Articles tagged with Criminal Law
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed weaknesses in the criminal justice system, highlighting issues with family and domestic violence, gang activity, and police-community interactions. Scholars from the American Society of Criminology investigate these concerns in a special issue, exploring lessons learned and policy implications.
A new study by a criminology professor reveals an uptick in homicides and threats of gun violence since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Victim advocates reported increased frequency of gun-related abuse, with nearly half stating threats became more frequent during this time.
A study by a researcher at American University found that Massachusetts gun-control legislation had no immediate impact on reducing four types of violent crime, including murder, aggravated assault, and robbery. The study suggests that lawmakers should revisit their legislation to ensure it is being implemented as intended.
A new study found that most incarcerated individuals' in-prison experiences lessen their perceptions of procedural justice and fairness, regardless of the length of time served. The research used a nationally representative sample of over 31,000 adults and examined various in-prison experiences on inmates' perceptions of staff members'...
A recent study published in Nature Machine Intelligence challenges the long-held assumption that accuracy and fairness are mutually exclusive in machine learning. Researchers found that optimizing models for accuracy does not necessarily compromise fairness, particularly when adjustments are made to data, labels, and scoring systems.
A new photo-ethnography study published in Criminology explores the narratives and motivations of men and women in rural Alabama who used methamphetamine. The study reveals that participants' stories about their drug use differed by gender, shaping how they interacted with others and navigated their relationships.
A new study found that adolescents' experiences with police can negatively impact their future orientation, leading to reduced educational and career aspirations. The research, conducted by the American Society of Criminology, analyzed data from 1,354 serious offenders and found that even positive interactions with police can create co...
A new study explored how prosecutors think about race in criminal justice, finding that a color-blind approach can entrench racial disparities. The study suggests that changing prosecutor views on race and core beliefs is necessary to achieve justice.
Researchers found that considering recidivism-free time can contribute to improved risk prediction and accurately predict recidivism among parolees. Annual assessments of parolee risk are more accurate than single pre-release risk scores, the study suggests.
A study analyzing 99 gay/trans panic defense cases found that most defendants were charged and convicted of murder, but the author highlights the need for further analysis and legal education to address discriminatory narratives and protect LGBTQI+ victims
Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 women who dated or were married to incarcerated partners, analyzing the impact of courtesy stigma and women's coping strategies. The study found that despite disapproval from loved ones, women chose to remain in their relationships, highlighting benefits such as deeper communicat...
A study by the University of Missouri found that people are more likely to praise someone for good deeds if they know the person has also faced suffering earlier in life. This discovery sheds light on how humans process and react to positive behaviors, such as giving praise.
A study examining Pennsylvania death penalty cases found that victim's gender and race affected every outcome. Cases with white female, male or black male victims were more likely to receive a death sentence than those with black female victims. The study also found that prosecutors were more likely to seek the death penalty in cases w...
Research by Anglia Ruskin University suggests that empathy training programs can reduce antisocial behavior and crime. Programs targeting young people have been shown to increase empathy and decrease cyberbullying behavior, while pre-natal training for parents and social-emotional learning programs in schools may also be effective.
A new study found that the public generally opposes repressive policing of protesters, but certain tactics by protesters increase fear and support for police repression. The goals of protests also impact support for police repression, with racially resentful individuals more supportive of repression.
A study of federal sentencing data found that Black and Hispanic offenders were more likely to be eligible for life sentences, but not more likely to receive them. The study analyzed data on over 366,000 non-immigration offenders from 2010 to 2017.
Researchers found that individuals have a threshold for opting out of offending, which varies across criminal situations. The study identified reverse bandwagon effects, where group presence both promotes and deters offending intentions.
A study found that informal parole status uniquely contributes to the likelihood of receiving a prison sentence, with a large and consistent impact across sentencing guidelines. This cumulative disadvantage disproportionately affects Black defendants, exacerbating the Black-White gap in prison sentences.
Research found that joining a gang for the first time increases criminal behavior, while second-time membership significantly raises violent behavior. Interventions should account for intermittency in gang membership to disrupt individuals' offending profiles.
A study found that community corrections agencies must see evidence-based reforms as legitimate to sustain them. Researchers implemented Contingency Management in eight federal agencies and found that staff views of legitimacy were crucial for reform adoption.
In Spain, only 20% of public compensation applied for by sexual abuse victims is granted between 1998 and 2018. The country's system is criticized for being restrictive and not effectively providing compensation to those who need it most, including minors.
Researchers at George Mason University will provide access to and training on the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) Simulation Tool for approximately 10 users through a $9,019 grant from Wood County Mental Health Services. The funding supports the RNR project until December 2021.
A new study from New York City finds that behavioral interventions, or "nudges," can reduce failures to appear (FTAs) in court for low-level offenses. Simplifying court summons forms and text message reminders improved attendance by 13% and 25%, respectively, leading to 30,000 fewer arrest warrants over a three-year period.
The new paper reveals that redesigning New York City's summons form and sending text message reminders reduced failure to appear rates by 13% and 21%, respectively. The findings suggest that many defendants who fail to appear are not intentionally skipping court, but are effectively unaware of court information.
Amy Murphy has received funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance for a Risk-Need-Responsivity project in Maricopa County, Arizona. The RNR tool will help match individuals with services based on their risk and need factors.
A UCF study is investigating how correctional agencies adapted to the pandemic, finding that some used video-conferencing and suspended supervision fees. The research aims to inform effective strategies for future public-health crises, with a goal of improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.
A new study urges judges to scrutinize algorithmic risk assessment tools used in criminal cases due to biases and weak statistical evidence. The review recommends three steps: fitness, accuracy, and reliability assessments to ensure the tool's relevance, performance, and trustworthiness.
A Vanderbilt-led study found that pregnant women involved in the criminal justice system are less likely to receive medications for opioid use disorder compared to their peers. Medication rates increased by 68% in states that expanded Medicaid programs under the Affordable Care Act.
New research from Michigan State University reveals cracks in the current system leading to potential cyber risks in smart vehicles. The study recommends improving safety through better resources and policies to protect users, vehicles, and customers.
A study found that federal courts in areas with traditionally welcoming Hispanic immigration handed out similar sentences to non-Hispanic defendants. However, courts in new destinations and areas with limited Hispanic immigration sentenced U.S. citizen and non-citizen Hispanics more harshly, especially those who were undocumented. The ...
Three new DFG research training groups will be established at FAU to investigate emerging fields such as cyber crime, novel antiviral approaches and energy conversion systems that do not require heavy metals.
A recent study from Michigan State University suggests that there are more layers to political trust than previously thought. The researchers tested a vulnerability-centered definition of trust and found that three key dimensions - ability, benevolence, and integrity - play a crucial role in shaping public trust in the government.
A longitudinal study found that changes in individuals with head injuries were associated with increases in self-reported and violent offending among adolescents and early adults. Head injury is five to eight times more common among individuals involved with the criminal-justice system than in the general population.
Federal prosecutors declined to pursue cases in about one quarter of all instances, with violent and drug cases being more likely to be dropped. The study found differences in decisions based on defendant characteristics, such as gender and race, as well as offense types.
A University of Cincinnati study identified more than 1,000 victims of human trafficking in Ohio, as well as 4,209 individuals at risk of victimization. The study provides recommendations to improve data collection and collaboration among agencies involved in combating human trafficking.
A systematic review by the Public Health Agency of Canada found that there is a negligible risk of transmitting HIV during sex when an individual has a suppressed viral load of less than 200 copies/mL. Condom use also significantly reduces transmission risk.
A new Duke study reveals that mock jurors' confidence in guilt increases with the severity of the alleged crime, regardless of evidence. The study found that DNA and non-DNA physical evidence have a significant impact on jurors' decisions, while prior convictions have less effect.
A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that individuals with higher criminal tendencies prefer to gamble, even if they know it increases risk. The researchers used fMRI to show increased activation in brain areas involved in cognitive analysis and reasoning for those with higher criminal tendencies.
A recent report by Drexel University shows that attitudes towards marijuana have become more positive among Pennsylvania youths, while their actual use has remained unchanged. This shift in attitude may lead to reduced stigma for individuals using medical marijuana.
Research from Germany, Netherlands, and Croatia highlights the importance of adopting special laws and procedures for youth aged 18-25 in the US. These countries apply juvenile sanctions and facilities, divert more juveniles, and rely on educational approaches to address delinquent behavior. By considering these European strategies, US...
People with opioid use report higher rates of physical and mental health conditions, as well as other substance use. Opioid intensity is also associated with increased involvement in the criminal justice system.
The Black Lives Matter movement argues that capital punishment is a racist practice that devalues Black Lives. Research shows that Black Americans are disproportionately impacted by the death penalty, with specific racial biases affecting jury perceptions and decisions.
A Dartmouth College study found that non-experts who responded to an online survey performed equally as well as the Correctional Offender Management Profiling for Alternative Sanctions (COMPAS) software system in predicting repeat criminal behavior. The study also demonstrated that only two variables - a defendant's age and number of p...
A study by WWF and UCF found that more than 47% of rangers selected 'I have no other job option' as the most motivating factor, highlighting the need for better work environment and compensation. The research aims to bring policy changes to improve ranger conditions and ultimately protect wildlife and forests.
A University of Minnesota study suggests that assessing minority mens rea without significant racial bias is possible, finding no correlation between racial biases and criminal intent determinations. The research used a distraction task to divert subjects' attention from the perceived race of defendants.
A University of Minnesota study suggests American jurors can accurately integrate brain-based memory recognition evidence in evaluating criminal defendants. The research found that while the technology has potential, its effectiveness depends on more collaboration across disciplines.
The UK's departure from the EU will likely result in a loss of flexibility in implementing European criminal law. The country's previous 'pick-and-choose' approach to EU integration is set to be replaced by a more rigid framework. As a result, fundamental rights may be disproportionately affected.
Research suggests that apologizing for a past crime is the most effective strategy in reducing concerns about trustworthiness. Justifying or making excuses can lead to negative hiring decisions. Apologizing shows remorse and reduces deviant behaviors at work.
The UK's abortion care system is facing a crisis due to an outdated law and inadequate access, according to an expert. Women seeking abortions face challenges including inequitable access, lack of trained staff, stigmatization, and exceptionalism.
Researchers found that people make judgments of trustworthiness based solely on facial features, not expressions. Certain features like higher eyebrows and rounder faces are perceived as trustworthy, while others like downturned eyebrows can be seen as untrustworthy.
A study published in the journal Deviant Behavior estimates that cybercrime profits are in the hundreds of millions, with sellers making between $250,000 to $1 million per batch of 50 stolen cards. Buyers can earn up to $8 million by using the stolen cards, highlighting a lucrative global criminal enterprise.
The new law allows OSHA to increase fines by 80% due to inflation, making maximum charges $12,600 for serious violations. The Departments of Justice and Labor are coupling worker safety with criminal penalties, including environmental and fraud charges.
A new study led by Michigan State University found that nearly 1 in 4 children experience online sexual harassment at the hands of their own friends. Parents can help mitigate this issue by having open and honest conversations with their kids about online safety and boundaries.
A new study reveals that viewers of 'Law and Order' have a better grasp of sexual consent than those who watch other crime dramas, suggesting a link between punishment of sexual predators and reduced predatory behavior. The study explores the influence of watching crime drama franchises on attitudes towards sexual consent.
A new study by UT Dallas refutes the notion that NFL players are more criminal than the general population. The research found that the overall arrest rate for the general population was nearly twice as high as the rate for NFL players from 2000 to 2013.
A QUT study found that Indigenous drivers in regional and remote communities often drink drive to meet cultural obligations, rather than disregard for criminal law. The study's findings highlight the need for community-focused approach to address this serious public health issue.
A new article recommends laws to criminalise face recognition technology use on online images without consent, aiming to protect individual identity and autonomy. The current lack of regulations poses significant threats to privacy in the digital environment.
A study by the Crime Victims' Institute found that Texas has a shortage of beds for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) and that many face barriers to accessing services, including language and financial issues. The survey also highlighted the need for more support services, particularly for underserved populations.
India's Whistle Blowers Protection Act 2011 is criticized for lacking specific criminal penalties and civil protections for whistleblowers. Despite this, organizations like Medileaks offer a platform for doctors to share information about malpractices in medicine.
A study suggests that Republicans and Independents are more likely to disapprove of lenient neurolaw reforms, while Democrats support equally across framing conditions. This finding underscores the need for careful public presentation of neuroscience in law to maintain a non-polarizing stance.