A 5-year study in BC found that decriminalization reduced police encounters for drug possession by 39% without changes in overdose deaths or hospitalizations. The partial recriminalization period also saw declines in drug-related hospitalizations and overdose deaths, but similar trends were seen in other parts of Canada.
A University of Kansas law professor has analyzed the legal history of kissing, tracing its evolution from being viewed as property, contract, tort, and assault, to its current recognition as a form of consent. The study highlights the inconsistencies in laws and cultural values surrounding kissing, particularly in regards to same-sex ...
Researchers at University of São Paulo develop tool using isotopes to track origin of Amazon timber, identify regions where logging is most intense. The methodology involves analyzing ratios of different isotopes in wood cellulose to pinpoint harvesting location.
Researchers suggest separate weight-driven tables for different types of defendants, eliminating disparities in crack and methamphetamine sentences. The study proposes alternative approaches to define relative sentences for psychostimulants and opioids based on harms associated with each type of drug.
Between 2003 and 2024, annual US deaths caused by law enforcement increased significantly, with non-Hispanic Black males experiencing the highest mortality rates. Firearms were responsible for more than 87% of these deaths, highlighting persistent racial disparities in the US.
Youth who have contact with the US legal system may experience increased risk of mental health symptoms such as anxiety, depression, hostility, and psychoticism. The study found that having two or more concurrent contacts with the legal system has a significant impact on long-term mental health outcomes.
New research warns that traditional legal systems are ill-equipped to cope with climate change's fast-moving impact on communities. The study proposes a blueprint for dynamic and responsive laws to help cities thrive amidst climate change and urban uncertainty.
The project, Incognito Justice, examines anonymous judgments and their impact on the legal system, combining doctrinal analysis with empirical methods and computational tools. It offers a comprehensive account of this transformation in privacy, transparency, and public legitimacy.
A study by University of Exeter experts found that unified and local efforts can support a thriving environment and improve community well-being. The researchers propose tech-driven, community-led action to rescue local environmental enforcement from funding cuts and jurisdictional confusion.
A new MSU study found that the perceived likelihood and severity of an incident explain why people fear law enforcement. Researchers suggest that addressing police violence by better preparing officers to recognize and respond appropriately can help mitigate fear, but may take time for public perceptions to change.
New research from West Virginia University finds that judges are adopting generative artificial intelligence in courtrooms, but remain committed to human control over judicial decision-making. Judges use AI for administrative tasks like document summarization and case organization, but prioritize legal reasoning and final judgment.
The QSEK project aims to develop general standards for the legally sound use of language-mediated evidence, provide targeted training, and support technological innovation. This will enhance investigative efficiency, reduce misinterpretation risk, and strengthen the reliability of forensic evidence.
A comprehensive analysis of US state and local sanctuary and anti-sanctuary policies reveals associations with immigrants' health outcomes. Sanctuary policies are linked to improved community trust, reduced crime, and higher employment rates, while anti-sanctuary policies increase deportation risk and negatively impact mental health.
SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2026
A study estimates annual mortality rates among US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees between 2004 and 2026. The analysis reveals notable shifts in age and cause of death patterns over the two-decade period, providing valuable insights into the health risks faced by this population.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed the first evidence-based guidelines for traumatic brain injury recognition and management in first responders. The guidelines aim to improve care and support for law enforcement officers, firefighters, and others who risk head injuries on the job.
Research analyzed pre-hire data and disciplinary records of 6,075 officers, finding that certain warning signs predict later misconduct. The study highlights the need for national police hiring standards to improve screening of candidates.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that over 7% of Americans have thought about shooting someone, while 8.7 million adults considered it in the last year. Firearm owners were no more likely to have these thoughts than non-owners, but 21% of those who had thoughts said they would consider giving their gun to someone for safekeeping.
States adopting recreational cannabis laws in addition to medical cannabis laws experienced a 45% relative reduction in cannabis seizure counts. This decline suggests a reduction in illegal cannabis supply and changes in law enforcement priorities.
Next Steps: Rebuilding Indigenous Law is a new research initiative that empowers Indigenous communities to renew and rebuild their own legal systems. The project, supported by a $10 million investment, aims to rebuild entire Indigenous legal orders and revitalize traditional legal traditions.
A recent study from the University of Kansas found that a 2023 police raid on a small-town newspaper in Kansas sparked
Public service employees who find their work meaningful are less likely to experience emotional exhaustion and burnout. Regular feelings of helping others can buffer stress.
A new study by Dr. Rasha Kassem and Professor Umut Turksen found that police officers perceive fraud as low-harm and low-priority, leading to weakened investigations and limited victim support. The researchers advocated for targeted training, investment in cyber and financial forensics, and cultural change within police organisations.
Researchers propose using the Agent Deed Consequence (ADC) model to program ethical values into smart city technologies. The model captures human moral judgments by considering agent intent, deed, and consequence, enabling AI systems to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate orders.
A new study found that the growing age imbalance in the duty solicitor scheme risks eroding trust in the criminal justice system. The study warns of a looming generational crisis due to the financial burden of self-funding Solicitors Qualifying Examination fees, which is deterring younger solicitors from entering the profession.
Researchers identified five behaviors that might make a caller seem suspicious, including conveying strong emotion and urgency, while poor communication or trying to make a favorable impression drew more suspicion. The study highlights the importance of understanding factors that prompt early suspicion to prevent wrongful convictions.
Researchers found that automated text message reminders significantly reduced bench warrants and pretrial incarceration rates. The study used software sent to clients of public defenders in California, resulting in a 20-21% decrease in missed court dates.
Two former Department of Justice scientists argue for transformative crime prevention research prioritizing social justice alongside public safety. They emphasize the need for research incorporating community perspectives and collaborative approaches to prevent harm and promote justice.
The study examines the effects of broader criminal justice reforms on public health and safety. It found little evidence that Measure 110 was responsible for rising crime or overdose deaths, but rather attributed these trends to the COVID-19 pandemic and fentanyl emergence.
Researchers found that mobile users were less likely to click on phishing links compared to PC users, especially for lower-risk URLs. The study suggests that device use settings affect users' risk assessment abilities, leading to more avoidant behavior on mobile devices.
A new book by Rutgers University professor Ko-Lin Chin investigates the operations of illicit businesses in China's counterfeit industry. The author examines individual characteristics, economic aspects, relationships with organized crime, and demand for counterfeit goods.
The University of South Florida's Trafficking in Persons Lab estimates that more than 700,000 Floridians were trafficked last year. The lab's annual report highlights coordinated prevention, prosecution, and policy measures to combat human trafficking, with prosecutions rising and penalties exceeding the national average.
A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University found that illegally manufactured fentanyl primarily enters the US via counties along the Canadian border. The analysis revealed these counties accounted for over 40% of large fentanyl seizures in 2023-2024, despite comprising only 3.1% of the national population. This finding undermines eff...
A study of nearly 600 US companies over 17 years found that firms in states with stakeholder-focused laws are better at avoiding environmental issues. CFOs' personalities, especially if they're overconfident, can lead to risky decisions harming both the environment and the company.
The University of Exeter has unveiled a new Handbook providing practical guidance for states to develop or review their national positions on international law and cyber activities. The 176-page guide offers concrete and accessible steps for government lawyers, policy officials, academics, and experts in this rapidly evolving field.
Researchers analyzed 12 videos of bystanders' attempts to intervene during the 2020 George Floyd killing. They found that bystanders made over 205 direct verbal interventions, with most focused on checking George Floyd's well-being. However, police mostly ignored or rejected these interventions, leading to his tragic death.
A groundbreaking study using machine learning analyzes millions of online ads to uncover patterns linking deceptive job offers to sex trafficking networks. The research reveals a hidden supply chain that can now be exposed and interrupted earlier in the trafficking process.
A University of Cincinnati study found large, opposite moves in housing prices between low-income and high-income communities when analyzing police budgeting. Low-income areas saw a 13% increase in housing prices after increasing police spending, while high-income areas saw a 14% decrease.
A qualitative study reveals that migration has a complex influence on border-region emergency medical services, leading to more injuries and deaths. Increased federal funding is needed to support the work of local EMS clinicians, who are struggling with unsustainable strain.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that a proposed US Drug Enforcement Administration rule could prohibit more than 4,500 tele-buprenorphine initiations for patients with opioid use disorder. The rule requires an in-person visit with the tele-initiating clinician prior to or within 30 days after tele-initiation.
Early adoption of Tobacco 21 policies maximizes potential mortality reductions, but enforcement varies widely across states. The federal law's enforcement is crucial in states without state-level T21 policies.
New research from Lancaster University highlights the devastating impact of the UK's unprecedented use of citizenship stripping on British children trapped in dire camps in North-East Syria. The study calls for a children's right approach to repatriation decision-making to ensure safe return and family reunification.
A study by the University of Texas at Austin found that most US states with food-waste laws have failed to reduce landfill disposal, except for Massachusetts, which saw a 7.3% decrease in waste. The researchers attribute Massachusetts' success to strong infrastructure and enforcement.
A recent special issue of Criminology & Public Policy explores the impact of legislative policies, criminal justice practices, and community-based efforts on gun violence. The studies featured in this issue aim to provide timely solutions to addressing this significant concern in the United States.
A WVU research partnership with the DEA aims to improve fast and accurate identification of psychoactive substances like fentanyl. The Expert Algorithm for Substance Identification (EASI) will enable labs using different instruments to share data on chemical profiles, helping to identify drugs like fentanyl.
A cross-sectional study found a low frequency of physician disciplinary actions for spreading misinformation, despite increased salience and warnings since the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings suggest a disconnect between regulatory guidance and enforcement, questioning the suitability of licensure regulation in combating misinformation.
A new study calls for a 'child rights' approach to age assurance online, emphasizing the need for robust evaluation, consultation with children, and protection of their privacy and civil rights. The research identifies serious concerns related to age assurance methods, including inadequate protections against online harm and exploitation.
Researchers from UNH's Forensic Anthropology Lab worked with town officials to investigate and document the remains, which showed signs of hardship and health issues. The reburial ceremony marked a rare opportunity for closure and respect for the individuals buried in hasty unmarked graves.
A new study found that completing a six-month substance use disorder treatment program instead of arrest and prosecution reduces the risk of arrest, incarceration, or fatal overdose. Participants who completed the program had a more favorable crime and overdose profile compared to those who did not engage or complete the program.
SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 2024
A new study reveals that many Vietnamese orchid collectors are unaware of the dire status of endangered species and the harm caused by over-harvesting. The researchers suggest targeted awareness campaigns and collaborations can transform these collectors into key conservation allies.
The WPI team will develop an inexpensive test kit that can quickly identify vulnerable species and track illegal wildlife trade on social networks. The project aims to disrupt the multi-billion-dollar industry by providing law enforcement with real-time results and long-term trends.
A new Australian study reveals that people experiencing homelessness face constant and intrusive police interactions, leading to feelings of intimidation, harassment, and stigma. The research highlights the need for improved social security nets, community support services, and public housing infrastructure.
A cross-sectional study found that universal background checks alone are ineffective in reducing firearm homicide rates, but permit requirements significantly lower these rates. Combining both measures could be an effective strategy to reduce firearm-related fatalities.
Researchers collected an unprecedented amount of data on SMS phishing attacks, identifying 35,128 unique campaigns and 600 distinct operations. They also found that phishers use mainstream servers, URL-shortening apps, and web infrastructure to support their operations.
Fentanyl seizures in the US increased by 1,700% between 2017 and 2023, with pills accounting for nearly half of total seizures. The West region saw a significant increase in fentanyl pill seizures, while the South had the highest number of powder form seizures.
Law enforcement seizures of illicit fentanyl increased dramatically between 2017 and 2023, with 115 million pills seized in 2023 compared to 49,657 in 2017. The proportion of fentanyl pill seizures quadrupled, posing significant risks to public health.
Despite concerns about data privacy risks in the post-Roe era, many American women continue to use popular period-tracking apps without taking steps to protect their information. The study found that users are unsure how to take control of their data and feel in the dark about how it is used and shared on these apps.
A computer vision researcher has developed privacy software for surveillance videos that obscures identifiable information such as faces and clothing in real-time. The software, funded by the National Science Foundation's Accelerating Research Translation program, aims to balance surveillance needs with privacy concerns.
A study found that women in London trust the police less than anywhere else in the UK, with a significant trust gap among ethnic minorities. The Met's poor recruitment, vetting, and management practices have been cited as contributing factors to this issue.
The study found that problem property interventions in Boston reduced crime and disorder at target locations and nearby properties for many years. The program incentivized property owners to manage their properties better or sell them to new owners who could maintain them.
A new study found that NC prosecutors believe DIH laws reduce overdoses and illicit drug distribution, but this is contradicted by evidence. The number of DIH prosecutions does not correlate with community-level variables like overdose rates.