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Articles 1 - 30 of 106
Full-Text Articles in Criminology and Criminal Justice
How Mass Incarceration Has Destroyed African American Communities, Angeliki Karvounis
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 …
Chains Of Equity: How Nationwide Injunctions Are Unconstitutional, Irfan Mohamed
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, …
Understanding Deviance Through General Strain Theory: A Study Of The Chowchilla Bus Kidnapping, Yazmin Robles
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 …
Human Trafficking: An Examination Of Policies And The Impact Of Trafficking On Victims, Hannah Lyons
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
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
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
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 …
The Rape Kit Backlog: Problems And Solutions, Tracey Cao
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 …
The Role Of Criminology In The Courtroom, Nia Mehroke
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 …
Prisoner Reentry Into Society Viewed Through The Lens Of Women, Jalak Parekh
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 …
The Case Against Police Militarization: Stop Turning Police Into Soldiers, Kenia A. Silva Garcia
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 …
The Silent Killer In Women's Prisons, Samantha Boman
The Silent Killer In Women's Prisons, Samantha Boman
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
If present in the body for an extended period, the human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause aberrant cells to develop in the cervix. Left undetected, these abnormalities can manifest into cancer. Incarcerated women are among the highest demographic to be diagnosed with cervical cancer - diagnoses that could be averted through HPV vaccinations, regular cervical cancer screenings, Pap smears, and comprehensive sexual education. The lack of these preventative measures points to an insufficiency of reproductive healthcare within women’s prisons. In its early stages, cervical cancer is asymptomatic. Once symptoms appear, damage to the body is irreparable. The absence of symptoms before …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 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 …
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 …
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 …
Prison Libraries, Intellectual Freedom And Social Justice In Nigeria, Olusegun Adebayo Opesanwo, Oluyomi Abidemi Awofeso Phd
Prison Libraries, Intellectual Freedom And Social Justice In Nigeria, Olusegun Adebayo Opesanwo, Oluyomi Abidemi Awofeso Phd
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
This paper deployed a systematic review to examine prison libraries and intellectual freedom towards attaining social justice in Nigeria. Information resources used cover the periods of 2010 and 2020 to articulate the necessary development in prison libraries, intellectual freedom and social justice in Nigeria. Search engines such as Google scholar, Semantic Scholar, and RefSeek were used to retrieve information and through different queries yielded several results but very few of them were selected to fit in the study due to limited studies directed to address the focus of this study particularly in the Nigeria scenario. Information obtained were subjected to …
Defining Sex: Revisiting Bostock V. Clayton County Two Years Later, Laura Kerharo
Defining Sex: Revisiting Bostock V. Clayton County Two Years Later, Laura Kerharo
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
LGBT rights in the United States have come a long way in the past few decades. Cases such as Lawrence v. Texas and Obergefell v. Hodges have shown the critical role of the Supreme Court in attaining equality for LGBT people. Bostock v. Clayton County is the latest case of this kind. Bostock firmly established that workplace discrimination based on gay or transgender status was forbidden under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This essay examines the case’s majority opinion—written by conservative Justice Gorsuch—and Justice Kavanagh’s dissent. It establishes that Justice Gorsuch used a living textualism approach …
Justice In Hybrid-Democracy: Blood Feuds And Albania Post Communism, Isabella Mahan
Justice In Hybrid-Democracy: Blood Feuds And Albania Post Communism, Isabella Mahan
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
In 1991, Albania shifted from severe communist rule to a regime claiming to be democratic. However, to this day, Albania maintains undemocratic elements. This paper analyzes the impact of hybrid state capacity in the context of state-led justice and the implications for citizen compliance. Albanian culture possesses a deep history of reliance on Kanun and traditional justice in conjunction with the state's inconsistency and unreliability. It further establishes the disconnect between people and the state. Despite attempts to progress towards modernity, traditions of blood feuds reemerged with the movement away from communism. The failure to properly transition from authoritarianism to …