Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Cyber thieves making millions in profits

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.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalDeviant Behavior·DateFeb 16, 2016

1 in 4 kids sexually harassed by friends online

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.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Contemporary Criminal Justice·DateJan 7, 2016

Popular crime shows may help reduce sexual assault

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateOct 8, 2015

Is there such a thing as 'Facebook Murder'?

A recent investigation explored whether Facebook murders were unique and worthy of a new label. The study found that these crimes followed typical patterns, with victims knowing their killers, and social media played no more significant role than other tools in the commission of violence.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Howard Journal of Criminal Justice·DateNov 13, 2014

Cyberbullying affects rich and poor alike

A study by Michigan State University researchers suggests that poverty and crime in neighborhoods are significant predictors of cyberbullying. The findings contradict the notion that cyberbullying is a middle-class problem and highlight the need for targeted prevention efforts in low-income communities.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Criminal Justice·DateMay 21, 2014

The minimum age of criminal responsibility

The minimum age of criminal responsibility is a contentious issue in modern juvenile justice systems. Experts debate the age at which children are considered mature enough to be held responsible, with many arguing for reforms to the current laws and policies.

SourceSAGE·JournalYouth Justice·DateAug 20, 2013

Criminal punishment and politics: Elected judges take tougher stance prior to elections

Research finds that elected judges in Washington state hand down harsher sentences in the last three months before an election, with a 10% increase in sentence length compared to earlier terms. Judges become more calculated and deviate from guidelines more often when re-election is at stake.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalThe Review of Economics and Statistics·DateOct 18, 2012

Foreclosure crisis and metropolitan crime rates

A recent study by Indiana University researchers found no association between housing-mortgage stress and crime rates in US metropolitan areas. Despite anecdotal evidence, the research indicates that higher levels of housing-mortgage stress do not correlate with violent or property crime rates.

SourceIndiana University·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateAug 17, 2012

SHSU studies GPS monitoring of Arizona sex offenders

A recent study by Sam Houston State University found that GPS monitoring of Arizona sex offenders triggered a significant number of false alarms, consuming an inordinate amount of probation officers' resources. The study recommends improving the system to reduce non-violation alerts and increasing officer training to address these issues.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalJournal of Criminal Justice·DateAug 8, 2011

Youth cybercrime linked to friends' influence

A new study led by Michigan State University criminologist Thomas Holt reveals that peer influence and low self-control are major factors driving juvenile cybercrime such as hacking and online bullying. Parents are encouraged to be more proactive with their kids, discussing ethical dilemmas and using parental-control software.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Criminal Justice·DateJun 23, 2011

The hidden cost of schizophrenia

Research found that individuals with schizophrenia are more likely to be victims of crime and have poorer mental health. The study also estimated a significant economic impact of legal involvement on patients, with direct costs ranging from $1429 per patient per year.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Psychiatry·DateJan 27, 2010

Quality fuels delays in judicial confirmations

A recent study by John R. Lott Jr. suggests that delays in judicial confirmations are driven by the fear of capable and influential judges who would effectively shape the courts' positions. The study, published in the Journal of Empirical Legal Studies, finds that confirmation delays limit the impact of judges on court decisions.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Empirical Legal Studies·DateSep 27, 2005

The myth of the medical malpractice claims crisis

Researchers analyzed a comprehensive database of insured closed claims, revealing moderate changes and weak connections between claims-related costs and premium fluctuations. The study aims to inform reforms addressing real shortcomings in the malpractice litigation and claims payment systems.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Empirical Legal Studies·DateJul 6, 2005

Conflict places the mentally ill at risk of harm

A study found that mentally ill individuals are vulnerable to victimization in conflict situations, particularly those with substance abuse disorders or delusional beliefs. Counseling services can help family members and professionals cope with these individuals while avoiding conflicts.

SourcePenn State·JournalCriminology·DateSep 18, 2002