ellipse, lead-in, trajectory rod, 3D laser scanning, and machine learning. While these function in differently, many share a common fault. Few trajectory analysis techniques evaluate the difference in bullet path for bullet morphology. This raises the question: does the morphology of a bullet influence its degree of deviation when interacting with a target material? This study investigates the difference in bullet trajectories through drywall for 9mm full metal jacket (FMJ) and jacketed hollow point (JHP) ammunition …

Judicial Deference In Immigration Cases: A Qualitative Inquiry Into How Judicial Decision Making Shapes Immigration Policy, Jurgen R. Soekhoe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In the United States, the inherent right of a sovereign nation to regulate immigration and naturalization has been a privilege long recognized. The judicially established plenary power doctrine affirmed that right in 1889, only to be forgotten to history through shifting judicial focus. This study analyzed the connection between the political branch’s constitutional and statutory authority on immigration regulation and the influence of the federal judiciary on that power by reviewing immigration law, executive action, and judicial decisions. Increased judicial review into immigration-related matters has affected immigration policy. Soliciting firsthand insight from 17 federal judges provided unparalleled insight when investigating …

Comprehending The Influence Of Harassment And Stalking Laws On The Safety And Well-Being Of Victims In The Us, Khazayma Khan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this dissertation is to explore the problem of unresponsive law enforcement faced by legitimate victims of harassment and stalking in the United States and to ultimately develop recommendations to address the problem. A mixed method was used in which qualitative and quantitative data was gathered and analyzed. For this dissertation, a mixed method was applied using interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys to gather data among victims of harassment and stalking. The participants were recruited using convenience sampling in which victims of harassment and stalking were selected from relevant organizations, such as support services. A total of …

Illuminating The Communication Analysis Of Investigative Interviews And Interrogations: An Interdisciplinary Qualitative Interpretive Meta-Synthesis, Erica N. Heller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation explores communication in investigative interviews and interrogations through a qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis (QIMS) across the three disciplines of communication, psychology, and criminal justice. This investigation was guided by two research questions: identifying communication themes in investigative contexts and examining the variations in how the disciplines approach investigative interviews and interrogations. Through the utilization of the QIMS method, this study investigated and analyzed interdisciplinary artifacts from academic and professional (gray) literature. This resulted in the discovery of two key themes, confession-focused goals and inconsistent terminology, and three sub-themes: interviewee focus, siloed mindset, and individualized methodological focus. The findings of …

Selected Artificial Intelligence Provisions In U.S. Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, Bert Chapman

Libraries Faculty and Staff Presentations

The 2025 Fiscal Year National Defense Authorization Act contains multiple provisions relating to artificial intelligence (AI). These congressionally mandated provisions direct various sections of the Department of Defense (DOD) and individual U.S. armed service branches to execute congressional intent for AI policymaking. Examples of such intent include identifying and planning DOD's AI workforce, demonstrating AI biotechnology applications for national security, improving the human usability of AI systems, and establishing an AI security center. This presentation will note that reports on these initiatives must be prepared for relevant congressional oversight committees, and, in many cases, are in many cases, publicly released …

The Impact Of Transformational Leadership By Chiefs And Supervisors On Law Enforcement Turnover Intention: An Examination Of Job Satisfaction And Commitment As Mediators, Myunghyun Choi, Sohee Kim, Youngki Woo

Criminal Justice Faculty Publications

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate how law enforcement officers’ turnover intentions are affected by their perceptions of transformational leadership from both chiefs and supervisors as well as their job satisfaction and organizational commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing a large sample of 13,072 sworn law enforcement officers from 85 agencies across the United States, this study employs structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the impacts of transformational leadership by chiefs and supervisors on turnover intention. Additionally, this study investigates the mediating effects of job satisfaction and organizational commitment in these relationships.

Findings

The findings indicate that transformational leadership from …

Chains Of Equity: How Nationwide Injunctions Are Unconstitutional, Irfan Mohamed

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Since the early judicial beginnings in the English Courts of Chancery, the principles of equity have guided judicial remedies for centuries. Modern American courts inherited these principles through reception statutes passed by newly independent states, which adopted English common law, including the concept of equity as a means of providing narrowly tailored remedies to resolve specific injuries. This paper examines the historical foundations of equity and argues that nationwide injunctions, which extend beyond the immediate litigants to affect the general public, are inconsistent with these principles and, therefore, unconstitutional. A historical and doctrinal analysis of the English Court of Chancery, …

The Case Against Police Militarization: Stop Turning Police Into Soldiers, Kenia A. Silva Garcia

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

This paper will critically explore police militarization in the United States, highlighting its origins, implications, and the urgent need to demilitarize them. The rise of militarized police forces began in the 1960s—the War on Drugs and federal programs that allowed military equipment to be transferred to local police departments made their expansion even more possible. Due to this expansion, this paper discusses that police should not be militarized because it increases violence, disproportionately affects marginalized communities, particularly racial minorities, and ultimately fails to reduce crime. Evidence suggests that militarized police forces foster systemic inequalities that are rooted in historical racism—a …

Understanding Deviance Through General Strain Theory: A Study Of The Chowchilla Bus Kidnapping, Yazmin Robles

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

The following paper demonstrates the validity of Robert Agnew’s general strain theory. In particular, the paper thoroughly examines empirical support for general strain theory, applies the theory to the infamous 1976 Chowchilla bus kidnapping, and introduces policy recommendations. The paper finds support, limitations, and suggestions for general strain theory through qualitative literature analysis. Clear connections are made between the empirical findings of the theory and the motivation behind the kidnapping. In particular, the paper highlights the significance of financial strain, emotions, and opportunity as motivators in the Chowchilla case. Policy recommendations are made in connection with the theory application to …

How Mass Incarceration Has Destroyed African American Communities, Angeliki Karvounis

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Beginning with the “Tough on Crime” movement of the 1970s, policies such as mandatory minimums, the War on Drugs, and the Three Strikes law have reinforced racial disparities in the criminal justice system. Multiple historical and systemic factors have contributed to the disproportionate imprisonment of African American individuals. This paper explores the long-term consequences of incarceration, including the erosion of family structures, the economic marginalization of affected communities, and the perpetuation of poverty and crime. The repercussions of parental incarceration on children and the challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals seeking reintegration into society are examples of the long-term consequences …

Prisoner Reentry Into Society Viewed Through The Lens Of Women, Jalak Parekh

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

In the 1970s, President Richard Nixon declared a War on Drugs and initiated a series of policies that were intended to combat the use of illegal drugs by implementing severe sentences for drug-related crimes. As a result, the focus of the criminal justice system veered away from rehabilitation efforts. Today, the U.S. criminal justice system has considerably high rates of recidivism. This paper examines the importance of successful reentry into society for formerly incarcerated women, especially those who must resume a caregiver role to their children. However, a relapse into criminal behavior seems imminent due to societal barriers in obtaining …

Human Trafficking: An Examination Of Policies And The Impact Of Trafficking On Victims, Hannah Lyons

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Human trafficking is a pervasive and complex global issue that involves the exploitation of individuals. While there is also the trafficking of objects, this study solely focuses on sexual exploitation and forced labor of humans. This paper defines trafficking and examines the impact that trafficking has on victims’ physical and mental health. This paper also examines the intersection of human trafficking and policies designed to combat it, focusing on the effectiveness of legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms. By analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of current anti-trafficking laws and initiatives, the paper explores how policies can be improved to better address …

The Lasting Effects Of Gun Violence On Victims And Communities, Anthony Do

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Gun violence is a pressing public health and criminal justice issue with lasting effects on victims, families, and communities in the United States. The psychological impact of gun violence can contribute to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and sleep deprivation. The issues are pronounced within marginalized or disadvantaged neighborhoods. The emergence of 3D-printed “ghost guns” presents further complications in the effort to regulate firearms. The United States stands out for its disproportionately high rates of firearm deaths. The findings in this paper highlight the urgent need for comprehensive prevention strategies that address both the current and future impacts …

The Normalization Of Clandestine Graves In Mexico, Alejandra Vela

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Clandestine graves are increasing at an alarming rate in Mexico, as cartels fight for dominance over the wealthiest territories. Those who fall victim to cartels are brutally tortured into submission or are murdered and disposed of. These graves are the preferred method of body disposal by the cartels. By disposing of various victims in hidden locations, the cartels seek to erase the existence of these individuals. Victims are reduced to only bone fragments and ash. Friends and family of those who have gone missing have created a large search organization, Madres Buscadoras, to combat the helplessness of authorities. Madres Buscadoras …

Incorporating Specialized Courses On The Prevention Of Sexual Misconduct In Policing Academies, Nina Nguyen

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

A major problem within law enforcement is police sexual misconduct (PSM), where law enforcement officers commit sexual offenses while using the power of their position. Bonds of loyalty and trust between fellow officers are strong enough that offenders have no worries about being reported, even if they are caught. Studies have shown that most offending officers were new to the field or recently completed their training at a policing academy. Since many of the officers committing PSM were fresh out of their training, it indicates that the academy is not training its recruits properly on topics of sexual assault and …

Oviposition And Immature Development Of Blowflies In Forensic Investigations, Amalia Herrera-Benitez

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Forensic entomology is a subspecialty within the field of forensic science where insect evidence is analyzed to solve criminal cases. Insects begin to colonize the body, with blowflies being the first insects to arrive. Within minutes, blowflies can lay eggs on a decomposing body, and the larvae will feed once they hatch. The life cycles of blowflies are analyzed to help determine an estimated post-mortem interval (PMI), which is crucial in investigations, as it can help establish a timeline. Various factors, such as temperature and access to the body, can cause delays in the oviposition of blowflies. A delay in …

The Rape Kit Backlog: Problems And Solutions, Tracey Cao

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

This literature review examines the ongoing issue of rape kit backlog in the United States. Rape kits are a means of evidence collection from victims of sexual assault that can be used in court. Across the nation, many state jurisdictions have hundreds and thousands of rape kits left untested and locked away in storage facilities. Consent for testing, police bias, and funding issues are the main issues that will be addressed. Many victims choose not to have their kits tested. Other kits never get tested due to police choosing not to submit a kit due to their bias against some …

Detection Canines: An Insight Into Investigative Working Dogs, Adriana Pliego

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

In a comprehensive exploration of detection canines, this paper aims to research the depth of their utilization by many investigative agencies and fields. A relevant case is discussed to present the application of detection canines and how they are useful for investigative measures. Shedding light into the various components of detection canines, this paper will discuss desirable canine characteristics that are sought out. On the other hand, undesirable characteristics are also discussed to inform recruiters of which attributes they should opt out of. This paper continues to discuss the roles and capabilities of detection canines given their unique potential. Then, …

The Role Of Criminology In The Courtroom, Nia Mehroke

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Criminology and expert witness testimony play a crucial role in modern-day court proceedings. Scientific data and insights utilized in criminology can assist with seeking justice and fairness. This essay aims to provide a basis for the history of criminology and define the practice. It will explore the evolution of criminology practices and how theories have developed that are still utilized today. Furthermore, it will discuss criminologists’ many contributions as expert witnesses, including the role of ethics that criminologists must follow in court. Some key ideas presented include the methodologies criminologists use to present evidence and what standard criminologists must follow …

Forensic Psychology Of Serial Killers, Karla Suarez

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Many serial killers share patterns in psychological and neuropsychological disorders and behaviors. These behaviors and patterns should be recognized and acknowledged to understand why serial killers murder without remorse or guilt. It is important to discuss matters such as common patterns, typologies, and characteristics within serial killers. After looking at these essential aspects of serial killers, common neurodevelopmental disorders, brain damage, and biological epigenetics will be further explored. In order to fully assess this topic, forensic psychology and behavioral analysis are essential to aid in understanding serial killers and how their brains function to lead them to the actions that …

Comparative Analysis Of Forensic Science Systems: Scotland Vs. America, Alec Noland

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Forensic science plays an important role in the justice system of both the United States and Scotland, but the structure, application, and effectiveness differ significantly. This research paper presents a comparative analysis of forensic science in two different legal and institutional contexts, examining differences between the two forensic science systems. This includes forensic laboratories and services, education and training, policing, court procedures, legal framework, and crime scene investigation. The analysis highlights significant differences such as Scotland’s centralized system versus America’s decentralized system, which impacts resource allocation and standardization for forensic science. Despite major differences, both countries emphasize scientific reliability, standardized …