Articles tagged with Criminal Law
A new report from the University of Nottingham suggests that a lack of data on prisoner characteristics is contributing to preventable deaths in custody. The team recommends strengthening prisoner data to identify patterns of inequality and unmet needs, ultimately supporting evidence-based prevention of deaths and service development.
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.
A UC3M study finds that crime rates are not linked to immigration status, but rather to demographic factors such as age and gender. The research also highlights the need to standardize crime rates to make valid comparisons and concludes that regularization policies can be effective security tools.
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.
Two studies by Rutgers University professor Colleen Berryessa explore how expressions of remorse are interpreted in the legal system, finding that it can lead to serious inequities in legal outcomes. The research highlights the need for greater awareness and education within the legal system to better understand how remorse is assessed.
A study by Weill Cornell Medicine and others found that while cannabis arrests decreased by 62% for white individuals and 51% for Black individuals after legalization, racial disparities persisted. Legalization also led to a shift in law enforcement practices, with lower arrest rates for selling other illicit drugs.
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.
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.
Research on Philippine jails reveals the everyday human cost of overcrowding, including sensory overload from poor ventilation, heat, and smell. The study calls for sensorially attuned penal reform to address the full spectrum of carceral harm.
A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that virtual jurors are just as attentive and engaged as those in a traditional courtroom setting. The research, which compared online and in-person mock juries, revealed few significant differences between the two formats.
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
A new study in a US prison suggests that incarcerated individuals prioritize accessibility, support, and humane treatment from staff. The study's findings highlight the potential implications of negative emotions such as frustration and feeling uncared for on relationships between staff and inmates.
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.
A study of 200 Chilean women released from prison found that those with substance use disorders had higher rates of recidivism, reincarceration, and victimization. The researchers also found that pre-release screening missed many women with severe symptoms, highlighting the need for improved mental health care services.
Research from Edith Cowan University suggests that states can be held accountable for human rights violations committed by private military companies. Associate Professor Shannon Bosch explains that ARISWA provides a means for the international community to hold states responsible for actions taken by private military firms on their be...
A new survey by University of California, Irvine professor Nicholas Scurich found that 65% of Missouri voters believe Governor Mike Kehoe should commute Shockley's death sentence to life imprisonment. The survey revealed strong bipartisan support for clemency across all political affiliations.
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.
The use of AI in the criminal justice system raises concerns about fairness and transparency. Researchers advise for clear understanding of data used and procedure by judges to use guidance from AI systems. Explainable AI systems may help, but transparency doesn't have to mean understanding computer code.
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.
A study by Universidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche found that sexual victimization occurs in approximately 20% of Spanish gamers, while hate-motivated incidents affect 20-30% of players. The research highlights the need for game developers to implement preventive measures and user protection tools.
A large cohort study found significant associations between incarceration and increased risk of death from overdoses, as well as a doubling of individual mortality risk at high county incarceration rates. The findings highlight the need for reforms in criminal justice and public health policies to address these risks.
A new study by University of Cincinnati criminologist Francis Cullen found that 40% of Americans agree the prison system is racist and that public punitiveness has declined. The study suggests a shift in 'penal sensibility' as Americans become less favorable towards mass incarceration.
Researchers used virtual reality to test how incarcerated burglars evaluated a neighborhood with houses differing in features. The study found that offenders adjusted their perceptions of risk and reward based on the environment. Environmental features like street lighting and housing design influenced the men's likelihood of breaking in.
A pilot program was conducted in South Africa to provide harm reduction and medications for opioid use disorder among people living with HIV and illicit opioid use. The study found low uptake of medication-assisted treatment after release, citing perceived ineffectiveness and delays in initiation.
A new analysis of job applicant data from a large employer found that Ban-the-Box policies had little impact on employment rates for individuals with criminal records. Despite initial hopes that these policies would improve job prospects, the study suggests that any benefits may be reversed during subsequent candidate assessment.
Police reports of hate crimes in 42 major US cities declined 2.7% in 2024, with anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim hate crimes rising 12% and 18%, respectively. Anti-Jewish hate crimes reached record levels in several cities, while anti-Asian hate crimes fell more than 14%. The upward trend is attributed to the timing of the Israel-Gaza war.
A new edition of 'Criminal Law in Canada: Cases, Questions, and the Code' has been released, co-authored by Associate Professor David MacAlister. The book reflects recent case law and legislation, featuring expanded discussion on key topics such as sentencing and bail reform.
New research from the University of Adelaide reveals a lack of global diversity in criminology education, with only 9.13% of publications having an author from outside the US. The study highlights the need for greater inclusion of international voices and perspectives to decolonize curricula and promote cross-border collaboration.
A UOC study analyzes the need for improvements in the appointment process of Spanish Constitutional Court judges, highlighting the potential benefits of European law on judicial independence. The research also examines the existing shortcomings in Spain and France, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the rule of law.
The 'equity by design' framework proposed by Daryl Lim aims to maximize AI benefits while minimizing harm, particularly for underrepresented individuals. The approach embeds equity principles throughout the AI lifecycle, addressing biases and increasing inequality.
Researchers developed machine learning models to identify high-risk gun dealers selling the largest proportion of guns recovered in crimes within a year. The study's findings suggest that enforcing targeted inspections and citations on these dealers can help reduce the supply of firearms to offenders.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Communication reveals that people with non-standard accents are more likely to be associated with criminal behaviour, but perceptions vary between accents. The researchers found a significant link between class or status, negative traits, and expected behavior, particularly when it comes to crime.
Researchers are pinpointing areas of high overdose frequency to implement targeted interventions, including naloxone kits and fentanyl test strips. The study aims to reduce overdose deaths and improve access to life-saving resources in underserved communities.
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 of 9,000 US-based participants reveals that they prioritize efficiency over fairness when choosing between human and algorithmic decision-makers. Notably, Republicans prefer humans more than Democrats, yet most claim fairness is a top priority.
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.
Experts propose incorporating joint criminal enterprise into the ICC Statute to hold high-ranking military officers and politicians accountable for collective criminal responsibility. The proposed change aims to ensure victims receive restorative justice and deter future mass atrocities.
Researchers found significant differences in effect sizes depending on studies' approach, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive understanding of ACEs' multifaceted impacts. The study suggests a critical need for varied strategies to understand, prevent, and reduce ACEs' effects on individual development and societal well-being.
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 recent study by Binghamton University Political Science Professor Jeffrey L. Yates found that U.S. presidential elections significantly impact local prosecutor races. The researchers analyzed data from the nation's top 200 districts and discovered that incumbent prosecutors with the same party affiliation as a successful president ha...
A new study found that wire-cut forensic examinations can be misleading due to the high number of comparisons made, potentially leading to wrongful convictions. The researchers recommend additional information about comparison lengths be presented in court cases involving wire-cutting evidence.
A recent study by Drexel University found that New Jersey's cash bail reform law successfully reduced the state's jail population without increasing gun violence. The research team analyzed data from 36 states and controlled for factors such as gun law restrictions, rates of gun ownership, and state senate majority partisanship.
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 study by researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that laws criminalizing or punishing drug use during pregnancy are more likely to worsen rather than improve health outcomes. The findings suggest that punitive policies are ineffective and may even increase harm to pregnant individuals and their babies.
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.
A new study examines perceptions of US veterans treatment court team members regarding the program's viability and longevity. The researchers found that team members believe VTCs will continue to exist and expand, but face challenges in securing stable funding sources and maintaining buy-in from key individuals.
A UMass Lowell researcher has been awarded a nearly $1 million grant to study the effectiveness of extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) in preventing mass public shootings. The research aims to analyze how such laws impact gun violence and provide insights into data interpretation, social media behavior, and warning signs.
A new study analyzing cyberstalking research identified sociodemographic and background factors as the largest contributors to perpetration and victimization. The findings highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies considering overlap between offline violence and cyberviolence. Experts emphasize the importance of allocating ...
The illegal wildlife trade is a significant financial portfolio that creates state-level security and development risks. Implementing AML laws and sharing intelligence with banks can boost IWT law enforcement. Countries like Singapore, UK, and Australia are making progress in combating money laundering and IWT.
Researchers found that wrongly accused Post Office Scandal victims experience high levels of clinically significant post-traumatic stress and depressive symptoms, regardless of conviction outcome. The study highlights the need for mental health support and reliable investigation practices within the criminal justice system.
A new study by Laura M. DeMarco found that Ohio landlords routinely disqualify individuals with a criminal record from renting homes, particularly in gentrifying neighborhoods and communities with dwindling Black populations. This practice reinforces racial inequalities and perpetuates neighborhood turnover.
Mothers with a criminal record and care experience face negative judgements and excessive scrutiny due to their 'known' status. The study emphasizes the need for supportive dialogue across disciplinary boundaries to break cycles of stigma and social care involvement, focusing on safe spaces and trust-building for care-experienced mothers.
A new study found that school suspensions increase the likelihood of arrest for Black and Hispanic students, but not White students. Suspension labels can perpetuate stereotypes linked to each racial group, with Blackness associated with criminality and Hispanic people with illegality.
A UCF research team, led by Jill Viglione, has developed evidence-based guidelines for community supervision agencies to use in public health crises. The guidelines aim to ensure people on probation and parole receive necessary help while maintaining public safety.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers finds that crime risk assessment tools, such as machine learning models, are prone to cohort bias when ignoring social change dynamics. This bias can generate inequality in the criminal justice system, distinct from racial bias.
A review of 182 nations found that almost all countries penalize those seeking an abortion (134 countries), providers (181 countries), and people assisting in the procedure (159 countries). The study highlights the need for better access to safe abortions and increased support for trained providers.
Researchers found that clinicians ordered more frequent newborn drug tests for Black newborns after recreational cannabis legalization, highlighting concerns about structural racism and disproportionate testing. The study calls for further exploration of how institutional racism affects healthcare outcomes for Black families.
A 10-year study found that aggressive law enforcement tactics can actually increase trade-based money laundering (TBML) in the EU, with up to 11% of all trade involving 'dirty' money