criminology research topics for college students

428 Criminology Research Topics & Questions for Students

As you might already know, criminology is the study of crime. To be more precise, criminology studies crime as a social trend, including its origin, various manifestations, and its impact on society.

Criminology research influences how the police work, how society treats criminals, and how the community maintains law and order. In this article, you’ll find top criminology research topics for your inspiration. We’ll also look into the main criminology theories and research methods and explain the difference between criminology and criminal justice.

🔝 Top-10 Criminology Research Topics

🔤 what is criminology.

🔎 Criminology Research Methods
📝 Research Topics for Assignments

🦹‍♂️ Crime Research Topics

🚔 Topics in Law Enforcement
🕵️ Criminal Investigation Topics

⚖️ Criminal Law Research Topics

🔒 Topics to Research in Crime Prevention

🧑‍⚖️ Criminal Justice Research Topics

🆚 Criminology Vs Criminal Justice

❓ Criminology Topics: FAQ

🔗 references.

Criminology as a science: criminology theories.
The importance of eyewitness evidence.
The issue of racial bias in the investigation.
Crime propaganda on social media.
The leading causes of college violence.
The benefits of private prisons.
The debate around gun control.
The analysis of power abuse among police officers.
Drunk driving and how to prevent it.
The importance of forensic psychology in the investigation.

Criminology is the study of crime and criminal behavior, supported by the principles of sociology and other sciences, including economics, statistics, and psychology.

Criminologists study a variety of related areas, including:

Characteristics of people who commit crimes.
Reasons behind committing different crimes.
Impact of crime on individuals and communities.
Measures for preventing crimes.

Criminology Theories

Criminology theories have appeared as an attempt to answer the question, “What is criminal behavior, and what causes it?” The answer to this question affects how society responds to and prevents crime. Proposing new theories and testing existing ones is essential for criminologists to continue working toward understanding the causes of criminal behavior.

Let’s consider the most relevant criminology theories.

🔎 Research Methods Used in Criminology

There are many research methods used within criminology. Usually, they are divided into two groups: primary and secondary research methods.

Primary Research Methods in Criminology

Primary research in criminology is any type of research that you collect yourself rather than based on secondary sources, such as articles or books. Examples of primary research methods in criminology include the following:

Surveys and questionnaires. Survey research collects information from individuals through their responses to questions. It is considered one of the most widely used research tools in criminology.
Experiments. For experiments , researchers take large samples of people who might become or have already been involved in crimes as victims or offenders. Then, they divide these samples into two groups, each receiving a different treatment.
Interviews. An interview requires participants to answer a set of open-ended questions, often on sensitive topics, such as victimization or criminal behaviors. This method allows criminologists to gain more valuable insights into the research topic.
Focus groups. A focus group is a small number of demographically similar people gathered to discuss a particular crime-related topic. This method allows criminologists to analyze people’s views, attitudes, and perceptions concerning crime.
Observations. Observations involve a researcher studying groups or individuals in their natural setting without interfering. It is a common research method within the social learning theory.

This image shows primary research methods in criminology.

Secondary Criminology Research Methods

Secondary research methods use information that was collected by someone else so that you can analyze it and identify the trends. Here are the two leading types of secondary research in criminology:

Secondary analysis of data. A secondary analysis occurs when a researcher uses data collected by other researchers. You can obtain secondary data from surveys, official crime statistics, or official records.
Literature review. A literature review involves reading, analyzing, evaluating, and summarizing literature about a specific criminology topic. It helps scholars identify research gaps and problems that need to be addressed.

📝 Criminology Research Topics for Assignments

To write an outstanding research paper on criminology, choose a topic that will spark your interest. Below you’ll find excellent criminology topic ideas for college students.

Criminology Research Paper Topics

Criminology theory and its main elements.
Criminology discipline and theories .
American crime trends and criminological theories.
The significance of criminological studies in the US.
Criminology: legal rights afforded to the accused .
The impact of violence and crime on the tourism industry.
How did US crime rates change over the last 20 years?
Classical and positivist schools of criminology .
Should abortion be treated as a crime?
Official and unofficial instruments within the criminal investigation.
Criminology: femininity and the upsurge of ladettes .
Criminal rehabilitation programs and their significance.
Shoplifting and how to prevent it.
Emerging technologies in criminology .
The effects of illegal immigrants on crime rates.
Drug trafficking by organized crime groups.
Criminology and victimology: victim stereotypes in criminal justice .
Can genetics lead to crime?
The procedures of crime scene investigation.
Labeling theory and critical criminology: sociological research .
Hate crimes in modern society.
The phenomenon of white-collar crime and its causes.
How to prevent crimes in the workplace?
Criminology: the social control theory .
Stereotypes that surround serial killers and their crimes.
The comparison of organized crime in New York and Chicago.
Prevention strategies for small business crimes.
Criminology: four types of evidence .
Relations between crime, justice, and the media.

Criminology Research Proposal Topics

How to prevent intellectual property crimes in cyberspace?
Identity theft and cybercrime in modern society.
Contemporary theories in criminology .
The problem of racial profiling in the US.
How has criminology contributed to the study of terrorism ?
Possible solutions to the issue of street harassment .
Postmodern criminology: the violence of the language .
Gender bias in the investigation: pink-collar criminals.
The phenomenon of digital terrorism and how to prevent it.
How do immigration services help fight against terrorism?
Green criminology: environmental harm in the Niger Delta .
How has marijuana legalization influenced crime rates?
Tools for collecting and analyzing crime evidence.
How does international law manage war crimes ?
The due process: criminology .
What are victimless crimes ?
The relation between crime rates and poverty.
National system for missing and unidentified persons.
Three case briefs in criminology .
The impact of mental illness on criminal behavior.
The effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in reducing crime rates.
The use of AI technology in crime prevention and investigation.
Sexual assault: criminology .
The role of media coverage in public perception of crime.
The impact of community policing on reducing crime rates.
The impact of mass shootings on gun control laws.
The impact of automation technology on criminology .

Criminology Thesis Topics

The role of juvenile justice in preventing future criminal behavior.
Feminism and criminology in the modern justice system .
The effectiveness of mandatory minimum sentencing in the US.
Drug laws : fighting crime or fueling it?
Police brutality : a systemic problem in criminal justice.
Criminology: USA Patriot Act overview .
The impact of hate crimes on marginalized communities.
How does organized crime affect the global economy?
The significance of DNA evidence for criminal investigations.
Use of statistics in criminal justice and criminology .
The ethics of plea bargaining in criminal cases.
Mental illness and criminal behavior: breaking the stigma.
The impact of social media on cyberbullying and harassment.
Robert Merton’s strain theory in criminology .
Causes and consequences of police corruption .
The role of restorative justice in repairing harm caused by crime.
The effectiveness of treatment programs in reducing drug-related crimes.
Hernando Washington case: criminology .
The negative effects of human trafficking on global communities.
The role of forensic science in crimes investigation.
The effectiveness of community-based alternatives to imprisonment.
Integrity as a key value: criminology and war .
The relationship between poverty, education, and crime rates.
Cybercrime : the dark side of the digital age.
Hate crimes: motivations and impact on modern society.
Feminist perspectives’ contribution to criminology .
The impact of incarceration on families and communities.

Criminology Research Questions for Dissertation

Can criminal profiling accurately predict offender behavior?
How do hate crimes affect individuals and communities?
How were the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights influenced by the classical school of criminology ?
What are the psychological effects of cyberbullying on victims?
What factors contribute to domestic violence , and how can it be prevented?
How have organized crime groups evolved over time?
How is statistics used in criminology and criminal justice ?
Is the death penalty an effective crime deterrent?
What motivates individuals to engage in white-collar crime?
What are the consequences of police corruption for society?
What is variance analysis in criminal justice and criminology ?
How does drug addiction contribute to criminal behavior?
How does gender influence criminal behavior and justice outcomes?
What drives individuals to commit mass shootings?
What is the broken window theory in criminology ?
What are the biggest challenges facing criminal justice reform efforts?
How do urban gangs perpetuate violence and criminal activity?
How do criminal law and procedures protect individual rights and liberties?
What is the impact of corporate fraud ?
What challenges do individuals with mental health issues face in the criminal justice system?
How can society combat human trafficking and exploitation?
What measures can be taken to enhance cybersecurity and protect against cybercrime?
What is the aboriginal crisis from a criminology perspective ?
How can victimology help us better understand the experience of crime victims?
What are effective crime prevention strategies for different types of crime?
What is legal insanity in criminology ?
How does environmental crime impact communities and the environment?
How is the peace-making model applied in criminology ?

A significant part of criminology research is dedicated to various types of crimes and their reasons. Consider our crime topic ideas that will spark instant interest in your readers:

The psychological impact of kidnapping on victims and their families.
The racialization of crime and cultural panic .
The ethical considerations surrounding ransom payments in kidnapping cases.
The effect of burglary on small businesses and their ability to recover.
The impact of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status on homicide rates and patterns.
Shoplifting: a crime of convenience .
The effectiveness of different types of anti-theft devices in preventing motor vehicle theft.
The role of forensic science in investigating arson cases, including the use of accelerant detection dogs.
The concept of natural legal crime .
The psychological profiles of white-collar criminals and their motivations.
The psychological effects of burglary on victims and their sense of security.
The concept of juvenile crime .
The role of social media in facilitating and preventing kidnappings.
The use of forensic evidence in homicide investigations and the challenges of prosecuting homicide cases.
Sex crime recidivism rates.
Illegal immigrantion and its effects on crime .
The effectiveness of international efforts to combat money laundering .
The efficacy of community watch programs in reducing burglary rates.
The role of corporate culture in facilitating or preventing white-collar crime.
Crimes in America: the 9/11/01 terrorist attacks .
Technology in motor vehicle theft: GPS tracking and remote disabling systems.
Human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable populations.
Crime and criminals: general characteristics .
The ethical and moral implications of capital punishment as a response to homicide.
The effectiveness of fire prevention and education programs in reducing instances of arson.
US gun control measures and crime rates reduction .
The use of cryptocurrency in money laundering and illegal activities.
White-collar crime and the abuse of power in corporate and financial settings.
Cargo crimes and threats: government accountability office .
The rise of cyberstalking and its impact on victims’ mental health.
The effects of pollution on communities and the legal response to environmental crimes.
Cyber-bullying and cyber-stalking as crimes .
The effects of society’s reaction to crime.
The use of technology in financial fraud schemes .
Crimes against property and their characteristics .
The intersection of racism and hate crimes against Asian Americans.
The impact of deforestation on indigenous communities and wildlife.
Crime types and their harm to society .
The prevalence of domestic violence and the legal response to it.
The exploitation of child labor in the fashion industry .
Race and crime among minorities in the US .
The ethical implications of using artificial intelligence in law enforcement.
The psychological effects of hate crimes on victims and their communities.
How does local television news viewing relate to fear of crime ?
The evolution of cybercrime and its most common types.
Parental responsibility for children’s crimes.
The sex crime: influence of childhood experiences .
Prostitution : a victimless crime.
Sociology and media representation of crime.
The profile of a crime victim .
A theory of gendered criminology: women’s crime.

🚔 Research Topics in Law Enforcement

Another exciting area within criminology to investigate is law enforcement and police jobs. Have a look at the list of burning and controversial topics we came up with:

The impact of community policing on crime rates and public trust.
Law enforcement: online crimes and social media .
Do body-worn cameras reduce police misconduct?
The effects of implicit bias on the police use of force.
Law enforcement cameras as an invasion of privacy .
The impact of police militarization on community relations.
Why is mental health training essential for police officers in crisis situations?
Law enforcement officers’ attitudes regarding body-worn cameras .
The role of police in addressing hate crimes and bias incidents.
The effectiveness of community-based alternatives to traditional policing.
Organizational changes in law enforcement agencies .
The efficacy of police-community partnership in addressing gang violence.
The impact of police officer diversity on community relations and trust.
Local, state, and federal law enforcement in the US .
The role of police in addressing cybercrime and online harassment.
The effects of police body language and nonverbal cues on public perceptions.
Cumulative career traumatic stress in law enforcement .
Social media and its role in shaping public perceptions of police behavior.
The role of police discretion in enforcing drug laws and addressing addiction.
Mindfulness practice in law enforcement .
The effectiveness of hot spot policing in reducing crime rates.
Organizational culture in the police department.
Stress in law enforcement officers and available programs .
The role of police leadership in promoting ethical behavior and accountability.
The effectiveness of community-based justice programs for juvenile offenders.
Law enforcement in colonial America .
Police-community partnerships for addressing domestic violence.
The role of police in addressing human trafficking and exploitation.
Misrepresentation of law enforcement by media .
School safety and the police.
How does stress affect the performance of law enforcement officers?
The law enforcement: verbal communication as the best form of interaction .
The significance of federal and state law enforcement mechanisms.
The adverse effects of toxic leadership in quality law enforcement.
Balance between effective law enforcement and personal liberty .
The importance of discipline in public services.
The connection between police salary and rates of police brutality.
Role of police agencies in law enforcement .
Police investigative questioning and techniques.
The issue of corruption in law enforcement.
Significance of computer forensics to law enforcement .
Case study: police response to the Ningbo protest.
Police actions to stop school bullying .
Law enforcement position in society .
New technological advances within the police department.
Do law enforcement cameras violate privacy right?
Different types of evaluation designs in law enforcement .
Recognition of women’s right to work as police officers.
The effectiveness of foot and bike patrols of the streets.
Firearms types and usage in law enforcement .
The competencies of international law enforcement authorities.
Comparison of police brutality statistics for different genders.
Ethical theories in law enforcement practice .

🕵️ Criminal Investigation Research Topics

The criminal investigation process is another criminology area worth discussing in your research paper. Below you’ll find the most intriguing criminal investigation topics:

The history and evolution of criminal investigation techniques.
Crime scene investigation in media and real life .
The role of forensic science in criminal investigations.
How does technology impact modern criminal investigations?
The importance of preserving crime scenes and evidence.
Crime scene investigation effect in the justice system .
The ethics of interrogation techniques used in criminal investigations.
Eyewitness testimony in criminal investigations.
The role of criminal profiling in solving crimes.
Organized business crime prosecution and investigation .
How does media coverage affect criminal investigations?
The use of informants in criminal investigations.
The main challenges of investigating white-collar crimes.
Undercover police investigations in drug-related crimes .
The role of private investigators in criminal investigations.
The impact of false confessions on criminal investigations.
How is DNA evidence collected in criminal investigations?
Importance of toxicology in crime investigation .
The role of the FBI in national criminal investigations.
The use of undercover operations in criminal investigations.
The main challenges of investigating organized crime.
Crime level investigation in the United States .
Witness protection programs in criminal investigations.
The impact of plea bargaining on criminal investigations.
Surveillance techniques in criminal investigations.
Investigating crime with age and mental illnesses factors .
How are cybercrimes investigated?
The role of international cooperation in criminal investigations.
How do racial biases influence criminal investigations?
Drug trafficking: investigation on Frank Lucas .
Polygraph tests in criminal investigations.
The main challenges of investigating terrorism-related crimes.
Homicide investigations and forensic evidence .
The role of victim advocacy in criminal investigations.
Lie detector tests in criminal investigations.
The role of forensic psychology in the investigation .
The effects of community involvement on criminal investigations.
The problem of false accusations in criminal investigations.
Approaches in criminal investigation .
The use of forensic accounting in financial crime investigations.
How does the media shape public perception of criminal investigations?
Key rulings on the conduct of investigators at the scene of a fire .
The impact of political pressure on criminal investigations.
The main challenges of investigating human trafficking.
The Breonna Taylor case and criminal investigation .
The role of victim compensation in criminal investigations.
Behavioral analysis in criminal investigations.
Procedures within crime scene investigation .
Crime scene reconstruction in criminal investigations.

Criminology goes hand-in-hand with legal studies. If you’re interested in both areas, you should definitely write a research paper on one of the criminal law research topics:

The evolution of criminal law in the US .
Criminal law: stolen valor .
The difference between criminal and civil law.
Human trafficking and criminal law.
Types of criminal offenses and the elements of crime.
International criminal law and measures .
The role of the burden of proof in criminal cases.
Criminal defenses and their validity.
The insanity defense in criminal law.
Actus reus in English criminal law .
The controversies around the death penalty.
Juvenile delinquency and criminal law.
Cybercrime and its legal implications.
Criminal law – is graffiti a crime or not ?
Domestic violence and criminal law.
Hate crimes and their legal consequences.
Restitution for victims in criminal law.
Civil vs. criminal law and differences between them .
Forensic evidence and its admissibility in court.
Sexual assault and criminal law.
The rights of the accused in criminal cases.
Regulatory criminal laws in the criminal justice system .
Receiving immunity for testimony in a criminal law case.
The legal classification of criminal offenses.
Self-defense in criminal law cases.
How Canadian criminal law regulates deviant conduct .
Sentencing guidelines and their impact on society.
The use of DNA evidence in criminal cases.
Eyewitness testimony and its reliability in court.
Fundamental aspects of Canadian criminal law .
The role of the media in criminal trials.
The impact of social inequality on criminal justice outcomes.
The future of criminal law and its impact on society.
Criminal law in India and access to justice .
International criminal law and its enforcement.
Extradition and its legal implications.
The impact of globalization on criminal law.
Juvenile vs. adult criminal law .
The importance of victim rights in criminal cases.
Restorative justice and its benefits for society.
Alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders.
Automatism as a defence in criminal law .
The role of defense attorneys in criminal trials.
The role of prosecutors in criminal trials.
The right to a public trial in a criminal law case.
Civil and criminal law penalties and differences .
Car searches in criminal investigations by law enforcement.

🔒 Criminology Topics for Research in Crime Prevention

Researching crime prevention allows you to learn more about the strategies for reducing criminal behavior. Have a look at our outstanding crime prevention topic ideas:

Understanding and explaining crime prevention.
Theories that explain criminal activities and criminology .
The effectiveness of community policing in preventing crime.
The benefits and drawbacks of crime prevention in the US.
How can education reduce crime rates?
Crime prevention programs and criminal rehabilitation .
Technological innovations and their impact on crime prevention.
The importance of early childhood interventions in preventing criminal behavior.
The relationship between poverty and crime prevention strategies.
Youth crime prevention and needs assessment .
The use of restorative justice in reducing recidivism.
The effectiveness of gun control laws in preventing gun-related crimes.
The impact of social media on crime prevention and awareness.
Crime prevention program in Australia .
The use of CCTV cameras in preventing crime.
Evidence for crime prevention programs in developing countries.
The role of mental health services in preventing criminal behavior.
Crime prevention practices: overview .
The effectiveness of community-based programs in reducing juvenile delinquency.
The use of environmental design in preventing crime by shaping space and behavior.
Victim support programs for lowering crime rates.
Situational and social crime prevention approaches .
The effectiveness of after-school programs in preventing juvenile offenses.
Techniques for preventing situational and social crime.
The impact of citizen participation in crime prevention.
Computer crime prevention measures .
The efficacy of community watch programs in preventing neighborhood crimes.
The use of community centers for preventing gang-related crimes.
The impact of sentencing policies on crime prevention.
Biometrics recognition and crime prevention .
The relationship between video game violence and youth crime .
Social media and cybercrime prevention.
The role of social workers in crime prevention.
Three-strikes law for preventing violent crimes .
Decreasing crime rates through education and medicine.
The use of animal-assisted therapy for reducing criminal behavior.
The effectiveness of aftercare programs in reducing recidivism.
Capital punishment as ineffective crime deterrence .
The main strategies for proactive crime prevention.
The impact of domestic violence prevention programs on crime rates.
The use of probation and parole in preventing criminal behavior.
Juvenile weapon crimes and strategies to address .
The role of faith-based organizations in crime prevention.
The use of diversion programs in juvenile crime prevention.
The distinctions between crime prevention and community safety.
Preventing crime victimization in international students .
The impact of agriculture and rural development on crime prevention.

Criminal justice might be a challenging research topic, but it is worth the time and effort. Consider our unique topic ideas for your successful research:

The effectiveness of community policing.
The use of statistics in criminal justice and criminology .
Rehabilitation programs offered in prisons and their efficacy.
The importance of defense attorneys in the criminal justice system.
The code of ethics in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice .
The significance of restorative justice programs.
The impact of mandatory minimum sentencing laws.
Criminal justice process: felony criminal charge .
The role of judges in the criminal justice system.
Probation and parole in the criminal justice system.
Veterans in the criminal justice system .
The comparison of prison privatization in the US and UK.
The main issues women experience in the prison system.
US terrorism and criminal justice decision-making model .
The prison system in a democratic society.
The role of psychologists in the criminal justice system.
Transgender offenders in the criminal justice system .
The impact of private prisons on crime rates.
The effectiveness of victim compensation programs.
The successes and failures to reform punishment in the criminal justice system .
Community involvement in the criminal justice system.
The main challenges of long-term prisoner rehabilitation.
Technology application in criminal justice .
The role of victim-offender mediation in the criminal justice system.
Gender disparity in the criminal justice system.
Recidivism in criminal justice: the American prison system .
How does solitary confinement impact people in prisons?
Legal and ethical issues in international intervention.
Racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal justice system .
Do mandatory minimum sentences help or hurt?
The effects of prison on children of incarcerated individuals.
Psychopathy in the criminal justice system .
The importance of mental health professionals in the criminal justice system.
Techniques for influencing criminal justice system change.
Non-inclusiveness of the criminal justice system .
The impact of racial profiling on the criminal justice system.
The effectiveness of diversion programs for veterans.
False confessions in the US criminal justice system .
Racism in the criminal justice system of the US.
People with disabilities and criminal justice.
Ethical dilemmas in the criminal justice system .
Forensic psychology guidelines for criminal justice.
The impact of technology on jury selection .
Effective writing and criminal justice .
The effectiveness of mandatory drug testing for probationers and parolees.
The effect of wrongful executions on the criminal justice system.
Discontinuity of care in the criminal justice system .
The influence of media on criminal justice and community.
The impact of cybercrime on the global criminal justice system.
Criminal justice: coerced confessions .
The role of private prisons in the criminal justice system.
The effectiveness of diversion programs for people without housing.
Criminal justice system and the problem of racism .
What can be learned from the history of criminal courts?
Comparison between American and British legislative frameworks.
Criminal justice case: types of sentences, probation, and final decision .
The overview of the modern justice system.
The ethical issue of unwarranted arrests.
Civil liability in criminal justice .
The risk groups of juvenile recidivism .

🆚 Difference between Criminology and Criminal Justice

Students often confuse criminology with criminal justice because both areas study crime and criminal behavior. Understanding their main differences is essential before conducting research in any of these areas.

Is Criminology a Science?

Criminology can be considered as a science because it uses the scientific method. The scientific method involves five steps: stating the problem, forming the hypothesis, collecting the data, interpreting these data, and drawing conclusions. Within criminology, scientists use standard research methods, such as surveys, experiments, interviews, etc.

What Does Criminology Study?

Criminology studies crime, including its causes, methods of prevention, and responses from law enforcement. It relies on other non-legal studies, such as sociology, psychology, and statistics, to examine the characteristics of people who commit crimes and the effects of criminality on individuals and society.

What Are the Principal Areas of Criminology Research?

Four significant criminology areas include:

The history of criminology . This area focuses on criminology founders and theories of crime and punishment development.
Theory of crime causation . This aspect explores if a criminal’s behavior is determined by their social environment.
Typologies of crime . This field describes different types of crimes and the reasons for committing them.
Crime prevention efforts . This area studies crime measures that can curb crimes before they occur.

What Are the Principal Types of Research Methods in Criminology?

Criminology uses quantitative (analyzing measurements and statistics) and qualitative (analyzing non-numerical data) research methods to gain valuable insights. The most common scientific methods in criminology are surveys, experiments, secondary data analysis, interviews, historical/comparative research, and ethnography.

Criminology and Criminal Justice: Pick a Topic | Marquette University
Criminology Questions & Topics | David H. Kessel
Topics | Ghent University
Emergent Issues in Crime & Justice | University of Maryland
Qualitative Research in Criminal Justice | University of North Texas
Criminology, Law & Society | UCI Libraries
What the Data Says (and Doesn’t Say) about Crime in the United States | Pew Research Center
Types of Criminal Offenses | Justia
Criminal Justice and Criminology Theses | East Tennessee State University
Research Overview | The University of Alabama
Criminology Research | University of Portsmouth
Research | Arizona State University
Research Themes | University of Surrey, Centre for Criminology
Advanced Criminology & Criminal Justice Research Guide | Mardigian Library
Criminology – Research Guide: Getting Started | PennLibraries
Law and Criminology | University of Plymouth
Topics for a Criminology Research Paper | Classroom
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155 Captivating Criminology Research Topics For Students To Consider

Criminology is an interdisciplinary field of social and behavioral sciences. This subject mainly studies crimes and criminal behavior from a scientific perspective. In specific, it examines the causes, costs, and consequences of crime from several aspects of diverse disciplines such as biology, economics, psychology, economics, and so on. As this field predominantly focuses on crimes, it also has a direct association with law and justice. If you are a student who is pursuing a degree in law or criminology, then for your assignments, at least once you will be asked to work on any criminology research topics.

Currently, would you have to submit a criminology research paper? Well, to write a successful research paper, you must have a good topic. Basically, criminology is a complex field that contains a wide range of research areas and topics to focus on. However, when you have many topics, it might be tedious for you to pull one perfect topic from it.

So, in order to make your topic selection easier, here, in this blog post, we have explained how to choose a good criminology research topic and write a brilliant criminology research paper. Also, especially for you, here, we have carefully prepared a list of captivating criminology research topic ideas on various types of crimes.

Keep on reading this blog post and get gripping ideas for writing a criminology research paper.

How to Write a Criminology Research Paper?

A criminology research paper is an academic paper that is prepared on any criminology topic. Are you aware of the steps for writing a criminology research paper? In case, you have no idea, then execute the below-mentioned steps sequentially to come up with an outstanding criminology research paper.

Firstly, get to know the research paper writing guidelines shared by your professor or university.
Secondly, identify a criminology research area you are interested to conduct research.
Thirdly, in the criminology research area of your choice, search and gather numerous criminology topics with a good research scope.
Fourthly, brainstorm all the gathered ideas and from it select one good topic that you feel is right for you to work on.
Fifthly, perform a basic analysis of the chosen criminology research topic and generate a strong thesis statement.
Sixthly, conduct deep research on the selected topic and collect the necessary ideas or major points for discussion.
Next, with the collected ideas, create a neat and clear outline.
Then, as per the research paper writing guidelines, begin writing the criminology research paper by elaborating the outline. The research paper should explain the thesis statement with valid evidence, and it should be well-structured with essential sections such as the introduction, literature review, methodology, findings, discussion, and conclusion.
At the end of the paper, add a bibliography section, and cite all the sources you have used in your work.

Tips for Identifying a Good Criminology Research Topic

Generally, for a research paper, a good topic is necessary because most of the time, your professors will evaluate your work based on the topic you have chosen for discussion. In case, you choose a poor topic, then there are high possibilities for you to score low grades. So, to help you in identify an ideal topic and score an A+ grade, below we have shared some important criminology research paper topic selection tips. Be certain to stick to them all during the topic selection stage.

Choose a topic from a criminology research area you have strong knowledge of.
Pick a topic that matches your interest.
Give importance to a topic that allows you to generate a powerful thesis statement.
Select a topic that has a wide research scope, vast information, and credible sources of references.
Never choose a topic with minimum or no research scope.
Go with a topic that is neither too vast nor too specific.
If your topic is wide, narrow it down to a subtopic.
Consider a topic that has valid facts or evidence to prove your thesis statement.
Instead of choosing a popular topic, give preference to a topic from an unexplored research area or any latest criminology research topic.
Avoid choosing a topic that doesn’t stand in line with your research paper writing guidelines.

Following all these tips will help you in spotting a good criminology research topic. If you want to know whether you r academic work is progressing o n th e right track, then before you begin writing your criminology research paper, consult with your professor and get approval for the topic . Because s eeking guidance from your professors in advance will help you to perform well and boost your academic scores.

List of Criminology Research Paper Topics and Ideas

As criminology is a broad subject, you need not worry about what topic to choose for writing your criminology research paper. Commonly, the crimes are classified into different types such as white-collar crimes, high-tech crimes, public order crimes, violent crimes, property crimes, and organized crimes.

For writing a criminology research paper, you can choose a topic related to forensics, frauds, cybercrime, penology, or any other serious crimes such as terrorism, racism, discrimination, domestic violence, and so on.

If you are struggling to search and find a good topic for writing your criminology research paper, feel free to have a look at the list suggested below. The list will give you 100+ criminology research topic ideas on various crimes and criminal behavior.

Explore them all and pick one topic that is convenient for you to conduct research and prepare a great criminology research paper.

Simple Criminology Research Topics

The following is a list of a few simple criminology research topics you can take into consideration for writing a top-class criminology research paper.

Research the history of terrorism and its countermeasures.
Discuss the contributing factors for serial killers.
Explain how counterfeiting has evolved with the advent of new technologies.
How does prejudice motivate violence?
Write about Gambling in America.
What is the role of the school and community in preventing child abuse?
Discuss the causes and effects of Juvenile Delinquency.
What motivates one person to kill another?
How to prevent college campus crimes.
What are the various types of white-collar crimes? How to detect and prevent it?
What are the different Stages and methods of criminology research?
Discuss the portrayal of serial killers in media.
Explain how organized crime affects criminal justice.
Characterization of crimes connected with rape.
What is the role of psychometric examinations in criminal justice?
Write about crime prevention programs.
How to prevent child pornography.
Explain the meaning of fingerprints in the investigation.
Analyze the hidden mechanisms and possibilities of prevention in Lust murders.
Explain the use and function of smart handheld devices in enhancing security.
Corporate crime: the ruling class criminals.
Genetics: illegal research and its dangers.
Hate crime: the implications in criminal justice.
Serial killers: risk groups, ways of detection and prevention.
Serial killers: portrayal in media

Read More: Criminal Justice Research Topics

Criminology Research Ideas on Crime and Victimization

In the modern world, the crime rates are increasing and because of it, many victims are getting affected across the world. Listed below are some interesting research topics on crime and victimization you can consider for writing your criminology research paper.

Explain the role of gender in law violations .
How does the weather correspond with law violations?
Explain how the ownership of firearms corresponds with law violations.
What are the reasons for homeless imprisonment?
Analyze the major reasons for the increased crime rate across the globe.
Examine the connection between family status and law violations.
Explain how social class correlates with a crime rate.
Analyze the causes of violence in society.
Explain the connection between mental health and law violations.
Discuss the dependency of the crime rate on the neighborhood.
Incarcerated Parents Responsibilities.
Criminal Justice Reform Changes.
How Can Economic Crimes Be Reduced?
Gun Control Debate.
Juvenile Detention Criminal Process.

Criminology Research Paper Topics on Racism and Discrimination

Since ancient times, one of the serious issues that degrade the life of many people is discrimination. Because of racism and discrimination, a lot of controversies arise across the world, and also both these issues spoil the quality of life. Here are a few research topics on racism and discrimination you can take into account for crafting your law assignments.

How does race correspond with the type of crime?
Discuss the pros and cons of racial profiling.
Is religious discrimination the main cause of crime?
How discriminatory is the US and UK Court System?
Is racist abuse towards international students the major reason for crime and violence?
Write about racism and discrimination towards African-Americans.
Explain the relationship between racist stereotyping and crime.
Analyze how the discriminatory portrayal of minority groups in the media affects criminal justice.
Targeting minority groups on the basis of race and ethnicity.
How systemic bias affects criminal justice?

Criminology Research Topics on Mental Health and Forensic Psychology

Basically, the crimes have a close association with the mental health and the behavior of the criminals. Mostly, because of the imbalanced mental health, a lot of critical crimes are happening in society. In general, forensic psychology is professional psychology that handles all the activities related to the judicial and legal system from the psychological viewpoint. The following is a list of some outstanding criminology research paper topics on mental health and forensic psychology.

What is the relationship between aggressive behavior and mental disorders?
Examine the possible mental disorders that make teenagers commit crimes.
Analyze the impact of technological advances in forensic psychology.
Discuss how phobias prevent or trigger people about crime.
Examine the connection between mental illness and crime.
Discuss the different approaches to forensic psychology in criminology.
Analyze the factors that affect eyewitness identification performance.
Explain the possible mental disorders that make teenagers commit crimes.
How to investigate a crime using forensic psychology.
What is the role of a mental check-up in a criminal investigation?

Criminology Research Ideas on Terrorism

One of the deadly crimes committed in the world is Terrorism. In order to achieve an ideological aim, a certain group of people uses violence and fear of the people as a weapon. This act to achieve an aim is referred to as Terrorism. In our world, several terrorist groups with different aims are involved in certain terrorist activities. If you are more interested in exploring terrorism and terrorist activities, then for writing your criminology research paper, you can consider any of the below-mentioned research topic ideas on terrorism.

Explain how terrorism creeps into conflict zones.
Suggest effective ways to prevent young men from joining terrorist groups.
What is the role of surveillance in countering terrorism activities?
Explain how technology has helped advance terrorist activities in the country.
Why do terrorists take hostages and threaten to detonate bombs?
Discuss the role of the UN Mission in keeping terrorists at bay.
How to detect terrorist plans before they come of age.
Explain the psychological implications of terrorism activities.
How to cut off funding for terrorist activities.
Explain the role of community anti-terrorism awareness programs.
Assess the effect of terrorism on religious profiling of people.
What is the role of intelligence services in combating terrorism?
Discuss the link between radicalization and terrorism.
Explain how to empower minors against terrorism.
Discuss the breeding of local terrorism in countries.

Criminology Research Topics on Prisons and Knife Crimes

In our society, daily a variety of crimes are happening with different weapons. Knife crime is one of the popular crimes that are committed by using a knife as a weapon. Generally, when a person commits a crime, the law will punish the criminal by putting them in prison. A prison is a place of confinement for lawbreakers or those who have committed horrific crimes. The following is a list of some amazing research topics on prisons and knife crimes you can take into account for preparing a criminology thesis.

Review knife crime trends in the 21st century.
Analyze the cases of convicts killed in prisons.
Explain the effectiveness of the pocket knife rules & laws.
Compare the knife rules of the United States and the UK.
Describe the role of prison wardens in shaping the conduct of prisoners.
Discuss the motivating factors for knife criminals.
Compare knife crimes in Europe and Asia.
Investigate reports of sexual abuse in prisons.
Compare and contrast crime in female and male prisons.
Explain how prison wardens contribute to crime in prisons.

Criminology Research Paper Topics on Drugs

Another serious crime that is being committed across the world is drugs. In our society, certain gangs are involved in performing organized drug-related crimes such as drug trafficking, illegal drug production, and distribution. Also, as a result of illegal drug distribution and consumption, a lot of college students are spoiling their life and are committing other critical crimes such as murder and rape. Here is a list of a few criminology research ideas on drugs you can consider for writing your criminology research paper.

Explain the influence of drugs on sexual assaults.
Analyze the effectiveness of drug courts.
Explain how to curb drug and substance abuse among college students.
How does the club culture enhance drug abuse in society?
Write about the different types of crimes resulting from drug abuse.
What is the effect of legalizing marijuana on criminal behavior?
Evaluate heroin and cocaine users.
Discuss the post-traumatic drug disorders that lead to criminal activities.
Review the harm done by drugs to society.
Explain how doping technology helps to curb drug and substance abuse.

Criminology Research Topics on Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is referred to as the violence committed by family members or relatives in the domestic circle of the victim. In domestic violence, women are the primary victims. If a woman is abused mentally, physically, and sexually in the domestic setting because of something related to a marriage, then it is treated as a crime. Listed below are a few powerful criminology research topics on domestic violence.

Research and write about the various forms of domestic violence in the 21st century.
Review domestic violence within military families.
Discuss the economic impacts of domestic violence.
What are the acts that lead to psychological intimidation in domestic violence?
Analyze the trends of domestic violence in your country.
Explain the social structures that reinforce the suppression of women.
How to look out for warning signs in domestic violence cases.
Analyze the main legal issues faced by women who are victims of domestic violence.
Explain how postpartum depression and domestic violence are associated.
Discuss the implications of the Domestic Abuse Bill in the UK.

Excellent Criminology Research Topics

The following is a list of excellent criminology research topics that will help you in scoring an A+ grade.

Explore the unknown world of male rape in the current society.
How does the environment motivate a person towards criminal behavior?
Explore the recent innovation of experimental criminology.
Discuss the predisposing factors behind the activities of serial killers.
Describe the application of the social learning theory in reducing crime.
Explain how to combat crimes committed by gangs.
What is the relationship between crime and unemployment?
Discuss why men are more prone to commit crimes than women.
Analyze the psychology behind human trafficking.
Discuss the relationship between crime and LGBT groups.
How significant is the role of parental supervision in curtailing the rate of crime committed by teenagers?
Discuss the inspection tactics of the crime scene.
Explain how attitudes and emotions compel people to criminal behavior.
Why the majority of the crimes are committed by the youths?
What is the role of music in enhancing crime?
Explain how to regulate prostitution and reduce crime.
What is the effect of parental separation on future violence?
Describe the parental abduction laws.
Analyze how social class correlates with the crime rate.
Explain the efficiency of predictive policing.

Unique Criminology Research Paper Topics

Here is a list of unique criminology research topic ideas that will be helpful to you in preparing an informative academic paper.

How to investigate a serial crime in a society.
Explain how developed economies handle corruption-related cases.
Discuss the role of street lighting in reducing crime.
Explain the link between social media and crimes against children.
How to effectively monitor people with suspect criminal behavior.
Explain how illegal immigration contributes to crime within a state.
What is the effect of genocidal acts on community cohesiveness?
Explain the motivation of women to join ISIS.
What is the role of specialized police units in preventing crime?
Analyze the current trends and practices in crime related to psychology.
Discuss the Mental health of the sex offenders from a global perspective.
What is the role of private detectives in solving societal crimes?
Explain how the latest internet technologies induce the frequency of suicides?
Analyze the possible causes of rape and other indecent sexual behavior.
What are the pros and cons of the sex offender registry?
Explain the legal perspective of cybercrime.
How does sentencing take place?
Write about gun control law and its mitigation.
Explain how a person should protect themselves from false accusations.

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256 Research Topics on Criminal Justice & Criminology

Are you a law school student studying criminal behavior or forensic science? Or maybe just looking for good criminal justice topics, questions, and hypotheses? Look no further! Custom-writing.org experts offer a load of criminology research topics and titles for every occasion. Criminological theories, types of crime, the role of media in criminology, and more. Our topics will help you prepare for a college-level assignment, debate, or essay writing.

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⚖️ Criminology vs. Criminal Justice
🔬 120 Criminology Research Topics
💂 116 Criminal Justice Research Topics

🔥 Hot Criminology Research Topics

The role of media in criminology.
Cultural explanation of crime.
Benefits of convict criminology.
Main issues of postmodern criminology.
Is criminal behavior affected by the politics?
How does DAWN collect data?
The limitations of crime mapping.
Personality traits that trigger criminal behavior.
Community deterioration and crime rates.
Does experimental criminology affect social policy?

🔬 120 Criminology Research Topics & Ideas

Here are 100 criminology research topics ideas organized by themes.

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General Criminology Research Paper Topics

Criminology as a social science.
Criminology and its public policies.
History of criminology.
Crime commission: legal and social perspectives .

Criminal Psychology Research Topics

What is the nature of criminal behavior?
How does the lack of education affect the incarceration rates?
Childhood aggression and the impact of divorce
The effect of the upbringing on antisocial adult behavior
How do gender and cultural background affect one’s attitude towards drug abuse ?
Forensic psychology and its impact on the legal system
What is the role of criminal psychologists?
Different types of forensic psychological evaluations
What’s the difference between therapeutic and forensic evaluation?
Does socioeconomic status impact one’s criminal behavior?

Criminology Research Topics: Theories

What crimes are typical for what ages?
How does the type of crime correspond with the level of exerted aggression ?
What is the connection between citizenship (or lack thereof) and law violation?
How does education (or lack thereof) correspond with crime level?
Does employment (or lack thereof) correspond with law violation?
What is the connection between family status and law violation?
Does gender affect on the type of law violation?
How does ownership of firearms correspond with law violation?
Does immigrant status correlate with law violation?

Is there a connection between mental health and law violation?
What are the causes of violence in the society?
Does the crime rate depend on the neighborhood ?
How does race correspond with the type of crime?
Do religious beliefs correspond with law violation?
How does social class correlate with crime rate?
What are the reasons for the homeless’ improsonment?
How does weather correspond with law violation?

Criminology Topics on Victimization

Biological theories of crime: how do biological factors correspond with law violation?
Classical criminology: the contemporary take on crime, economics, deterrence, and the rational choice perspective.
Convict criminology: what do ex-convicts have to say on the subject?
Criminal justice theories: punishment as a deterrent to crime.
Critical criminology : debunking false ideas about crime and criminal justice.
Cultural criminology: criminality as the product of culture.
Cultural transmission theory: how criminal norms are transmitted in social interaction.
Deterrence theory: how people don’t commit crimes out of fear of punishment.
Rational choice theory : how crime doing is aligned with personal objectives of the perpetrator.
Feminist Criminology: how the dominant crime theories exclude women.
Labeling and symbolic interaction theories: how minorities and those deviating from social norms tend to be negatively labeled.
Life course criminology : how life events affect the actions that humans perform.
Psychological theories of crime: criminal behavior through the lense of an individual’s personality.
Routine activities theory : how normal everyday activities affect the tendency to commit a crime.
The concept of natural legal crime.
Self-control theory : how the lack of individual self-control results in criminal behavior.
Social construction of crime: crime doing as social response.
Social control theory : how positive socialization corresponds with reduction of criminal violation.
Social disorganization theory : how neighborhood ecological characteristics correspond with crime rates.
Social learning theory : how (non)criminal behavior can be acquired by observing and imitating others.
Strain theories : how social structures within society pressure citizens to commit crime.
Theoretical integration: how two theories are better than one.

Criminology Research and Measurement Topics

Citation content analysis (CCA): a framework for gaining knowledge from a variety of media.
Crime classification systems: classification of crime according to the severity of punishment.
Crime mapping as a way to map, visualize, and analyze crime incident patterns.
Reports and statistics of crime: the estimated rate of crime over time. Public surveys.
Drug abuse warning network (DAWN): predicting trends in drug misuse.
Arrestee drug abuse monitoring (ADAM): drug use among arrestees.
Edge ethnography: collecting data undercover in typically closed research settings and groups through rapport development or covert undercover strategy.
Experimental criminology: experimental and quasi-experimental research in the advancement of criminological theory.
Fieldwork in criminology: street ethnographers and their dilemmas in the field concerning process and outcomes.
Program evaluation: collecting and analyzing information to assess the efficiency of projects, policies and programs.
Quantitative criminology: how exploratory research questions, inductive reasoning , and an orientation to social context help recognize human subjectivity.

Criminology Topics on Types of Crime

Campus crime: the most common crimes on college campuses and ways of preventing them.
Child abuse : types, prevalence, risk groups, ways of detection and prevention.
Cybercrime : cyber fraud, defamation, hacking, bullying, phishing.
Domestic violence : gender, ways of detection and prevention, activism.
Domestic violence with disabilities .
Elder abuse : types, prevalence, risk groups, ways of detection and prevention.
Environmental crime. Natural resource theft: illegal trade in wildlife and timber, poaching, illegal fishing.
Environmental crime. Illegal trade in ozone-depleting substances, hazardous waste; pollution of air, water, and soil.
Environmental crime: local, regional, national, and transnational level.
Environmental crime: climate change crime and corruption.
Environmental crime: wildlife harming and exploitation.
Hate crime: how prejudice motivates violence.

Homicide : what motivates one person to kill another.
Human trafficking : methods of deception, risk groups, ways of detection and prevention.
Identity theft : methods, risk groups, ways of detection and prevention.
Gambling in America .
Juvenile delinquency : risk groups, prevention policies, prosecution and punishment.
Juvenile Delinquency: Causes and Effects
Organizational crime: transnational, national, and local levels. Ways of disrupting the activity of a group.
Prostitution : risk groups, different takes on prevention policies, activism.
Robbery : risk groups, ways of prevention, prosecution and punishment.
Sex offenses: risk groups, types, prevalence, ways of detection and prevention.
Terrorism: definition, history, countermeasures .
Terrorism : individual and group activity, ways of detection and prevention.
Theft and shoplifting : risk groups, ways of detection, prevention policies, prosecution and punishment.
Counter-terrorism: constitutional and legislative issues .
White-collar crime : types, ways of detection, prevention policies, prosecution and punishment.

Criminology Topics on Racism and Discrimination

How systemic bias affects criminal justice?
How discriminatory portrayal of minority groups in the media affects criminal justice?
Racial profiling : targeting minority groups on the basis of race and ethnicity.
Racism and discrimination towards African-Americans .
Racial profiling : what are the cons? Are there any pros?
How discriminatory is the UK Court System?
How discriminatory is the US Court System?

🌶️ Hot Criminal Justice Topics

The history of modern police.
Different types of prison systems.
Is situational crime prevention effective?
How to prevent wrongful convictions.
Challenges faced by crime victims.
The advantages of community corrections.
How do ethics influence criminal justice?
Disadvantages of felony disenfranchisement.
Does correctional system in the USA really work?
Possible problems of prisoner reentry process.

💂 116 Criminal Justice Research Topics & Questions

Here are some of the most typical and interesting criminal justice issues to dazzle your professor.

Prison system : the main problems and the hidden pitfalls.
The question of gender: why are there more men who receive capital punishment than women?
Kidnapping and ransom: common features, motifs, behavior patterns.
Crime prevention : key principles.
Firing a gun: what helps professionals understand whether it was deliberate or happened by accident?
Cybercrime : the legal perspective.
Internet vigilantism: revenge leaks.
Hate crime on the Internet: revenge leaks, trolling, defamation.
Crime and justice in mass media .
Parental abduction laws.
Sex offender registry: pros and cons.
The deterrence theory and the theory of rational choice : are they relevant in the modern world?
Sexual assault in schools and workplaces.
Jury selection: how is it performed?
Experimental criminology: the latest innovations.

Wildlife crime: areas of prevalence, ways of prevention.
Felony disenfranchisement laws: when do they apply?
The relation between organized crime and corruption .
Victim services: what help can a victim of a crime get?
Prison rape and violence: the psychological aspect, ways of prevention.
Juvenile recidivism : what are the risk groups?
Forensic science : role and functions in modern criminal justice.
Shoplifting: how to prevent theft?
Witness Protection Program: who is eligible and how to protect them.
Date rape : what are the ways for the victims to seek legal assistance?
Substance abuse and crime: correlation or causation?
Identity theft: dangers and consequences in the modern world.
Online predators: what laws can be introduced to protect kids? Real-life examples.
Civil and criminal cases: how to differentiate?
Domestic abuse victims: what laws protect them?
Elder abuse : what can be done to prevent it?
The strain theory : the unachievable American dream.
Concepts of law enforcement: pursuing criminal justice .
Ethics and criminal justice: the unethical sides of law enforcement.
The top problems to be solved by law enforcement today.
Information sharing technology: how has it helped in the fight against terrorism ?
Terrorism in perspective: characteristics, causes, control .
Serial killers : types.
Drug use and youth arrests.
Aggressive behavior : how does it correlate with criminal tendencies?
Community corrections : are they effective?
Sentencing: how does it take place?
Punishment types and the established terms.
Unwarranted arrest: when is it acceptable?
Human trafficking in the modern world.
Human trafficking: current state and counteracts .
The role of technology in modern forensics .
Similarities and differences between homicide , murder, and manslaughter.
Types of offenders: classification.
Effects of gun control measures in the United States .
The role of crime mapping in modern criminal justice.
Male crimes vs female crimes: are they different?
Prisons : the problems of bad living conditions.
Victimization : causes and ways of prevention.
Victimology and traditional justice system alternatives .
Rape victims: what are their rights?
Problem-solving courts: what underlying problems do they address?
Mandatory sentencing and the three-strike rule.
Have “three-strikes” laws been effective and should they be continued?
Criminal courts : what can be learned from their history?
Hate crimes : what motivates people to commit them?
Youth gangs: what is their danger?
Fieldwork: how is it done in criminology?
Distributive justice : its place in criminal justice.
Capital punishment : what can be learned from history?
Humanities and justice in Britain during 18th century .
Abolition of capital punishment .
Criminals and prisoners’ rights .
Crime prevention programs and criminal rehabilitation .
Campus crime: what laws and precautions are there against it?
Criminal trial process: how does it go?
Crimes committed on a religious basis: how are they punished?
The code of ethics in the Texas department of criminal justice .
Comparison between Florida and Maryland’s legislative frameworks .
Fraud in the scientific field: how can copyright protect the discoveries of researchers?
Prosecution laws: how are they applied in practice?
The classification of crime systems.
Cyberbullying and cyberstalking: what can parents do to protect their children?
Forgery cases in educational institutions, offices, and governmental organizations.
Drug courts : how do they work?

Controversial Topics in Criminal Justice

Want your work to be unconventional? Consider choosing one of the controversial topics. You will need to present a number of opposite points of view. Of course, it’s acceptable to choose and promote an opinion that you think stands the best. Just make sure to provide a thorough analysis of all of the viewpoints.

You can also stay impartial and let the reader make up their own mind on the subject. If you decide to support one of the viewpoints, your decision should be objective. Back it up with plenty of evidence, too. Here are some examples of controversial topics that you can explore.

Reform vs. punishment: which one offers more benefits?
Restorative justice model : is it the best criminal justice tool?
The war on drugs : does it really solve the drug problem?
Criminal insanity: is it a reason enough for exemption from liability?
Juvenile justice system : should it be eliminated?
Drug testing on the school ground.
Police brutality in the United States .
How to better gun control ?
Why Gun Control Laws Should be Scrapped .
Pornography: is it a type of sexual violence?
Whether death penalty can be applied fairly?
Jack the Ripper: who was he?
The modern justice system: is it racist?
A false accusation: how can one protect themselves from it?
Concealed weapons: what are the criminal codes of various states?
Race and crime: is there a correlation?
Registering sex offenders: should this information be in public records?
Juvenile delinquency and bad parenting: is there a relation?
Assessing juveniles for psychopathy or conduct disorder .
Should all new employees be checked for a criminal background ?
Are delinquency cases higher among immigrant children?
Restrictive housing: can it help decongest prisons?
Homegrown crimes: is there an effective program against them?
Prostitution: the controversy around legalization .
Eyewitness testimony : is it really helpful in an investigation?
Youthful offenders in boot camps: is this strategy effective?
Predictive policing : is it effective?
Selective incapacitation: is it an effective policy for reducing crime?
Social class and crime: is there a relation?
Death penalty: is it effective in crime deterrence?
Extradition law: is it fair?
Devious interrogations: is deceit acceptable during investigations?
Supermax prisons: are they effective or just cruel?
Zero tolerance: is it the best policy for crime reduction?
Marijuana decriminalization: pros and cons.
Marijuana legalization in the US .

Now that you have looked through the full list of topics, choose wisely. Remember that sometimes it’s best to avoid sensitive topics. Other times, a clever choice of a topic will win you extra points. It doesn’t depend on just the tastes of your professor, of course. You should also take into account how much relevant information there is on the subject. Anyway, the choice of the topic of your research is up to you. Try to find the latest materials and conduct an in-depth analysis of them. Don’t forget to draw a satisfactory conclusion. Writing may take a lot of your time and energy, so plan ahead. Remember to stay hydrated and good luck!

Now, after we looked through the topic collections on criminology and criminal justice, it is time to turn to the specifics in each of the fields. First, let’s talk more extensively about criminology. If you are training to be a criminologist, you will study some things more deeply. They include the behavior patterns of criminals, their backgrounds, and the latest sociological trends in crime.

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In the field of criminology, the specialties are numerous. That’s why it’s difficult to pinpoint one career that represents a typical member of the profession. It all depends on the background of a criminologist, their education, and experience.

Careers possible with a criminology major.

A criminologist may have a number of responsibilities at their position. For example, they might be called forth to investigate a crime scene. Participation in autopsies is unpleasant yet necessary. Interrogation of suspects and subsequent criminal profiling is another essential duty.

Some professionals work solely in research. Others consult government agencies or private security companies. Courts and law firms also cooperate with criminologists. Their job is to provide expert opinion in criminal proceedings. Some of them work in the prison systems in order to oversee the rehabilitation of the convicted.

Regardless of the career specialty , most criminologists are working on profiling and data collection. A criminologist is another word for an analyst. They collect, study, and analyze data on crimes. After conducting the analysis, they provide recommendations and actionable information.

A criminologist seeks to find out the identity of the person who committed the crime. The time point of a crime is also important, as well as the reason for it. There are several areas covered by the analysis of a criminologist. The psychological behavior of the criminal or criminals is closely studied. The socio-economic indicators are taken into account. There are also, of course, the environmental factors that may have facilitated the crime.

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Some high-profile cases require a criminologist to correspond with media and PR managers extensively. Sometimes criminologists write articles and even books about their findings. However, it should be noted that the daily routine of a professional in the field is not so glamorous. Most criminologists do their work alone, without the attention of the public.

The research a criminologist accumulates during their work is extensive. It doesn’t just sit there in a folder on their desk, of course. The collected statistics are used for developing active criminal profiles that are shared with law enforcement agencies. It helps to understand criminal behavior better and to predict it. That’s why a criminologist’s work must be precise and accurate for it to be practical and useful. Also, criminology professionals must have a good grasp of math and statistics.

Thinking of a career in criminology? You will need to, at the very least, graduate from college. There, you’ll master mathematics, statistics, and, of course, criminology. An associate’s degree may get you an entry-level position. But the minimum entry-level requirement is usually the bachelor’s degree. The best positions, though, are left for the professionals with a master’s degree or a PhD.

Just having a degree is not enough. To succeed as a criminologist, you will require all your intelligence, commitment, and the skill of analyzing intricate situations. An aspiration to better the society will go a long way. You will need to exercise your creative, written, and verbal communication skills, too. An analytical mind will land you at an advantage.

Criminology: Research Areas

Times change and the world of crime never ceases to adapt. The nature of criminal transgression is evolving, and so do the ways of prosecution. Criminal detection, investigation, and prevention are constantly advancing. Criminology studies aim to improve the practices implemented in the field.

There are six unified, coordinated, and interrelated areas of expertise. Within each, the professionals are busy turning their mastery into knowledge and action.

The first research area is the newest worry of criminology – cybercrime. The impact of this type of crime is escalating with every passing day. That’s why it’s crucial for the law enforcement professionals to keep up to date with the evolving technology. Cybercrime research is exploring the growing threat of its subject at all levels of society. Cybercrime may impact people on both personal and governmental levels. Cybercrime research investigates the motivation and methodology behind the offenses and finds new ways to react.

The second research area is counter fraud. Crimes that fall under this category include fraud and corruption. The questions that counter fraud research deals with are many. How widely a crime is spread, what method is best to fight it, and the optimal courses of action to protect people and organizations.

The third research area is that of forensics. The contemporary face of justice has been changed by forensic science beyond recognition. Nowadays, it’s much harder for criminals to conceal their activity due to evolved technologies. The research in forensics is utilizing science in the identification of the crime and in its reconstruction. It employs such techniques as DNA recovery, fingerprinting, and forensic interviewing.

What is forensic interviewing? It helps find new ways to gather quality information from witnesses and crime scenes. It also works on developing protocols that ensure the protection of this human data and its correct interpretation by police.

The fourth research area is policing. Police service is facing a lot of pressing issues nowadays due to budget cuts. At the same time, police officers still need to learn, and there are also individual factors that may influence their work.

The fifth research area is penology. It’s tasked with exploring the role of punishment in the criminal justice system. Does punishment aid the rehabilitation of perpetrators, and to what extent? The answer will help link theory to practice and thus shape how criminal justice practitioners work.

The sixth research area is that of missing persons. Before a person goes missing, they may display a certain pattern of behavior. The study of missing persons helps to identify it. The results will determine the handling of such cases.

Now that we know what criminology is, it’s time to talk about criminal justice.

While criminology focuses on the analysis of crime, criminal justice concentrates on societal systems. Its primary concern is with the criminal behavior of the perpetrators. For example, in the USA, there are three branches of the criminal justice system. They are police (aka law enforcement), courts, and corrections. These branches all work together to punish and prevent unlawful behavior. If you take up a career in criminal justice, expect to work in one of these fields.

The most well-known branch of criminal justice is law enforcement. The police force is at the forefront of defense against crime and misdemeanor. They stand against the criminal element in many ways. For instance, they patrol the streets, investigate crimes, and detain suspects. It’s not just the police officers who take these responsibilities upon themselves. There are also US Marshals, ICE, FBI Agents, DEA, and border patrol. Only after the arrest has been made, the perpetrator enters the court system.

The court system is less visible to the public, but still crucial to the criminal justice system. Its main purpose is to determine the suspect’s innocence or guilt. You can work as an attorney, lawyer, bailiff, judge, or another professional of the field. In the court, if you are a suspect, you are innocent until proven guilty. You are also entitled to a fair trial. However, if they do find you guilty, you will receive a sentence. Your punishment will be the job of the corrections system.

The courts determine the nature of the punishment, and the corrections system enforces it. There are three elements of the corrections system: incarceration, probation, and parole. They either punish or rehabilitate the convicts. Want to uptake a career in corrections? You may work as, including, but not limited to: a parole officer, a prison warden, a probation officer, and a guard.

📈 Criminal Justice: Research Areas

The research areas in criminal justice are similar, if not identical, to those of criminology. After all, those are two very closely related fields. The one difference is that criminal justice research has more practical than theoretical applications. But it’s fair to say that theory is the building blocks that practice bases itself on. One is impossible without the other unless the result you want is complete chaos.

So, the question is – what topic to choose for the research paper? Remember that the world of criminal justice is constantly changing. Choosing a subject for research in criminal justice, consider a relevant topic. There are many pressing issues in the field. Exploring them will undoubtedly win you points from your professor. Just make sure to choose a direction that will give you the opportunity to show off both your knowledge and your analytical skills.

Not sure that your original research direction will be appreciated? Then choose one of the standard topics. Something that is widely discussed in the media. And, of course, make sure that you are truly interested in the subject. Otherwise, your disinterest will translate into your writing, which may negatively affect the overall impression. Also, it’s just more enjoyable to work on something that resonates with you.

What can you do with your research paper? Literally anything. Explore the background of the issue. Make predictions. Compare the different takes on the matter. Maybe there are some fresh new discoveries that have been made recently. What does science say about that?

Also, remember to backup all your arguments with quotes and examples from real life. The Internet is the best library and research ground a student could hope for. The main idea of the paper, aka the thesis, must be proven by enough factual material. Otherwise, it’s best to change your research direction.

And, of course, don’t put it all off till the last minute. Make a plan and stick to it. Consistency and clever distribution of effort will take you a long way. Good luck!

🤔 Criminal Justice Research FAQs

Criminological and criminal justice research are the scientific studies of the causes and consequences, extent and control, nature, management, and prevention of criminal behavior, both on the social and individual levels.

Criminal justice and criminology are sciences that analyze the occurrence and explore the ways of prevention of illegal acts. Any conducted personal research and investigation should be supported by the implemented analytical methods from academic works that describe the given subject.

There are six interrelated areas of criminology research:

Cybercrime research makes law enforcement professionals keep up to date with the evolving technology.
Counter fraud research investigates cases of fraud and corruption.
Forensics research utilizes science: DNA recovery, fingerprinting, and forensic interviewing.
Research in policing investigates individual factors that may influence the work of police officers.
Penology explores the role of punishment in the criminal justice system.
The study of missing persons helps to identify patterns of victims’ behavior.

There are seven research methods in criminology:

Quantitative research methods measure criminological and criminal justice reality by assigning numerical values to concepts to find patterns of correlation, cause and effect.
Survey research collects information from a number of persons via their responses to questions.
Experimental research assesses cause and effect in two comparison groups.
Cross-sectional research studies one group at one point in time.
Longitudinal research studies the same group over a period of time.
Time-series designs study the same group at successive points in time.
Meta-analysis employs quantitative analysis of findings from multiple studies.

The basis of criminological theory is criminological research. It influences the development of social policies and defines criminal justice practice.

Criminological research doesn’t just enable law students to develop analytical and presentational skills. The works of criminal justice professionals, scholars, and government policymakers dictate the way law enforcement operates. The newest ideas born out of research identify corrections and crime prevention, too.

Here is a step-by-step instruction on how to write a criminal justice research paper:

Choose a topic
Read the materials and take notes
Come up with a thesis
Create an outline for your work
Draft the body
Start with a cover page, an abstract, and an intro
List the methods you used, and the results you got
Include a discussion
Sum it up with a conclusion
Don’t forget a literature review and appendices
Revise, proofread, and edit

The most common types of methodologies in criminal justice research include:

Observation of participants.
Surveys and interviews.
Observation of focus groups.
Conducting experiments.
Analysis of secondary data and archival study.
Mixed (a combination of the above methods).

Learn more on this topic:

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The Differences Between Criminal Justice and Criminology: Which Degree Is Right for You? (Concordia St. Paul)
Corporate Crime: Britannica
The Development of Delinquency: NAP
Databases for Research & Education: Gale
A CS Research Topic Generator: Purdue University
A Introduction To The Federal Court System: US Department of Justice
Criminal Justice Research Topics: Broward College
Research Topics in Criminology: Cambridge Institute of Criminology
CRIMINOLOGY: University of Portsmouth
Research: Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice, University of Maryland
Criminal Justice: RAND
Research Methods in Criminal Justice: Penn State University Libraries
Research: School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Arizona State University
Criminology – Research Guide: Getting started (Penn Libraries)
Criminology Research Papers: Academia
The History & Development of the U.S. Criminal Justice System: Study.com
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & CRIMINOLOGY: Marshall University
Criminal Justice: Temple University
Criminal Justice: University of North Georgia
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The schools of criminology seems like such a fascinating field — it’s definitely not for the lighthearted though! Here in the Philippines, criminology as a course is highly underrated; hopefully that’ll change!

I understand. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

135+ Amazing Criminal Justice Research Topics In 2023

Are you a law student or enrolled in law college? Are you looking for criminal justice research topics? Here, in this blog, you can find your criminal justice research topics. Statanalytca.com explains the 135 amazing criminal research paper topic ideas for 2023 in this blog.

When we listen to the word criminal justice, many words come into our mind like “victim,” “enforcement,” “crimes,” “courts,” “prison,” and law sanctions. Criminal justice is a term that governments make to justice for people, reduce and make decisions to prevent crimes. Governments make law sanctions to reduce crimes. Every country has a different criminal justice system.

The criminal justice system in the United States is a complex system of federal, state, and local laws, with state and federal constitutions, international treaties, and customary law. Each layer of government shares responsibility for a different aspect of the process. Federal law enforcement agencies enforce laws that may be broken by people who are not in their jurisdiction.

For example : When an individual from New York City travels to Florida to commit a crime such as a robbery or murder they will be arrested by the Florida police and handed over to federal authorities.

A criminal justice research paper necessarily requires accuracy, attention, and patience. Sometimes students are confused about writing criminal research paper topics, or they have a shortage of time to complete research papers.

Most college students ask for assignments to write criminal justice research papers. If you want criminal justice research paper help, you can take our trusted research paper assignment help .

How To Choose A Good Research Topics

Table of Contents

Choosing a research topic is a very challenging task. You should pick a topic that is both interesting and relevant to your audience. You should analyze the crime report before choosing the criminal justice research topics. Research the types of crimes in your country and where your country ranks in the global crime index.

Some research topics include the following:

The role of law enforcement, prosecutors, and public defenders.
Challenges with eyewitness identifications.
Different types of evidence are used in criminal cases.
The effect of jury selection on trials.
How criminal justice impacts mental health.

What Is a Research Paper in Criminal Justice?

A research paper in criminal justice is an academic paper presenting findings from research on a specific criminal justice topic. These papers typically require extensive research and analysis of primary and secondary sources, such as case studies, official reports, statistics, and academic literature. The research paper aims to contribute new knowledge to the criminal justice field, identify trends or patterns, or assess the effectiveness of interventions or policies.

Research papers in criminal justice typically follow a standard academic format, including an introduction that sets the context and research questions, a literature review that summarizes existing research, a methodology section that outlines the research design and data collection methods, a results section that presents findings, and a conclusion that summarizes the research’s significance and implications.

Criminal justice research papers may focus on various topics, including the legal system’s operations, law enforcement practices, corrections, crime prevention, and victimization. These papers may be used to inform policymakers, practitioners, and academics about the state of the criminal justice system and suggest evidence-based solutions to improve its effectiveness and fairness.

Let’s Discuss The Criminal Justice Research Topics-

Here in this section, we will tell you some of the best criminal justice research topics for 2023:-

Basic Criminology and Criminal Justice Research Topics

Basic criminal Research Topics.
History of Criminal Ethics.
Criminology as Social Science.
Criminology and Public Policy.
Advantages of Private Prisons.
Civil Crimes vs War Crimes.
Offenses Against Religion & Cultural Traits.
Causes of victimization.

Court Cases Criminal Justice Research Topics

Can victims of crime receive help?
How serious are shoplifting incidents?
When do felony disenfranchisement laws apply?
Is organized crime and corruption synonymous?
What is legal help available to victims of date rape?
What is the difference between civil and criminal cases?
Forensic science: how effective is it in modern criminal justice?
Is there a link between substance abuse, crime, and substance use?
Who is eligible for the protection program, and what protection is provided?
Prison rape and violence: What can be done to prevent sexual and domestic violence in prison?

Controversial Criminal Justice Research Topics

Gun control causes.
Struggle with mental health issues.
Police officers’ legal rights are limited.
College Violence Causes.
Gun violence and prevention policies.
Crimes Propaganda and Modern Music Culture.
Race and politics of criminal justice.
An investigation into victim services.
Eyewitness Evidence Importance.
Legal codes used in America.
Zero tolerance policy and crime rates.
Sexual assault.
culture, and gender equality.
What is the best way to reduce recidivism?
pros and cons of prisons in America.
Criminalization of poverty.
Gender and Punishment.
The effects of drugs on children’s development.
Effects of drug addiction on mental health.
Youth offenders and Bootcamps.

Debate Criminal Justice Research Topics

Failures in criminal justice.
Criminal justice system expectations.
Statistical analysis in criminal justice.
Debate on criminal justice act.
criminal justice trend evaluation.
Trends in the criminal justice system.
Criminal justice system corrections in the USA.
Find the solution to prevent crimes.

Criminology Research Topics On Theories

Is employment related to law violations?
What is the relationship between family status and legal violations?
Is gender related to the type of law violation?
What is the relationship between citizenship and law enforcement?
How does education relate to crime levels?
How does gun ownership relate to breaking the law?
Is there a link between immigration status and law violations?
What types of crimes are common at what ages?
How does the type of crime relate to the level of aggression?

Criminal Justice Research Topics Based On Crime and Communities

The impact of community policing on crime prevention in urban areas.
The effectiveness of restorative justice programs in reducing recidivism rates.
The relationship between poverty and crime in urban communities.
The role of race and ethnicity in criminal justice outcomes and disparities.
The effectiveness of community-based interventions in reducing juvenile delinquency.
The impact of gun laws on violent crime in urban communities.
Social media’s role in spreading crime and its effects on communities.
The effectiveness of drug courts in reducing drug-related crimes and improving public safety.
The relationship between mental illness and criminal behavior in urban communities.
The impact of immigration policies on crime and public safety in urban areas.
The effectiveness of re-entry programs for ex-offenders in reducing recidivism and promoting successful reintegration into society.
The impact of community-based victim services on the criminal justice system and crime prevention.
The relationship between neighborhood social disorganization and crime rates.
The role of technology in improving crime prevention and solving crimes in urban communities.
The effectiveness of community-based diversion programs for non-violent offenders.
The impact of neighborhood watch programs on crime prevention and community safety.
The role of community involvement in addressing hate crimes and bias incidents.
The impact of domestic violence on communities and the criminal justice response.
The effectiveness of drug treatment programs in reducing drug-related crime and improving public health.
The criminal justice system’s impact on marginalized communities and efforts to promote equity and justice.

Criminal Justice Research Topics On Racism and Discrimination

Eliminating discrimination in the criminal justice system.
Gender Bias in Eyewitnesses.
African American Legislative Apartheid.
Racial Discrimination in College Campuses.
How criminal justice law is enacted on Migrants.
Inequality in the criminal justice system Research.

General Criminal Justice Research Topics

Police brutality and excessive force
Criminal profiling and investigation techniques
Restorative justice programs
Cybercrime and cyberterrorism
Gun control policies and their effectiveness
The impact of race and ethnicity on sentencing
Juvenile delinquency prevention and intervention
Wrongful convictions and the death penalty
Gender and crime
Drug policy and its impact on crime.
Community policing and trust-building strategies
The effectiveness of rehabilitation and reentry programs for offenders
Domestic violence and its impact on victims
Crime prevention through environmental design
Forensic science and the reliability of evidence in criminal investigations
Corruption in law enforcement and the criminal justice system
Mental health treatment for inmates and offenders
Human trafficking and modern-day slavery
The use of technology in criminal investigations and surveillance
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the criminal justice system.

Types of Criminal Justice Research Topics

Homicide, serial murders, and serial murder are the most popular topics in murder studies.
A case study of robbery crime, unusual daylight robbery in a news article.
Identity Theft and Ways to Protect, the prevalence of identity theft in the community, causes, and effects of cell phone theft.
Analysis and critique of Current fraud cases, Fraud and business ethics, fraud schemes, and investigation.

International Criminal Law Topics

Criminal ethics, criminal law research assignment paper.
Criminal courtroom observation reaction.
Childhood obesity.
Crime Prevention.
International crimes and their laws.
International criminal court.
Human Rights and Inequality.
Rape Cases.

Criminal Justice Research Topics For College Students

The Impact of Police Body Cameras on Law Enforcement Accountability
Violent Crime Reduction Effectiveness of Restorative Justice Programs
Racial Disparities in Sentencing and Their Implications for Justice
The Role of Mental Health Services in Diverting Offenders from the Criminal Justice System
Media Effects on Perceptions of Crime and Criminal Conduct
Examining the Use of Technology in Solving Crimes and Enhancing Investigations
Juvenile Justice Policies: Rehabilitation vs. Punishment
The Intersection of Immigration Policies and Criminal Justice Outcomes
Criminal Profiling and its Reliability in Solving Crimes
The Effect of Minimum Sentence Laws on Incarceration Rates and Public Safety.

Criminology Research Topics

Armed Crime Groups History Motives.
Cyber Criminology Correction Methods.
Art Fraud Cooperation.
Drunk Driving Prevention Ads.
Identity Theft & Social Media.
Topic on Child Abuse & TV Violence.
Aggression Against Homeless People.
Unemployment & Street Situation Analysis.
Forensic Research Identification Methods.
Crime Witnesses PTSD Rehabilitation.

Career With The Criminology Major

There are a variety of jobs you can get with a criminology degree. We sort listed the top 8 trending jobs that you can get with a criminology degree:

Criminologist.
Private investigator
Forensic scientist .
Correction officer.
Jury consultant.
Loss prevention specialist
Clinical social worker.

Tips On How To Write Criminal Justice Research Topics

A step-by-step guide on how to write criminal justice research topics:

Choose a particular topic.
Read the given materials and take some notes.
Come up with a thesis.
Create an outline for your project.
Write down all the information that you have collected.
Start with a cover page, and an intro.
List the technique you used and the results you got.
Include a discussion.
Always write a conclusion.
Don’t forget to correct your grammar mistakes.
Revise, proofread, and if it is incorrect then edit.

Importance of Criminal Justice Research Papers In 2023

Here are some important of criminal justice research papers in 2023:

1. Informed Policy-Making

Criminal justice research papers provide valuable data and insights that policymakers use to develop effective laws and policies, enhancing the fairness and efficiency of the justice system.

2. Evidence-Based Practices

Research papers help identify evidence-based strategies for law enforcement, corrections, and crime prevention, leading to better outcomes and reduced rates of reoffending.

3. Transparency and Accountability

By revealing systemic issues and gaps, research papers push for greater transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system, fostering public trust.

4. Improved Decision-Making

Policymakers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders use research findings to make informed decisions on resource allocation and allocation of efforts.

5. Advancing Knowledge

Criminal justice research papers contribute to the body of knowledge in the field, allowing researchers and academics to build on existing findings and develop innovative approaches to understanding crime and justice.

6. Addressing Disparities

Research papers shed light on disparities in the justice system, such as racial or socioeconomic disparities, prompting efforts to address and rectify these inequalities.

7. Enhancing Public Awareness

Research papers raise public awareness about issues like wrongful convictions, mental health challenges, and the impact of crime on communities, spurring advocacy and societal change.

Get More Criminal Justice Research Topics At Statanalytica.com

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This is the end of this post about criminal justice research topics. However, diverse criminal justice research topics offer unique insights into various aspects of the criminal justice system. These research areas are crucial for policymakers, practitioners, and academics to comprehensively understand the system’s challenges and develop effective interventions that improve its fairness and effectiveness.

On the other hand, we mentioned more than 135 criminal justice research topics based on different categories. So that it is easier for you to choose the best criminal justice research topics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.what are some criminal justice research topics.

Research Topics in Criminal Justice System: 1. Capital Punishment. 2. Community Corrections. 3. Crime Prevention. 4. Criminal Courts. 5. Criminal Justice Ethics. 6. Criminal Law. 7. Criminal Specialisation. 8. Drug Courts.

Q2. How do I choose a research topic?

Two main ways to find a research topic: through your academic interests or by self-initiation. You can find a topic through your academic focus, talk to your professors and classmates about what they’re working on, and they can point you in the right direction and introduce you to the process of conducting research. The other option is to start with The idea that interests you.

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What is a research paper in criminal justice?

The best way to gain more data or information is via research. Research is an important tool that can be used in the subject one is studying and criminal justice research paper topics. A paper in criminal justice is comprehensive writing by scholars to argue for a situation, usually criminal. This paper is different from other types of research papers It requires an investigation of case studies and real-life situations. Many research paper topics on criminal justice can help students write their essays.

Research on criminal justice helps students and professionals alike to gain an in-depth understanding of the field. It also helps government officials who work in law enforcement, discipline, and crime prevention to do their job well.

In-depth study or research on criminal justice helps bridge the rift between the existing practice within the profession. The progression in recent knowledge.

Criminal justice research enables students to become critical thinkers. This makes them evaluate policies based on evidence and facts.

Criminal justice research topic ideas also inspire scholars to challenge intrinsic prejudice. Also, assumptions by cross-checking data objectively. Students may not always have the time to write their research papers by themselves. This can be due to loads of other assignments and impending deadlines. They can easily buy a research paper for their coursework in such situations. This article looks at many paper topics in criminal justice.

Here is a list of captivating and provoking criminal justice research proposal topics that students can work on. PapersOwl experts can help with choosing the best topic and writing a stunning paper.

Basic Criminal Justice Research Topics

When it comes to choosing research topics , students can easily run out of ideas. These are easy criminal justice research topics for college students.

How reliable is eyewitness testimony? Should eyewitness statements be allowed in court? Who should be considered an eyewitness?
The relationship between police and people of different races. Does the media present police violence against people of colour appropriately?
Methods for preventing international drug trafficking. How should law enforcement agencies handle trafficking cases? What should be the punishment for drug trafficking?
Crime during emergencies. Do public emergencies give room for criminal activities?
Gender disparity in the criminal justice system. How can both genders be treated fairly? To what extent can gender equality be exercised?
Solitary confinement. What is the impact of solitary confinement on prisoners?
The efficiency of drug courts. Do drug courts help or hurt addicts?
Domestic violence. Why are women more likely to be victims? What should happen to minors of abusive parents?
Capital punishment. Is capital punishment a violation of human rights? What crimes deserve capital punishment?
Bail. What criminal offenses should be granted bail? What is the maximum that can be charged as bail?

Controversial Criminal Justice Research Topics

Certain topics lead to controversies in the field. Controversial topics should be able to lead to extensive discussions on the situation. Students who have a tough time choosing a topic can find research papers for sale online. Some controversial criminal justice topics include:

Cyberbullying. Where should the line be drawn between freedom of speech and cyberbullying?
Jail structures. Why and how should female jails differ from male ones? What are the dangers of mixed prisons?
Hate crime. What is the history of hate crime in the United States of America? How severe should the punishment for hate crimes be?
Serial killers. Should serial killers be tried as mentally unstable? Should serial killers be charged with capital punishment?
Juvenile crimes. Should minors be sent to jail? Should minors be charged with the death penalty? Is an 18-year-old an adult?
Pornography. Can pornography be considered sexual abuse? Can porn sites be sued for pop-up pornographic images and ads?
Police shootings. In what situations are the police allowed to shoot? What is the punishment for shooting an innocent person?
Carrying concealed weapons. Should there be punishment for carrying weapons? What is considered self-defence?
Murder and homicide. What is the difference between murder and homicide? Should the punishment for murder and homicide be equal?
Reform vs. punishment: which one has more benefits?

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Criminal Justice Research Topics to Provoke Debate

There are research topics for criminal justice topic ideas that lead to debate and analysis. Such topics make sense from different angles, depending on your perspective. Examples of topics that spring debates are:

Self-defense. Where to draw the line between self-defense and premeditated crime. Should there be a punishment for self-defense?
Prostitution. Should prostitution be considered a crime? Should there be a minimum wage for prostitutes?
Stalking. Should stalking be considered a violation of human rights? Should stalking punishable by the law?
Child abuse. What is the line between discipline and child abuse? Should the state take minors away from abusive parents?
Sexual abuse. Should BDSM be considered sexual abuse? Can sexual abuse occur between a married couple?
The impact of prison on children of incarcerated individuals. Who cares for the children of incarcerated people? How does foster and kinship care affect these children?
Media. To what extent should the media show domestic violence?
Drunk driving is a serious offense. What should be the penalty for driving when inebriated? Should an intoxicated driver be charged with first-degree murder in the event of a tragic accident?
Body camera. Is the use of body cams by the police an intrusion of privacy?
Homicide and murder. Is homicide murder?

Criminology Research Topics

Criminology topic ideas will help students understand crime theories better. Below are topics are drawn from different areas of criminology.

What have ex-convicts to say about criminology for convicts? Is the state prepared to assist ex-convicts who have completed their sentences?
Is punishment a deterrence to crime in criminal justice theory?
False conceptions about crime and criminal justice are debunked through media criminology. Fake news and how to handle it.
Criminality is a result of culture, according to cultural criminology. What kinds of cultural traditions are compatible with criminal behaviour?
According to cultural transmission theory, how are criminal norms conveyed in social contact?
Does fear of penalty deter individuals from committing crimes? Is that anything that should be taken into account in a court of law?
The rational choice theory explains how the perpetrator’s personal goals are connected with their criminal behaviour.
How prevalent criminal theories marginalize women, according to feminist criminology.
Minorities and people who deviate from social norms are negatively branded.
Life-course criminology is the study of how events in one’s life influence criminal behaviour.

Criminal Justice System Research Topics

This criminal justice research topic enables students to investigate the judicial system and evaluate the current policies. Some of these criminal justice research questions include:

Firing gun: how to determine whether it was deliberate or happened by accident? On what grounds should the police fire a gun.
Cybercrime: what is the legal perspective of cybercrime? Is cyberbullying a cybercrime?
Internet vigilantism: can revenge leaks be considered a criminal offence.
Hate crime on the Internet: what are the policies against revenge leaks, trolling, and defamation?
Crime and justice in mass media. How does the media influence the system?
Kidnapping and ransom: what are common features and behaviour patterns?
Sex offender registry: what are the pros and cons?
The theories of deterrence rational choice: are they relevant in the modern justice system?
Sexual assault. What is the punishment for sexual assault in schools and workplaces?
Jury selection: how is it performed? What is the requirement for selecting members?

If you’re struggling to find the time or resources to complete a research paper in criminal justice, paying someone to write your research paper may seem like a viable option. However, it’s important to ensure that the service you use is reputable and trustworthy, as it’s essential to know the research paper will be written in a professional and reliable way. Doing research on the service provider to make sure they have experience in the field is highly recommended before making a decision.

International Crimes Research Topics

This criminal justice research topic has to do with domestic criminal laws and international crimes. Here are examples of international crimes topics for criminal justice research.

International Criminal Court (ICC): The role of the ICC in the fight against crimes against humanity.
International intervention. Define and analyze the effectiveness of intervention with examples.
War crimes. How are other states tried for committing a crime against humanity in another state?
Plea bargaining in international criminal law.
International justice and peace. How can countries and international organizations make the world more just and peaceful? How should international organizations intervene in countries’ situations?
International justice and human rights violations. What is a just society in the global context?
International criminal law. What are the history, source, and objectives of international criminal laws?
Feminism. A feminist’s point of view of international criminal laws.
Child soldiers in Africa. Discuss the facts, history, and why they become soldiers at that age.
International criminal laws treaties. Research various international criminal laws treaties and tell your reader what they entail.

Racism and Discrimination Criminal Justice Research Topics

The issues of racism and discrimination are still prevalent in society. The following topics can be researched to investigate the situation appropriately.

Systemic bias. How does it affect criminal justice as well as the system?
Minority groups. How is criminal justice affected by the discriminatory depiction of minorities in the media?
Racial profiling: how minority groups are targeted based on ethnicity and race.
African-Americans: how are racism and discrimination more towards them?
Racial profiling: The disadvantages.
The UK Court System. Is the UK court system discriminatory?
The US Court System. Is the US court system discriminatory?
Class Discrimination. What is societal class discrimination?
Does the crime rate depend on the neighbourhood?
Corporate crime: who constitutes the ruling class? What are corporate crimes?

Court Cases Research Topics

There are common criminal cases that are tried in court. Some topics about include:

What is the difference between civil and criminal cases?
Felony: when do disenfranchisement laws apply?
Are organized crime and corruption the same thing?
Victim services: can crime victims get any help?
Prison rape and violence: how can sexual and domestic violence be prevented in prison?
Forensics: how effective is forensics science in modern criminal justice.
Shoplifting: how serious are shoplifting cases?
Protection Program: who is eligible, and what type of protection is offered?
Date rape: what type of legal assistance is available to victims?
Substance use, abuse, and crime: does one cause a trigger for the other?

Crime and victimization Research Topics

Crime And victimization are captivating aspects of criminology. Several research and surveys have been done better to understand this field over the last few years. Below are some intriguing crime and victimization research topics for college students to consider.

Crime and victimization among ethnic minorities: this paper will take an interesting look into how minor ethnicities experience crime and victimization in society.
The victimization of females in the workplace: researchers explore the treatment of females in an especially male-dominated workspace and how it affects them.
Political opposition: how the oppositions are victimized. Political oppositions in many countries are seen as threats by the ruling powers.
Criminal victimization of the elderly – the elderly are mostly defenseless and, as a result, the targets of criminals.
Victimization on campus – how college students are victimized on campus.
Victimization in prisons and correctional facilities – are inmates subject to harassment and various form of physical abuse?
Racial profiling and victimization – is racial profiling a thing? How does it affect the individuals of the race?
Domestic violence: the victimization of romantic partners physically or emotionally.
Sexual harassment and stalking.
Cyberbullying, cybercrime, and victimization.

Criminology Theories Research Topics

Several criminology theories exist. This research covers how these theories are interpreted, used, and discovered. Some topics that cover this include:

Theoretical integration of criminology theories – two criminology theories are better than one and how they can be integrated.
Biological theory; how biological factors affect crime – Are some individuals more predisposed to cringe than others, and do biological factors play an important role.
Deterrence theory: crime and the fear of punishment – are crimes with severe punishments less rampant than those with less punishment; how the freezer of punishment deters crime.
Theory of rational choice – people restore to criminal behaviour because it is the best option.
Advancement of criminology theories – how knowledge of criminal theories could be furthered.
Social theory: how good socialization affects crime – are people around criminals predisposed to crime?
How criminal behaviours are learned through observation: social learning theory: are criminal behaviours learned through observation of criminals or not?
Self-control theory: how effective self-control affects crime rate – are individuals with better self-control less likely to be involved in crime? Is crime a resume of a lack of self-control?
Theory of Routine activities- do daily routines affect criminal behaviours.
Ownership of arms. Is this regarded as a law violation?

Reasonable Criminology Research Topics

Other reasonable criminology topics for students to explore are:

Criminology as a social science – how criminology Is a social science because it deals with social science issues.
Implications of hate crime: hate crime and how it affects the victims and society. Are the punishments effective in deterring hate crimes?
Tracing the roots of criminology from ancient times – a history of criminology.
Of crimes among age groups: how criminal behaviours vary among ages.
Effects of childhood upbringing on the crime rate in society – does a child’s upbringing affect the crime rate in society? Are criminals a result of a bad childhood upbringing?
The Portrayal of Serial killers in media – how serial killers are portrayed in the media and how it affects serial killers.
Crime vs punishment – how punishment relates to crime and its deterrence.
How does society affect drug abuse – is society to be blamed for drug abuse?
Literacy vs Illiteracy and its effect on criminal behaviour: does literacy or Illiteracy affect criminals? Are literates less likely to commit crimes than illiterates?
Gender bias in investigations. Does one gender receive better judgment than the other?

There are quite a number of areas you can conduct research in criminal justice. You may choose to focus on one particular area, or even multiple areas, depending on your research paper’s requirements. You will, however, need to ensure you do sufficient research for your work to be relevant. To make the research process easier, you can enlist the help of a professional writing service to write a research paper for you . They can provide you with the necessary resources and expertise to ensure that your paper is well-researched and accurate.

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Criminology Research Paper Topics

Criminology research paper topics cover a broad range of issues related to crime and criminal behavior. As a student of criminology, it can be challenging to select a research paper topic that is both interesting and relevant to your field of study. This page from iResearchNet offers a comprehensive list of criminology research paper topics, organized into 10 categories, with expert advice on how to choose the best topic and write a successful research paper. In addition, the page highlights the writing services offered by iResearchNet, providing students with the opportunity to order a custom criminology research paper on any topic of their choice.

Criminology Research Topics Guide

Criminology is a complex and interdisciplinary field that encompasses the study of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. Students pursuing a degree in criminology are often tasked with writing research papers on a variety of topics within this field. However, with the multitude of topics available, choosing the right one can be a daunting task.

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Choosing the right topic is crucial to the success of any research paper. By selecting a topic that is both interesting and relevant, students can engage in a more meaningful and productive research process. In this page, we will discuss various strategies for choosing a topic, such as considering personal interests, consulting with instructors or librarians, and conducting preliminary research. We will also provide tips on how to develop a strong thesis statement and organize one’s research notes effectively. Ultimately, our goal is to equip students with the tools and resources needed to produce high-quality research papers that demonstrate a deep understanding of the field of criminology.

100 Criminology Research Paper Topics

Theoretical Perspectives in Criminology

Classical criminology
Biological theories of crime
Psychological theories of crime
Social disorganization theory
Strain theory
Labeling theory
Social learning theory
Critical criminology
Feminist criminology
Cultural criminology

Crime Types and Patterns

Sexual offenses
Drug offenses
Organized crime
White-collar crime
Hate crimes

Criminological Research Methods

Survey research
Experimentation
Case studies
Content analysis
Ethnography
Longitudinal studies
Meta-analysis
Secondary data analysis
Network analysis
Comparative research

Correlates of Crime

Poverty and economic factors
Race and ethnicity
Gender and crime
Family structure and dynamics
Education and crime
Employment and crime
Social capital and crime
Neighborhood factors
Peer influence and deviance
Substance abuse and addiction

Criminal Justice System

Police organization and management
Policing strategies and tactics
Courts and the criminal justice process
Sentencing and punishment
Corrections and rehabilitation
Community-based corrections
Probation and parole
Juvenile justice system
Mental health and the criminal justice system
Victimology and victim services

Crime Prevention and Control

Community policing
Crime prevention through environmental design
Crime prevention programs and policies
Situational crime prevention
Early intervention and prevention for youth
Restorative justice programs
Technology and crime prevention
Gun control policies
Terrorism and counterterrorism strategies
Human trafficking and exploitation

Criminal Justice Ethics and Professionalism

Police use of force and accountability
Police discretion and decision-making
Ethical dilemmas in the courtroom
Confidentiality and privacy in the criminal justice system
Bias and discrimination in the criminal justice system
Professionalism and integrity in corrections
Ethics in forensic science
The role of media in criminal justice ethics
Corruption in law enforcement
The ethics of punishment

Historical and Comparative Criminology

The history of criminal justice systems
Cross-cultural comparisons of crime and justice
Historical perspectives on punishment
The evolution of policing and law enforcement
The history of prisons and corrections
Colonialism and its impact on crime and justice
Comparative analyses of legal systems
Transnational crime and criminal justice cooperation
International criminal law
Globalization and crime

Special Topics in Criminology

Mental illness and crime
Immigration and crime
Race, crime, and social justice
Climate change and environmental crime
LGBTQ+ issues in criminology
Disruptive technology and crime
School violence and prevention
The impact of COVID-19 on crime and justice
Animal cruelty and animal rights in criminology
The role of religion in crime and justice

Choosing a Criminology Research Paper Topic

Choosing a research paper topic in criminology can be a daunting task, as the field encompasses a wide range of topics and perspectives. However, with careful consideration and planning, selecting a topic can become a manageable and even enjoyable process. Here are some expert tips on how to choose a criminology research paper topic:

Understand the assignment requirements and guidelines : Before selecting a topic, make sure you understand the specific requirements and guidelines provided by your instructor. This can include the length of the paper, the research methods required, and the formatting and citation style to be used.
Consider your personal interests and passions : Choosing a topic that you are personally interested in can make the research and writing process much more enjoyable and engaging. Think about your personal experiences, hobbies, or areas of expertise that could inspire a relevant and interesting topic.
Look for current and relevant topics in the field : Stay up-to-date with current events and trends in the field of criminology by following relevant news outlets and academic journals. This can help you identify relevant and timely topics that are of interest to both you and your audience.
Focus on a specific aspect or issue within a broader topic : Narrowing down a broad topic can help you focus your research and analysis, making it more manageable and effective. For example, instead of researching “crime prevention,” you could focus on a specific method or strategy, such as community policing.
Conduct preliminary research to ensure there is enough information available : Before committing to a topic, conduct some preliminary research to ensure there is enough information available to support your thesis statement and arguments. This can include reviewing academic journals, news articles, and other relevant sources.
Consult with your instructor or a librarian for topic suggestions and resources : If you’re struggling to identify a relevant and engaging topic, don’t hesitate to consult with your instructor or a librarian for suggestions and resources. They may be able to provide valuable insight and guidance that can help you find the perfect topic for your research paper.
Stay organized and keep track of sources and notes : As you conduct research and develop your ideas, make sure to stay organized and keep track of sources and notes. This can help you avoid plagiarism and ensure that you have all the necessary information to support your arguments and analysis.
Narrow down your topic and develop a thesis statement : Once you’ve identified a broad topic of interest, narrow it down and develop a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the focus and purpose of your research paper.
Brainstorm and outline your paper before writing : Before diving into writing your research paper, take some time to brainstorm and outline your ideas. This can help you organize your thoughts and ensure that you’re addressing all the necessary points and arguments.
Revise and edit your paper multiple times before submitting : After completing your first draft, make sure to revise and edit your research paper multiple times to ensure that it’s clear, concise, and error-free. This can help you improve the quality of your work and ensure that you’re presenting your ideas in the best possible light.

Choosing a topic for your criminology research paper requires careful consideration of your personal interests, the assignment guidelines, and the available resources. Take the time to conduct thorough research, organize your notes, and develop a strong thesis statement. Remember to use clear and concise language throughout your paper and support your arguments with evidence from credible sources. If you need additional assistance, iResearchNet offers expert writing services with experienced writers who can provide customized solutions to fit your specific needs and requirements. With proper research, organization, and writing skills, you can successfully tackle any criminology research paper topic and produce high-quality work that meets your academic goals.

How to Write a Criminology Research Paper

Writing a criminology research paper can be a challenging task, but with proper preparation and attention to detail, it can be a rewarding experience. The following tips can help guide you through the process of writing a successful criminology research paper.

Choose a topic and develop a thesis statement : Start by selecting a topic that is of interest to you and aligns with the requirements of the assignment. Once you have a topic, develop a thesis statement that outlines the main argument or point you will be making in your paper.
Conduct thorough research and gather reliable sources : Use a variety of sources, including academic journals, books, and reputable online sources, to gather information about your topic. Make sure to evaluate the credibility of your sources and take detailed notes as you conduct your research.
Organize your notes and create an outline : Once you have gathered your research, organize your notes and create an outline that will guide your writing. This will help you stay focused and ensure that you cover all the necessary points in your paper.
Write an introduction that provides background information and introduces the thesis : The introduction should provide context for your paper and introduce the main argument or point you will be making.
Use clear and concise language throughout the paper : Make sure to write in a clear and concise manner, avoiding overly technical language and jargon.
Support your arguments with evidence and examples from your research : Use evidence from your research to support your arguments and provide examples that help illustrate your points.
Write a strong conclusion that summarizes your findings and reinforces your thesis : The conclusion should summarize the main points of your paper and reinforce the thesis statement.
Edit and revise your paper for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors : Make sure to thoroughly edit and revise your paper for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Properly cite your sources using the appropriate citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) : Make sure to properly cite all of your sources using the appropriate citation style to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the authors of the works you have used in your research.

By following these tips, you can write a successful criminology research paper that effectively communicates your research and arguments.

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Penn State University Libraries

Crim 12: criminology.

Tour of the library

Gray Literature

Handbooks & encyclopedias, core scholarly journals (browse).

Subject Databases
News Sources
Writing & Reading Tips

Where do you get ideas for topics you want to explore?

Although I recognize that social media is one of the most popular source for stimulating topics of interest, it has some decided draw backs in developing reflective academic papers. I would like to suggest a few other ways to help you choose topics that will make your academic experience more efficient and focused.

CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window CQ Researcher is excellent resource for exploring social and political issues. more... less... The CQ Researcher is a collection of reports covering political and social issues, with regular reports on topics in health, international affairs, education, the environment, technology and the U.S. economy. Keywords: hot topics, current events, social issues, social trends, archive, English 15, CAS 100, background information, general interest, contemporary issues, overviews. CQ Global Researcher (formerly a stand alone DB) content was merged into CQ Researcher.
CQ Global Researcher This link opens in a new window Provide insight on social and political issue from a global perspective. more... less... CQ Global Researcher articles are freely available to all CQ Researcher customers on the CQ Researcher site. CQ Global Researcher content provides students with definitive, in-depth coverage of global affairs from a number of international viewpoints.
News Resources A library guides to news resources
American Society for Criminology Another breakdown of the field of criminology by DIVISIONS of this professional organization.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Statistics for: crime and victims, criminal offenders, law enforcement, prosecution, federal justice system, courts & sentencing, corrections, expenditure & employment, and criminal record systems.
National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) Topical Index that include: corrections, courts, crime prevention, drugs, juvenile justice, law enforcement, and victims
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Distinguishes general research areas (Corrections, for example) and describes more specific topics within each (community corrections, recidivism, offender reentry/release, inmate programs and treatment, for example).

Caution: many of the publications that you will find from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), National Institute of Justice (NIJ), and the National Criminal Justice Reference Service(NCJRS) are not "scholarly articles". However, they are an important type of literature known as Gray Literature that can enhance your introduction to your research.

Defining gray literature

In general, gray literature publications are non-conventional, fugitive, and sometimes ephemeral publications. They may include, but are not limited to the following types of materials

(Alberani, 1990). Alberani V, Pietrangeli PDC, Mazza AMR (1990). The use of grey literature in health sciences: a preliminary survey. Bulletin of the Medical Library Association 78(4): 358-363.

How do scholarly articles differ from "gray literature"?

Typically published much faster than scholarly articles
Has no formal peer-reviewed process
Doesn't usually have a comprehensive literature review
Often the "official author" is an agency or organization rather than an individual

What are handbooks?

Often times a particular topic gains ongoing scholarly interest that attracts the interest of a publisher or research organization. Authors who are known in the particular field of study are often asked to contribute chapters or to provide editorial oversight for these types of publications. Handbooks can provide a useful overview of the topic and help you identify some of the "movers and shakers" in that particular area of research.

Oxford Handbooks Online: Scholarly Research Reviews This link opens in a new window Handbook are typically organized broad themes with specific articles on important topics in the field. Once you have selected Oxford Handbooks Online click on link at the top of the page for criminology and criminal justice. There are 547 articles covering various topics. Refine further by clicking on refine by subject on the left side of the more... less... The complete texts of the Oxford Handbooks in multiple disciplines and subject areas. These Handbooks contain in-depth, high-level articles by scholars at the top of their field. Handbooks are an excellent source for reviews of literature around major themes. PSU subscribed subjects include Business & Management, Classical Studies, Criminology & Criminal Justice, Economics & Finance, History, Linguistics, Literature, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, and Religion.

Evaluating Encyclopedia's

The University Libraries provide access to many specialized encyclopedias in a variety of fields of study. However, you should also be prepared to evaluate each for their scholarly value. Below are some suggestions of what to look for:

Who is the publisher? Typically those published by university presses are considered scholarly (e.g. Oxford, Cambridge, etc...)

These commercial publishers typically publish academic content: Blackwell, De Gruyter, Elsevier, Gale, Macmillan, Peter Lang, Routledge, Sage, Springer Publishers, Thomson Reuters

Who are the editors of the encyclopedia? Usually found in the front cover.
What are the editors credentials?
Who are the authors?
Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL) This link opens in a new window GVR is a collection of over 1000 scholarly and general reference resources. more... less... A collection of over 2000 reference resources.

What is scholarly literature?

Typically when you hear people use the phrase "scholarly literature" they are talking about scholarly journal articles. The problem with this idea is that scholarly literature is not published strictly in journal articles. In fact, there is considerable scholarly literature published in book format. Consequently, many consider the use of the phrase "scholarly literature" to include publications in all formats.

Scholarly journal articles differ from other forms of literature in that they required some type of scholarly review process. Scholarly articles also have a very distinct disciplinary format all of which include a review of literature.

Below is a list of SOME of the key scholarly journals in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Sometimes it helps to simply browse an appropriate titles to generate some ideas about a topic.

British Journal of Criminology
Criminology: an interdisciplinary journal Core journal of the American Society of Criminology
Criminology and Public Policy Core journal of the American Society of Criminology
Crime and Justice: A Review of Research
Justice Quarterly
Journal of Criminal Justice
Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology

Law Enforcement

European Journal of Policing Studies Full-text not available on website. Abstracts available.
International Journal of Police Science and Management
Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology
Police Practice and Research: An International Journal Full-text not available on website. Abstracts available. Some full-text in Academic Search Complete.
Police Quarterly
Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies and Management Full-text not available on website. Abstracts available. Some full-text available through other library resources.
Policing: A Journal of Policy and Practice
Policing & Society: An International Journal of Research and Policy Full-text not available on website. Abstracts available.

Criminal Behavior

Aggression and Violent Behavior
Criminal Justice and Behavior
Deviant Behavior
Journal of Interpersonal Violence
Violence and Victims

Corrections & Courts

Punishment and Society
Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency
Crime and Delinquency
Prison Journal
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Student Research

Northeastern offers countless opportunities for students to with over 30 interdisciplinary research centers and more than 600 full-time faculty collaborating on basic and applied research in the United States and around the globe.

Criminal Justice Opportunities for Graduate and Undergraduate Students

Students in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice conduct cutting-edge research alongside our faculty experts in topics including bias victimization, urban violence, homicide and suicide, human trafficking, juvenile justice, mass incarceration, and racial equity. The School houses several centers and labs that align closely with topics covered in the criminal justice curriculum. Students of all class years in our bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs are always welcomed and encouraged to engage in research opportunities with us.

Get Involved

CRIM 2991: Research Practicum for credit (2-4 credits)

CRIM 2991 is a course designed for undergraduates who are interested in engaging in independent or group research under the supervision of a faculty member.

Honors in the Major

Undergraduate students can receive honors distinction in their major on their transcripts by successfully completing an honors research project.

Provost Office’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor Awards The Provost’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors Awards offer financial and academic support to Northeastern students seeking to conduct original projects of their own design.

Undergraduate Research Initiative The Undergraduate Research Initiative (URI) encourages undergraduate students in the College of Social Sciences and Humanities to carry out research and other creative activities in collaboration with, or under the close supervision of, faculty members with relevant research expertise.

Brudnick Center Student Research Award Brudnick Center on Violence and Conflict supports research that seeks solutions to problems of hostility and hatred arising from inter-group conflict and differences

Regional and National Fellowship Programs The Office of Fellowships provides assistance for students interested in applying for an array of national and regional fellowship programs.

Research experience work-study If you qualify for work-study through your financial aid package, you may use the work-study money to work as a research assistant for a professor. Students should coordinate hiring into work study position with the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Research Co-ops

You can fulfill your co-op experience by conducting research for a faculty member at Northeastern or elsewhere either domestically or abroad.

Undergraduate Research Forum CSSH invites undergraduates to submit a proposal to present at the annual Undergraduate Research Forum. Any undergraduate CSSH student who has conducted original research independently or in collaboration with a faculty member is eligible to participate. Presentations will be 10 minutes long and presenters will have the opportunity to discuss their work with the audience.

RISE Each year, in an effort to support Northeastern University’s commitment to use-inspired research and solution focused innovation, hundreds of students and faculty members embark on an exciting opportunity to showcase the research and innovative thinking of the Northeastern community at the Research, Innovation, and Scholarship Expo (RISE).

Past Projects

Student Research | The Problem Properties Task Force

Student Research | Discrimination Faced by Women in Policing

Student Research | Cybersecurity and Privacy Rights

Student Research | Massachusetts Hate Crime Resource Center

Student Research | Correctional Officer Well-Being

Featured Research Project

Understanding and measuring bias victimization against latinos.

Marquette University

Raynor Memorial Libraries

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Research Guides
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Criminology and Criminal Justice
Pick A Topic

Criminology and Criminal Justice: Pick A Topic

Topics in criminology and justice, controversial issues in criminology.

Background and Facts
Evaluating Sources
Book Search
Selected Web Resources
Data & Data Sets
NCJRS A-Z Topics Topical Index from the National Criminal Justice Reference Service
NCJRS Term Search - National Criminal Justice Reference Service Identify the correct vocabulary and/or relevant search terms
List of Criminology Topics - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The CQ Researcher Online (MU only) Pro/Con reports that will help you generate ideas. Look for the "Browse" tab and select "Law and Justice."
CQ Researcher from CQ Press This link opens in a new window Full-text articles on controversial issues.
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Criminal Justice Research Topics: 150 Ideas for Your Legal Essay

The field of criminal justice offers a wide array of intriguing topics for legal essays, providing opportunities to delve into the complexities of law enforcement, court systems, and corrections. From exploring the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs to discussing the ethical implications of new surveillance technologies, there's no shortage of thought-provoking issues to examine. In this article, we've compiled 150 research topics to inspire and guide your exploration of these fascinating areas within criminal justice. Our expert essay writers are ready to help if you are pressed for time.

What Is Criminal Justice Research Paper

A criminal justice research paper is an academic document that explores various aspects of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, and related societal issues. These papers typically involve thorough investigation, analysis, and interpretation of relevant data, literature, and legal precedents to address specific research questions or topics within the field.

Criminal justice research topics may examine the effectiveness of policies or programs, analyze trends in crime rates, explore the impacts of legal decisions, or propose solutions to address pressing issues within the criminal justice system. Additionally, they often contribute to broader discussions surrounding crime prevention, rehabilitation, social justice, and the protection of individual rights. Since you’ll need to rely on external sources to write a paper, consult our guide on citation format for research paper .

Why Students Write a Criminal Justice Research Paper

Students write criminal justice research papers for several reasons, each aimed at enhancing their understanding of the field and developing critical thinking and analytical skills. Firstly, these assignments serve as a means for students to delve deeper into specific criminal justice research topic ideas within the criminal justice system, allowing them to explore areas of interest or concern in greater detail. Through research, students can understand the complexities surrounding law enforcement, judicial processes, corrections, and societal responses to crime. This exploration fosters a deeper appreciation for the nuances and challenges inherent in the criminal justice field, preparing students for future careers in law enforcement, legal practice, policymaking, or academia.

Moreover, criminal justice research papers allow students to hone their research and writing abilities, essential perks for success in both academic and professional settings. Conducting research requires students to gather and critically evaluate relevant literature, data, and legal precedents, enabling them to develop well-informed arguments and conclusions.

Through writing, students refine their ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, organize their thoughts coherently, and adhere to academic writing conventions. Furthermore, crafting research papers encourages students to engage in thoughtful analysis, synthesis, and interpretation of information, fostering their ability to think critically and creatively about issues within the criminal justice system and beyond. Do you have ideas on how to start a research paper ? If not, feel free to consult our guide.

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How to Choose a Good Research Topic Rules

Good criminal justice research topics are the driving force behind the success of your project, as they will guide your exploration and shape the direction of your study. To select an effective research topic, consider the following steps:

Identify your interests

Start by reflecting on your interests and passions within criminal justice. Consider topics that intrigue you or issues you feel strongly about. Research is often more engaging and fruitful when genuinely interested in the subject.

Review existing literature

Conduct a preliminary review of academic literature, textbooks, journals, and reputable websites to identify current trends, debates, and gaps in knowledge within the field of criminal justice. Look for areas where ongoing discussion or emerging research piques your interest.

Consider relevance and significance

Choose a topic relevant to contemporary issues or debates within the criminal justice system. Consider how your research can address real-world problems, inform policy decisions, or advance theoretical understanding in the field.

Narrow down your focus

Once you've identified a broad area of interest, narrow your focus to a specific research question or problem. A well-defined research question will help you maintain clarity and focus throughout your study, ensuring that your research remains manageable and achievable.

Evaluate feasibility

Assess the feasibility of your research topic by considering factors such as access to data, resources, and expertise. Ensure that your chosen topic is feasible within the constraints of your time, budget, and available resources.

Seek feedback

Discuss your research topic with professors, advisors, peers, or professionals in criminal justice. Their feedback can help you refine your ideas, identify potential challenges, and ensure that your topic is well-suited to your academic goals and interests. If the feedback from your peers and teachers leaves much to be desired, use our coursework writing service to deliver a first-class paper that checks all the quality boxes.

Stay flexible

Remain open to revising and refining your research topic as you delve deeper into your study. Be prepared to adapt your focus based on new insights, findings, or changes in the research landscape.

Criminal Justice Research Topics: The List

Coming up with strong criminal justice research topics for college students matters because they are the foundation for meaningful inquiry, shaping the direction and scope of academic exploration within a specific field. A well-chosen topic not only captures the researcher's interest but also holds significance within the broader context of the discipline, offering opportunities for original insights, critical analysis, and scholarly contributions. Opt for a custom research paper , and our writers will select compelling and relevant topics that can engage readers, advance knowledge, and address pressing issues or gaps in understanding.

List of Criminology Research Topics

Begin with the broad research topics in criminology that immediately captivate your reader's attention:

The impact of social media on crime rates.
Rehabilitation vs. retribution: effectiveness of different punitive measures.
Juvenile delinquency: causes and prevention strategies.
The psychology of criminal behavior.
Cybercrime: trends and countermeasures.
The role of gender in criminal justice.
Illegal substance trafficking and law enforcement challenges.
White-collar crime: Patterns and detection.
Community policing: Building trust and reducing crime.
Mental health and criminal justice system interaction.
Human trafficking: Modern-day slavery.
Restorative justice: Healing communities after crime.
Police brutality and accountability.
Environmental criminology: Understanding crime hotspots.
Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED).
The economics of crime: Cost-benefit analysis.
Hate crimes: Motivations and impact on society.
Criminal profiling techniques and accuracy.
Witness reliability in criminal trials.
The influence of poverty on crime rates.
Rehabilitation programs for incarcerated individuals.
The intersection of race and criminal justice.
Firearms and violence: Policy implications.
The role of technology in crime detection and prevention.
Gangs and organized crime: Structure and activities.
Domestic violence: Causes and intervention strategies.
The ethics of punishment: Balancing justice and mercy.
Crime mapping and geographic information systems (GIS).
Biological explanations for criminal behavior.
Crime and deviance: Sociological perspectives.

List of Realistic Crime Research Topics

Continuing with our exploration of criminological research topics, here are some additional options that reflect current global issues in our society, offering a more realistic perspective for study.

The impact of neighborhood characteristics on crime rates.
Factors influencing the likelihood of reoffending among convicted criminals.
The effectiveness of community policing in reducing crime.
Patterns of illegal substance-related crimes in urban vs. rural areas.
The role of technology in modern crime detection and prevention.
Gender disparities in crime victimization and perpetration.
Strategies for reducing juvenile delinquency in at-risk communities.
The influence of socioeconomic status on involvement in white-collar crime.
Cybercrime trends and challenges in the digital age.
The relationship between mental health issues and criminal behavior.
The effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for offenders.
The impact of sentencing guidelines on crime rates.
Trends in organized crime activity in different regions.
The role of peer influence in youth involvement in criminal activities.
Arms control policies and their effects on arms-related crimes.
The correlation between unemployment rates and property crime.
Cultural factors influencing attitudes towards crime and punishment.
The prevalence of hate crimes and strategies for prevention.
The role of media in shaping perceptions of crime and criminal justice.
Environmental criminology: Exploring the link between crime and urban design.
The impact of immigration on crime rates in host countries.
Psychological profiles of serial offenders.
The effectiveness of restorative justice programs in reducing recidivism.
The relationship between substance abuse and criminal behavior.
Policing strategies for reducing gang-related crime.
The influence of family dynamics on youth involvement in crime.
Corporate crime: Investigating fraud and corruption in business.
The effectiveness of early intervention programs for at-risk youth.
The role of poverty in driving criminal behavior.
The ethics and implications of using predictive policing technologies.

List of Basic Criminal Justice Topics

Here is a list of fundamental topics in criminal justice. Assess the available information on each issue carefully. Ultimately, the choice of study topics in criminal justice is entirely yours.

Overview of the criminal justice system.
Importance of due process in criminal justice.
Key components of criminal law.
Role of law enforcement in society.
Basics of criminal investigations.
Types of criminal offenses.
Understanding criminal courts and procedures.
Principles of criminal sentencing.
Purpose and function of corrections.
Victim rights in the criminal justice system.
Evolution of criminal justice policies.
Ethics in criminal justice professions.
Impact of technology on criminal justice.
Challenges in administering justice fairly.
Role of forensic science in solving crimes.
Rehabilitation versus punishment debate.
Alternatives to incarceration.
Importance of community policing.
Mental health and the criminal justice system.
Restorative justice approaches.
Juvenile justice system basics.
Trends in crime rates and patterns.
Intersection of race and criminal justice.
Role of probation and parole.
Challenges in addressing recidivism.
International perspectives on criminal justice.
Role of private security in society.
Importance of evidence in criminal cases.
Impact of illegal substances and abuse on crime.
Contemporary issues in criminal justice reform.

List of Criminal Justice Topics on Racial Discrimination

Let's narrow down our focus to specific topics within the realm of criminal justice for research papers. Here, we'll categorize the prompts based on aspects of racial discrimination.

Racial profiling in law enforcement.
Disparities in arrest rates among racial groups.
Impact of implicit bias on criminal justice outcomes.
Race and sentencing disparities.
Effects of socioeconomic status on racial disparities in the criminal justice system.
Policing practices and their differential impact on racial minorities.
Racial disparities in juvenile justice system involvement.
Role of race in jury selection and trial outcomes.
Disproportionate representation of racial minorities in prisons and jails.
Effects of mandatory minimum sentencing laws on racial disparities.
Racial disparities in pretrial detention and bail decisions.
Impact of race on interactions with probation and parole officers.
Challenges in addressing systemic racism in the criminal justice system.
Role of media portrayal in perpetuating racial stereotypes in crime reporting.
Effects of the school-to-prison pipeline on communities of color.
Racial disparities in access to legal representation.
Intersectionality of race with other factors such as gender and socioeconomic status in criminal justice outcomes.
Effects of racial trauma on interactions with law enforcement.
Role of community activism in addressing racial discrimination in criminal justice.
Historical roots of racial disparities in criminal justice.
Impact of illegal substance policies on racial disparities in arrests and incarceration.
Role of implicit bias training in reducing racial discrimination in law enforcement.
Effects of racial segregation on policing practices and community trust.
Racial disparities in use of force incidents and police brutality.
Role of accountability measures in addressing racial discrimination in criminal justice.
Impact of racial diversity within law enforcement agencies on community relations.
Effects of racialized fear and stereotypes on criminal justice decision-making.
Role of sentencing reform in addressing racial disparities.
Racial disparities in access to diversion and rehabilitation programs.
Strategies for promoting racial equity and fairness in the criminal justice system.

List of Crime Research Topics (Crime Types)

Finally, examine the topics for research papers in criminal justice categorized by different types of crime.

Burglary patterns and prevention strategies.
Trends in cybercrime and cybersecurity measures.
Understanding the psychology of serial perpetrators.
Illegal substance trafficking routes and law enforcement responses.
White-collar crime: Fraud, embezzlement, and corporate misconduct.
Human trafficking: Prevalence, victims, and intervention approaches.
Homicide investigation techniques and case studies.
Identity theft: Impacts and prevention tactics.
Robbery dynamics and risk factors for victimization.
Hate crimes: Motivations, perpetrators, and legal responses.
Carjacking trends and prevention measures.
Arson investigations and forensic analysis.
Money laundering methods and detection strategies.
Gang violence: Origins, structures, and intervention efforts.
Stalking behaviors and legal consequences.
Art theft: High-profile cases and recovery efforts.
Wildlife poaching: Impacts, perpetrators, and conservation efforts.
Online scams: Common schemes and protective measures.
Domestic violence: Patterns, risk factors, and support services.
Child abuse and neglect: Identification and prevention strategies.
Environmental crimes: Illegal dumping, pollution, and enforcement challenges.
Smuggling operations: Contraband and border security.
Extortion tactics and responses in law enforcement.
Organized crime syndicates: Structures, activities, and global impact.
Counterfeiting: Trends in production methods and law enforcement actions.
Art forgery: Authentication techniques and case studies.
Food fraud: Adulteration, mislabeling, and consumer protection efforts.
Political corruption: Types, impacts, and anti-corruption measures.
Intellectual property theft: Piracy, counterfeiting, and legal responses.
Terrorism: Ideologies, tactics, and counterterrorism strategies.

Final Thoughts

In summary, writing research papers in criminal justice is incredibly important for students. It helps them learn about various aspects of the criminal justice system and develop skills like critical thinking and research.

Choosing the right criminal justice research topic ideas allows you to set the direction for your research and ensure that you stay engaged and interested. By picking a topic they're passionate about or relevant to current issues, students can make the most of their learning experience and even contribute new insights to the legal field. If you’re stuck on such a paper while other assignments have already started to stack up, buy essays online to manage the workload more effectively.

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Digital Commons @ USF > College of Behavioral and Community Sciences > Criminology > Theses and Dissertations

Criminology Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Efficacy of Online Social Movements for Sparking Change: The Case of the Missing Murdered and Indigenous Women Movement (#MMIW) , Kacy A. Bleeker

An Examination of Racial Disparities in Arrest Across Florida Counties, 1998-2018: A Test of the Racial Threat and Political Representation Hypotheses , Xavier D. Burch

The Invisible Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation: Boys and Their Barriers to Access to Services , Amanda L. Connella

Damned & Damned: Examining Vexatious Litigation and the Vexatious Litigant Statute in Florida Courts , Sarah L. Harper

The Contributions of Mental Health Issues, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Adverse Childhood Experiences to Recidivism Among Rural Jail Incarcerees , Lauren N. Miley

Assessing the Relationship Between True Crime Documentary and Podcast Consumption, Fear of Crime, and Protective Behaviors , Lauren A. Tremblay

Police Officers’ Perceptions of Gunshot Detection Technology , Courtney L. Weber

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

A Macro Social Examination of the Relationship Between Disabilities and Crime Using Neighborhood and County Level Data , Natasha A. Baloch

Racial Differences in Perceptions of Sanction Severity , Sarah L. Franklin

Juvenile Homicide Offenders: A Life-Course Perspective , Norair Khachatryan

Exploring the Effectiveness of a Life-Skills Program in a Florida Prison Through a Social Bond and General Strain Theory Perspective , Danielle M. Thomas

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Clean Water for All: Examining Safe Drinking Water Act Violations of Water Systems and Community Characteristics , Junghwan Bae

Morality and Offender Decision-Making: Testing the Empirical Relationship and Examining Methodological Implications , Jacquelyn Burckley

The Ring of Gyges 2.0: How Anonymity Providing Behaviors Affect Willingness to Participate in Online Deviance , Cassandra E. Dodge

A Macro Analysis of Illegal Hunting and Fishing Across Texas Counties: Using an Economic Structural Approach , Leo J. Genco Jr.

Self-Protection in Cyberspace: Assessing the Processual Relationship Between Thoughtfully Reflective Decision Making, Protection Motivation Theory, Cyber Hygiene, and Victimization , C. Jordan Howell

Racial Threat Theory: A Test of the Economic Threat Hypothesis , Carl L. Reeds

Online Perceptions of Panamanian Prisons and Incarcerated persons: An analysis of YouTube user comments , Mahaleth J. Sotelo

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Toxic Colonialism and Green Victimization of Native Americans: An Examination of the Genocidal Impacts of Uranium Mining , Averi R. Fegadel

Cross-National Incarceration Rates as Behavior of Law , Christopher J. Marier

The Effects of Perceived Motivations and Mental Distress on the Likelihood of Reporting and Engaging in Self-Protective Measures Among Victims of Stalking , Daniela Oramas Mora

Mental Health and In-Prison Experiences: Examining Socioeconomic and Sex Differences in the Effect of Mental Illness on Institutional Misconduct and Disciplinary Segregation , Rachel E. Severson

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Dating Application Facilitated Victimization: An Examination of Lifestyle-Routine Activities, Self-Control, and Self-Efficacy , Vanessa Centelles

Social Constructionism and Cultivation Theory in Development of the Juvenile “Super-Predator” , Elizabeth R. Jackson-Cruz

Bystander Intervention, Victimization, and Routine Activities Theory: An Examination of Feminist Routine Activities Theory in Cyber Space , Jennifer A. Leili

Sexual Assault and Robbery Disclosure: An Examination of Black’s Theory of the Behavior of Law , Caitlyn N. Muniz

Mass Shootings and Gun Sales: A Study on the Influence of Red and Blue Power , Maria Jose Rozo Osuna

A Multi-dimensional Macrolevel Study of Drug Enforcement Strategies, Heroin Prices, and Heroin Consumption Rates , Alexander G. Toth

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

The Impact of a Religious/Spiritual Turning Point on Desistance: A Lifecourse Assessment of Racial/Ethnic Differences , Rhissa Briones Robinson

Political Decisions on Police Expenditures: Examining the Potential Relationship Between Political Structure, Police Expenditures and the Volume of Crime Across US States , Xavier D. Burch

Identifying the Personal and Perceived Organizational Characteristics Associated with Job Satisfaction Among Juvenile Probation Staff , Julie M. Krupa

The Role of Organizational Justice in Predicting Attitudes Toward Body-Worn Cameras in Police Officers , Nathaniel L. Lawshe

Yet Another Ferguson Effect: An Exploratory Content Analysis of News Stories on Police Brutality and Deadly Force Before and After the Killing of Michael Brown , Carl Root

The Role of Race/Ethnicity and Risk Assessment on Juvenile Case Outcomes , Tayler N. Shreve

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Intimate Partner Violence and the Capacity and Desire for Self-Control , Krista Taralynne Brewer

School Shootings in the United States from 1997 to 2012: A Content Analysis of Media Coverage , Victoria N. Iannuzzi

Chronic Runaway Youth: A Gender-Based Analysis , Michelle N. Jeanis

A Test of Wikström’s Situational Action Theory Using Self-Report Data on Intimate Partner Violence , Lauren Nicole Miley

An Exploratory Study of Macro-Social Correlates of Online Property Crime , Hyojong Song

Female Incarceration and Prison Social Order: An Examination of Gender Differences in Prison Misconduct and In-Prison Punishments , Elisa L. Toman

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Their Role as Mitigators for Youthful and Non-Youthful Offenders in Capital Sentencing Cases , Jessica R. Trapassi

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Disinhibition, Violence Exposure, and Delinquency: A Test of How Self-Control Affects the Impact of Exposure to Violence , Wyatt Brown

The Guilty But Mentally Ill Verdict: Assessing the Impact of Informing Jurors of Verdict Consequences , Erin Elizabeth Cotrone

The Relationship between Psychopathic Personality Traits and Lying , Jason A. Dobrow

Delving into the Heart of Victimization Risk: Examining the Interactive Relationship between Demographic Factors and Context , Amy Sheena Eggers

A Power Conflict Approach to Animal Cruelty: Examining How Economic Power Influences the Creation of Animal Cruelty Laws , Leonard J. Genco

The Role of Gender in Self-Control and Intimate Partner Violence , Laura Marie Gulledge

The Restrictive Deterrent Effect of Warning Banners in a Compromised Computer System , Christian Jordan-Michael Howell

Tactics of Sexual Control and Negative Health Outcomes , Anna Elizabeth Kleppe

The Applicability of Criminology to Terrorism Studies: An Exploratory Study of ISIS Supporters in the United States , Amanda Marie Sharp Parker

The Path to Violent Behavior: The Harmful Aftermath of Childhood Trauma , Nicholas Michael Perez

The Effects of Racial Bias on Perceptions of Intimate Partner Violence Scenarios , Batya Yisraela Rubenstein

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Reel or Reality? The Portrayal of Prostitution in Major Motion Pictures , Raleigh Blasdell

Psychopathy and Perception of Vulnerability , Barbara Joyce Dinkins

Effect of Empathy on Death Penalty Support in Relation to the Racial Divide and Gender Gap , Brian Godcharles

Exploring the Interactive Effects of Social Learning Theory and Psychopathy on Serious Juvenile Delinquency , Brandy Barenna Henderson

Tampa Electric Company's Big Bend Utility Plant in Hillsborough County, Florida: A Case Study , Lynne M. Hodalski-Champagne

Thirty Year Follow-Up of Juvenile Homicide Offenders , Norair Khachatryan

Organized Crime in Insurance Fraud: An Empirical Analysis of Staged Automobile Accident Rings , Chris Longino

The Role of Social Support in the Disclosure and Recovery Process of Rape Victims , Jessica Nicole Mitchell

Evaluating the Social Control of Banking Crimes: An Examination of Anti-Money Laundering Deficiencies and Industry Success , Erin M. Mulligan

Elite Deviance, Organized Crime, and Homicide: A Cross-National Quantitative Analysis , Carol L.s. Trent

An Evaluation of the Utah First District Mental Health Court: Gauging the Efficacy of Diverting Offenders Suffering With Serious Mental Illness , Stephen Guy VanGeem

Rape, Race, and Capital Punishment in North Carolina: A Qualitative Approach to Examining an Enduring Cultural Legacy , Douglas Wholl

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

The Tattoo: A Mark of Subversion, Deviance, or Mainstream Self-Expression? , Jocelyn Camacho

Juvenile and Adult Involvement in Double Parricide and Familicide in the U.S.: An Empirical Analysis of 20 Years of Data , Averi Rebekah Fegadel

Predicting Successful Drug Court Graduation: Exploring Demographic and Psychosocial Factors among Medication-Assisted Drug Court Treatment Clients , Autumn Michelle Frei

Experimentally Evaluating Statistical Patterns of Offending Typology For Burglary: A Replication Study , Lance Edwin Gilmore

Developmental Trajectories of Physical Aggression and Nonaggressive Rule-Breaking among At-risk Males and Females during Late Childhood and Early Adolescence , Eugena Givens

Predicting Fear of Crime using a Multilevel and Multi-Model Approach: A Study in Hillsborough County , Jonathan Maskaly

Public Knowledge and Sentiments about Elite Deviance , Cedric Michel

The Influence of Community Context on Social Control: A Multi-Level Examination of the Relationship between Race/Ethnicity, Drug Offending, and Juvenile Court Outcomes , Jennifer Peck

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Assessing the Relationship Between Hotspots of Lead and Hotspots of Crime , Kimberly L. Barrett

A Life-Course Approach to Sexual Offending: Examining the Continuity of Juvenile Sexual Offending into Adulthood and Subsequent Patterns of Recidivism , Maude Beaudry-Cyr

Examining the link between self-control and misconduct in a multi-agency sample of police supervisors: A test of two theories , Christopher Matthew Donner

The Impact of Hyperfemininity on Explicit and Implicit Blame Assignment and Police Reporting of Alcohol Facilitated Rape in a Sample of College Women , Sarah Ehlke

Rurality and Intimate Partner Homicide: Exploring the Relationship between Place, Social Structure, and Femicide in North Carolina , Amelia Kirkland

Self-Control, Attitudinal Beliefs, and White-Collar Crime Intentions , Melissa Anne Lugo

Zero Tolerance for Marginal Populations: Examining Neoliberal Social Controls in American Schools , Brian Gregory Sellers

State-Corporate Crime in the Democratic Republic of Congo , Veronica Jane Winters

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

The Walls Are Closing In: Comparing Property Crime Victimization Risk In Gated And Non-Gated Communities , Nicholas Branic

What Propels Sexual Homicide Offenders? Testing an Integrated Theory of Social Learning and Routine Activities Theories , Heng Choon Chan

A Deadly Way of Doing Business: A Case Study of Corporate Crime in the Coal Mining Industry , Charles Nickolas Stickeler

Deconstructing the "Power and Control Motive": Developing and Assessing the Measurability of Internal Power , Shelly Marie Wagers

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Assessing racial differences in offending trajectories: A life-course view of the race-crime relationship , Michael S. Caudy

Mental Health Courts Effectiveness in Reducing Recidivism and Improving Clinical Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis , Brittany Cross

General Strain Theory and Juvenile Delinquency: A Cross-Cultural Study , Wen-Hsu Lin

General Strain Theory, Race, and Delinquency , Jennifer Peck

Developmental Trajectories of Self-Control: Assessing the Stability Hypothesis , James Vance Ray

Explaining the "Female Victim Effect" in Capital Sentencing Decisions: A Case for Sex-Specific Models of Capital Sentencing Research , Tara N. Richards

A Multilevel Model of Police Corruption: Anomie, Decoupling, and Moral Disengagement , Ruth Zschoche

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

The Emotional Guardianship of Foreign-Born and Native-Born Hispanic Youth and Its Effect on Violent Victimization , Amy Sheena Eggers

The Influence of Narcissism and Self-Control on Reactive Aggression , Melissa L. Harrison

Is There an "Innocent Female Victim" Effect in Capital Punishment Sentencing? , Amelia Lane Kirkland

An Analysis of the Influence of Sampling Methods on Estimation of Drug Use Prevalence and Patterns Among Arrestees in the United States: Implications for Research and Policy , Janine Kremling

A Pathway to Child Sex Trafficking in Prostitution: The Impact of Strain and Risk-Inflating Responses , Joan A. Reid

Victimization Among Individuals With Low Self-Control: Effects on Fear Versus Perceived Risk of Crime , Casey Williams

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Domestic Violence Within Law Enforcement Families: The Link Between Traditional Police Subculture and Domestic Violence Among Police , Lindsey Blumenstein

Rape Attitudes and Beliefs: A Replication Study , Rhissa Emily Briones

Reel Images: Representations of Adult Male Prisons by the Film Industry , Melissa E. Fenwick

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Research Methods for Criminal Justice Students

(3 reviews)

Monica Williams, Weber State University

Publisher: Monica Williams

Language: English

Formats Available

Conditions of use.

Learn more about reviews.

Reviewed by Kelly Arney, Dean of Behavioral Sciences, Associate Professor, Grace College on 12/15/23

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

This textbook covers topics needed for criminal justice students to understand as they are going to be doing continual research in their field. Most of the examples cover criminal justice-specific real work examples with an emphasis on law enforcement. Interestingly, this could be utilized for a larger behavioral science class as it encompasses the foundations of research that can be applied to most degrees in behavioral sciences. It places a large emphasis on the scientific method, how to design research, and data collection. It differs from other textbooks by not exploring the specifics of experimental designs, nonexperimental designs, quasi-experimental strategies, and factorial designs. The integration of real-world examples throughout each chapter will likely help students to grow in their willingness to engage in research that is necessary to the profession. Emphasis is placed on finding, understanding, and utilizing research.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The content was accurate and error-free. No biases material or examples were identified.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The content was relevant and recent. The foundational terminology spans the last two decades. This book was originally based on Bhattachergee's 2012 Social Science Research: Principles, Methods, and Practice and Blackstone's 2012 Principles of Sociological Inquiry: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods. This material was built on and this textbook is accurate with more recent examples. It has devoted a chapter to ethics in research which I found particularly relevant. It not only covers ethical standards such as the Belmont Report but also dives deep into ethics surrounding the specifics of those requirements. It has a section for research on humans, the Stanford Prison Experiment, Institutional Review Boards, informed consent, vulnerable populations, and the professional code of ethics. This textbook explores these areas in depth. Compared to other textbooks, this has devoted a substantial area to these topics that seem especially relevant recently and particularly important to emphasize for the criminal justice student.

Clarity rating: 5

This textbook seems to make research a little easier. The author has bolded the terminology words for students and created a nice and simple way of organizing the areas of study. The author has multiple categories inside each chapter that give meaning to the section. It is clear what each chapter is about, then each section inside that chapter. Research Methods can be a world of confusing terminology, but this author has simplified this and taken it to a level that students can easily follow. The Key Terms and Discussion Questions at the end of each chapter are also a nice guide for students to clarify what they read in each chapter.

Consistency rating: 4

Consistency is a difficult task in research methods because terms are interchangeable. Some of the terminology was inconsistent, but it described the same things and did not seem confusing. This textbook was the easiest to read when compared to the other textbooks on Research Methods. The sentences were simple and to the point. The book was not overrun with examples or mathematical equations that tend to confuse students. The instructor of the class may need to work to create the standard terminology they want to be used in class. This textbook explores the different terminology, so that can be a learning experience for students in and of itself. People use different terms in real life. It is an easy read as far as research goes. The clarity in the sentences and larger categories is apparent.

Modularity rating: 5

This is one of the largest strengths of this textbook. The text is easy to follow. The author did an excellent job of dividing the chapters into categories that divide the content into smaller readable sections. This makes smaller assignments much easier to assign to instructors. The sections have nice bolded titles and clear spacing between them with bolded words inside the sections. This makes pulling out specific areas and the relevant terminology much easier than in a traditional textbook. It is clear the author put time into organizing this textbook in a student-friendly way.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The topics are organized well. The chapters flow in a way that seems relevant to how it should be taught in the classroom. It is logical in that flow. The chapters are encompassed into larger sections: Think like a researcher, Research design, Qualitative data collection and analysis techniques, A qualitative and quantitative data collection technique, and finally Quantitative data collection and analysis techiniques. Inside each of these larger 5 sections are the chapters that expand on that idea. It is wellorganized.

Interface rating: 5

The digital pdf and the online versions of the textbook did not have any navigational problems. This textbook has some illustrations that worked well. No issues were noted with the interface.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The writing in this textbook was straightforward and clear. I did not find any typos or grammatical errors. This was an easy-to-read textbook.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

This textbook was culturally inclusive. I did not find any of the materials in this book to be insensitive or offensive. The examples in this textbook were general examples and did not associate with a cultural component. The only area I think that encompassed this was the vulnerable population section. That was very generalized and mostly suggested students consider who would fall into the vulnerable population category given what they want to research. The chapter on Research Questions (CH 4) did dive into the idea that students are social scientists and use their bias for their research projects. This was more about observing the world around them and then asking questions. It did not dive into cultural sensitivity any further.

I would recommend this book for research in behavioral science college-level classes. This book can be applied to students well beyond the criminal justice major. Many of the examples can be used for psychology, sociology, law, political science, and social work students. Don't let the criminal justice part of the title limit you. This is an easy-to-read and well-organized research textbook with helpful review guides included at the end of each chapter.

Reviewed by Mari Sakiyama, Associate Professor, Western Oregon University on 12/14/23

Each chapter of the textbook included the objectives, summary, key terms, and a few discussion questions. The key terms used in the book were in bold and were easy to identify. The chapters covered in the textbook are appropriate, and they are grouped in sections. Given that the provided examples throughout the textbook are CJ related, the major specific students can relate themselves to the course materials and it is easier for them to apply their conceptual CJ research ideas to research questions or a proposal. Glossary with definitions at the end of the book was not listed.

Content Accuracy rating: 2

I thought the content was accurate, and the author put the book together in an error-free manner. However, I thought that the textbook was slightly qualitative research heavy as opposed to quantitative research. Also, in the sampling section, I probably would not label non-probability and probability sampling for inductive qualitative and deductive quantitative research, respectively.

Given that research methods is generally required at all 4-year CJ programs and the majority of the concept of the course does not get outdated, the textbook definitely meets both relevancy and longevity.

Despite research methods tend to be full of jargon and technical terminologies, the material was written and introduced in a very reader-friendly and lucid manner. Perhaps, this book might had been the easiest read amongst all the research methods books I have read.

Both terminology and framework were internally consistent throughout the textbook. Although research methods consist with many interchangeable terms that describe the same thing, the author did a great job maintaining its consistency. In addition, the format for each chapter was also consistent and was easy to follow.

Modularity rating: 4

The textbook contains 15 chapters and are grouped in 5 different sections. Each chapter or even within those chapters can be divisible into smaller segment to fit instructors’ existing course structure. However, as mentioned earlier, the textbook was more qualitative research oriented and I thought some of the sections could be combined (i.e., III & IV). In addition, I think sampling could be its own section. Nonetheless, with the divisibility as well as the author’s permission to reuse and modify with attribution, the issues could be easily resolved.

The textbook was well-organized and -structured. I generally do not cover different designs until after midterm but I personally like the flow of this textbook.

Interface rating: 3

The textbook did not have any navigation problems, since each chapter’s organization is consistent. Some of the tables that provided key summaries of strategies/designs or its comparison of strengths/weakness are very helpful to learners. The author did a great job creating charts and diagrams, bur there could be more of them. Also, the number of illustrations/photos were limited but that could be easily adjusted when incorporating the textbook.

The style of writing was appropriate and straightforward. I did not find any typos or grammatical errors. I believe that the textbook would be an easy read compared to other publishers’ research methods textbooks.

I did not find any of the materials in the textbook that were culturally insensitive nor offensive. Examples throughout the textbook were general examples that did not necessarily associate with cultural component.

While there have been OER research methods books for Sociology and Psychology, I think this is the first OER book for CJ research methods, at least that I know of (and kudos to the author)! It would be an excellent material for undergraduate CJ students. I definitely consider using this book for my class.

Reviewed by Youngki Woo, Assistant professor, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on 12/16/22

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The textbook covers most areas of research methods in the field of criminology and criminal justice. Like other textbooks, each chapter identifies the learning objectives and showed it in the beginning. At the end of each chapter, there are several discussion questions for students. Each chapter is comfortable to follow and addresses all the learning objectives to provide a straightforward response to the discussion questions. In addition, each chapter covers ideas of the subject appropriately and provides an effective index, key terms, and glossary.

Content is accurate and it is easy to read and follow.

Each chapter addresses fundamental concepts and techniques that students should know about research methods in social sciences. The book is published in 2022, indicating that content is up-to-date.

The text is simple and well-written, and content is informative and straight-forward.

Consistency rating: 5

The text is internally consistent in terms of terminology and framework. The author did a great job in providing summary at the end of the chapter that tied along with the learning objectives that are provided at the beginning of the chapter.

There are five parts in the textbook and each part is easily divisible into smaller reading sections that can be assigned at different points within the course (please see the Table of Contents). Personally, chapter 4 and 5 covers relevant information, but they could have gone more in depth when describing the different techniques along with a variety of research examples.

The topics in the text are presented in a logical and clear fashion. The logical organization carries students through the sequence of the research process. As an instructor, I like the organization that is flexible and helps students better understand the fundamental research skills in criminal justice.

Personally, I would suggest the author to add more photos/images/charts to give examples of what each objective talk about on each chapter. It would help the reader to figure out some methodological techniques with a visual representation. Nonetheless, the text is free of significant interface issues, including navigation problems and any other display features that may distract or confuse the reader.

There are no typos or technical/grammatical errors that I am aware of in the textbook.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

The text is not culturally insensitive and offensive as the text discuss mainly about research methods. Some examples in the textbooks are children and family.

Overall, this book contains information that could help students understand the knowledge about methodological terms and skills. This book would be suitable for undergraduate methods courses in most social sciences.

1. Scientific Research
2. Paradigms, Theories, and Research
3. Ethics in Research
4. Research questions
5. Research approaches and goals
6. Research methodologies
7. Measurement
8. Sampling
9. Focus groups
10. Field research
11. Qualitative data analysis
12. Interviews
13. Surveys
14. Experiments
15. Quantitative data analysis

Ancillary Material

About the book.

This book is based on two open-access textbooks: Bhattacherjee’s (2012) Social science research: Principles, methods, and practices and Blackstone’s (2012) Principles of sociological inquiry: Qualitative and quantitative methods. I first used Bhattacherjee’s book in a graduate-level criminal justice research methods course. I chose the book because it was an open educational resource that covered the major topics of my course. While I found the book adequate for my purposes, the business school perspective did not always fit with my criminal justice focus. I decided to rewrite the textbook for undergraduate and graduate students in my criminal justice research methods courses. As I researched other open- educational resources for teaching social science research methods, I found Blackstone’s book, which covered more of the social science and qualitative methods perspectives that I wanted to incorporate into my book.

As a result, this open-access textbook includes some content from both previous works along with my own additions based on my extensive experience and expertise in conducting qualitative and quantitative research in social science settings and in mentoring students through the research process. My Ph.D. is in Sociology, and I currently teach undergraduates and graduate students in a criminal justice program at Weber State University. Throughout my career, I have conducted and published the results of research projects using a variety of methods, including surveys, case studies, in-depth interviews, participant observation, content analysis, and secondary analysis of quantitative data. I have also mentored undergraduates in conducting community-based research projects using many of these same methods with the addition of focus groups and program evaluations.

About the Contributors

Monica Williams, Ph.D ., Associate Professor, Weber State University

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100 Amazing Criminal Justice Research Topics 2023

To score the top grades, students must choose the right criminal justice research topics for their papers and essays. Writing assignments in this academic field deal with justice and crime. However, the study field of a learner can be limited to specific academic barriers and choices. Criminal justice is a science. Nevertheless, criminal justice is generally a science that focuses on the study, analysis of the occurrence, and prevention of illegal acts.

But, what are some criminal justice topics that learners can consider? Well, students can select criminal justice topics for their papers by focusing on definite issues.

Criminal justice topics are limited and flexible because they offer hypotheses. However, criminal justice paper topics should be based on case studies or legislative acts. Additionally, students should be confident in terms of their ability to research and write about their chosen topics.

So, are still asking, what are some good criminal justice research topics? If yes, here are some of the great criminal justice research paper topics to consider.

Basic Criminal Justice Research Topics

Perhaps, your educator asked you to write an original paper. In that case, consider standard or basic research topics in criminal justice. Here are examples of such topics.

What are the major problems in prison systems?
What are the major crime prevention principles?
Discuss the deterrence and rational option theory
How does the law punish workplace and school sexual offenders?
Why is capital punishment common among men than women?
What are the most common features for ransom and kidnapping cases- Consider behavior style and motifs
Explain the cybercrime’s legal perspective
Crime prevention- What are the major principles?
How to determine whether a person fired off accidentally or deliberately
How are crime, justice, and mass media related?
What is experimental criminology?
Discuss Miranda vs. Arizona and its effect today
What are victim services?
Discuss juvenile recidivism
A review of parental abduction laws
How to prevent wildlife crime
What is felon disenfranchisement?
Describe the functions of forensic science
How effective are witness protection programs?
How do criminal cases differ from civil cases?

If you wish to write a simple paper, consider some ideas from this list of basic criminal justice topics. Nevertheless, make sure that you’re comfortable researching and writing about the topic that you choose.

Controversial Topics in Criminal Justice

Maybe you want to write a paper on a controversial topic. In that case, consider any of these criminal justice controversial topics.

Major causes of college violence
Biased investigations of African Americans
Punishment versus reform- Which one is more beneficial?
How good is a restorative justice model as a tool for criminal justice
Should an insane person be exempted from liability?
Is school-based drug testing ideal for colleges and high schools
Is the current judicial system racial?
What is the correlation between crime and race?
How is juvenile delinquency related to bad parenting?
Can prisons be decongested by restrictive housing?
How can people protect themselves from false accusations?
Should the names of sex offenders be included in public records?
What causes controversy about prostitution legalization?
How is crime linked to the social class of a person?
Selective incapacitation- Is it effective as a crime reduction policy?
How can eyewitness testimony facilitate crime investigation?
How effective is community policing as a program for reducing homegrown crimes?
How effective are youthful offenders’ boot camps?
Should pornography be categorized as a form of sexual violence?
How can the state enhance gun control?

This category has some of the best argumentative topics. That’s because somebody can argue from different angles when discussing some of these topics. Nevertheless, extensive research is required to compose solid papers on these topics.

Criminal Justice Debate Topics

Maybe you want to write about a debate topic. This category has some of the best topics to talk about in criminal justice. That’s because they mostly involve current issues that concern most people. Some of them are about problems whose solutions have not been found yet. Here are examples of topics in this category.

How effective and fair is the death penalty as a way of deterring crime?
How fair is the extradition law?
Should deceit and trickery be used for interrogations and investigations?
Should cooperation with informants in prisons be acceptable?
Death penalty for juveniles- Should it be used?
How effective are super-max prisons?
Super-max prisons are cruel
How can police shootings be justified?
Drunk drivers’ punishment- Should it be severe?
How effective e is zero-tolerance when it comes to crime reduction?
Should criminal charges attract mandatory imprisonment without a possibility for parole?
Should shaming become an element of criminal punishment?
How are civil liberties threatened by the Patriot Act?
Should the Rights Amendment for a victim be added to the constitution?
Should plea bargaining be considered an acceptable means of settling criminal cases?
American society needs more laws to prevent the cruelty meted on animals
How humane is the U.S society?
Discuss the Susan Wright trial
What is political corruption?
Discuss the Marbury versus Madison Case

Criminal Justice Research Proposal Topics

What are some good research topics for criminal justice that will get you the necessary funding? You’re likely to ask this question when writing a proposal for your research. Here are some of the best research proposal topics to consider in criminal justice.

How does crime relate to aggression?
Mental health problems like depression and the internet
How mental health relate to violence
Use of violence and torture towards criminals
Invalidity or validity of Rational Choice theory
Crime and violence- Are they nurtured or products of nature?
Major trends in criminology
Crime and dysfunctional families
Basis, theories, and limitations of feminist criminology
How crime occurrence can be reduced by the examination of criminal behavior

Juvenile Justice Paper Topics

Perhaps, you need juvenile topics in criminal justice for your academic papers. In that case, consider criminal justice paper topics, prepared by our writing professionals.

Do children deserve the same trial with adults?
Rehabilitation of children involved in violent crimes
Should children and adults have the same prisons?
Can juveniles be socio-paths?
Should house arrest be granted to juvenile offenders that do not engage in violent crimes?
What are the best solutions for teens that keep committing crimes?
How can the criminal justice system deal with frequent juvenile offenders?
Is punitive juvenile justice effective?
How rampant is juvenile victimization?
How effective are school-based juvenile programs for preventing crime?

International Topics Dealing with Criminal Justice

Several criminal justice issue topics can be addressed at an international level. Here are examples of such topics.

How are international offenders treated currently?
NATO ethics in Afghanistan and Iraq
Violations of human rights in Uganda
International intervention- When is it acceptable?
Information accessibility and police cooperation at an international level
Methods used by criminals to traffic drugs
Analysis of an international criminal justice tribunal
What the appeal process for the international criminal court?
Discuss the issue of child soldiers during the Israel-Palestine conflict
Discuss the XYZ Corporation’s transnational crimes

Criminal Justice Thesis Topics

A thesis topic should be interesting and relevant. If struggling to come up with a topic for your thesis, consider these samples for inspiration.

Why do some offenders become criminals after servicing their sentences?
How can legislation change the delinquency and violence levels in the U.S concerning drug use?
How can wrong convictions be prevented?
How do people influence the making of decisions of public policies about the criminal justice system?
How accurately do television, novels, and movies depict a country’s criminal justice system?
Does a criminal deserve cruel treatment and unlawful use of force by law enforcers?
How effective are strategies for stopping or determining criminal behavior?
How can the reentry of an offender to society be made seamless?
Should law enforcers wear cameras?
How effective and accessible is the judicial system?

In addition to these ideas, you can choose criminal justice reform topics or criminal justice ethic topics. Nevertheless, choose only topics you find interesting and comfortable working on.

Get on top of your homework.

College of Criminology & Criminal Justice

FSU’s College of Criminology and Criminal Justice is home to the nation’s number one criminology faculty in the world. Our team of experts is ranked number one in the nation for research productivity and are among the top 10 for grant acquisition, as demonstrated below. Many of our faculty are industry experts and offer extensive research on topics like gun control, biosocial criminology and social control, to name a few.

The list below contains nearly 1,000 peer-reviewed journal articles published by our faculty, many of which are co-authored with former and current graduate students. To the left is our one-of-a-kind filter box, which allows you to filter articles by topic and leverage our expertise for your personal interests and research endeavors. We hope you enjoy learning about criminology as much as we enjoy expanding the field of research.

Lastest Research

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Criminology - Research Guide: Sources for Lit Reviews

Getting started
Sources for Lit Reviews
Gray literature collections
Crime Rates
Corrections
Law Enforcement & Courts

Lit Review Sources

Journals featuring literature reviews.

Annual Reviews Articles are lengthy literature reviews with BIG bibliographies. Useful for both the text summary and the citations for further reading. Includes Annual Review of Criminology , Annual Review of Law and Social Science and Annual Review of Sociology. HINT! Use the "Advanced Search" link in the upper right corner of the startup window. This permits searching in title, abstract, and keywords only and in specific journals.
Crime & Justice. 1979- . A journal composed of literature review on criminal justice topics, published annually.
Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science Penn's house journal since 1889, Ann AAPSS publishes single-topic issues six times per year. Recent issues on criminology and criminal justice have been: • Fatal police shootings : patterns, policy, and prevention . Ann AAPSS 687 (January 2020). • Regulating crime : the new criminology of crime control . Ann AAPSS 679 (September 2018). • Migrant smuggling as a collective strategy and insurance policy : views from the margins . Ann AAPSS 676 (March 2018). • The Middle East and regional transition, terrorism, and countering violent extremism : what the next President will face . Ann AAPSS 668 (November 2016). • Tough on crime, tough on families? Criminal justice and family life in America . Ann AAPSS 665 (May 2016). • The great experiment : realigning criminal justice in California and beyond . Ann AAPSS 664 (March 2016).
Advances in Criminological Theory. 1989- . Print volumes, some e-books. Single-topic volumes.
Criminal Justice History. 19 vols. 1980-2003. Print only, now ceased. Published by John Jay Press for the Crime and Justice History Group.
Translational Criminology. 2009- . Published by the Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy, George Mason University. More a report on current research projects in evidence-based crime policy than a journal of literature reviews.
Sociology of Crime, Law, and Deviance An ebook series, each volume focused on a specific topic. Recent volumes include Methods of Criminology and Criminal Justice Research; Race, Ethnicity and Law; The Politics of Policing; and Punishment and Incarceration : a Global Perspective.

Best practices and systematic reviews databases

The Campbell Collaboration See The Campbell Library for published systematic reviews of interventions in crime and justice, as well as social welfare, education, and international development. Campbell systematic reviews also appear in the open-access ejournal, Campbell Systematic Reviews .
CrimeSolutions.gov / National Institute of Justice Web-based clearinghouse of more than 500 evaluated programs and practices.
Model Programs Guide / Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Identifies evidence-based juvenile justice and youth prevention, intervention, and reentry programs. Provides a finely-detailed topics list.
What Works in Reentry Clearinghouse / Council of State Governments Scores specific reentry programs and practices for beneficial harmful evidence.
Evidence-based practice online resources / Justice Research and Statistics Association Link list of government, academic, and nonprofit programs.

Dissertations

Every dissertation should include a literature review, to demonstrate how the dissertation fits into the research landscape.

ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Searches doctoral dissertations, an excellent source for lit reviews.
NCJRS Abstracts / National Criminal Justice Reference Service. c.1970- . Describes 220,000+ research reports, journal articles, and government documents relating to crime, law enforcement, and the justice system. Many fulltext documents and US Dept of Justice gray literature. HINT! Use the Advanced Search page's "Source Type" filter option for "Literature review", "Best practice/state-of-the-art review", "Issue overview", "Guideline", "Overview text" and other lit review-like genres. HINT! Use the NCJRS Thesaurus to find subject terms.
Criminal Justice Abstracts with Full Text. 1968- . Abstracts of the scholarly literature and applied literature on criminology and related disciplines. Many citations also include fulltext. Reflects materials received at the Gottfredson Library (formerly Criminal Justice/National Council on Crime and Delinquency Library), Rutgers University Library, Newark.
Index to Legal Periodicals (Current & Retrospective). 1908- . An excellent tool for tackling the enormous law review, legal yearbook, bar association, and government legal publications literature from the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. For foreign legal research, consider using Index to Foreign Legal Periodicals (1985- ).
Sociological Abstracts. 1963- . From across the field of sociology, useful subject terms include "crime rates," "recidivism," "victim offender relations," and "family violence." . Recently absorbed Social Services Abstracts, adding coverage for social work and social services journals.
Gray Literature Database. (Gottfredson Library of Criminal Justice, Rutgers Univ.) A supplement to Criminal Justice Abstracts , describing technical reports, working papers, government and agency reports, and conference proceedings - that is, information not commercially published - available online or at the Gottfredson Library. CrimDoc is a similar gray literature database from Univ of Toronto.
HeinOnline Legal research database containing fulltext documents organized into collections. New collections include Gun Regulation & Legislation in America and History of Capital Punishment.
PsycINFO. 1887- . Published by American Psychological Association. Comprehensive coverage of the psychological research literature. HINT! The Advanced Search page has a "Methodology" search option filter - select "Literature Review" , "Meta Analysis" , and "Systematic Review" .

Guides and Tips for Writing Literature Reviews

"How to write a literature review" / Andrew S Denney & Richard Tewksbury Journal of Criminal Justice Education 24, 2 (2013): 218-324 (via HeinOnline).
"Doing a literature review" / Jeffrey W Knopf PS: Political Science & Politics 39, 1 (January 2006): 127-132 (via Cambridge Journals Online).
Systematic approaches to a successful literature review / Andrew Booth. (SAGE, 2012) Print only.
The literature review: a step-by-step guide for students / Diana Ridley. (2nd ed. SAGE, 2012) Print only.
Preparing Literature Reviews in the Social Sciences (Penn Libraries guide) Needs updating, but still useful for suggestions.

Reference works

Reference works make excellent starting points for research; they provide concise articles on key topics by scholars of the field, often accompanied by suggestions for further reading. The sources listed below are print volumes shelved in the Van Pelt Library Reference Stacks , on the first floor of Van Pelt, unless otherwise noted.

Compendium of Research on violence against women, 1993-2016. (National Institute of Justice, 2017) Annually-updated reference work describing every NIJ-funded research project on violence against women since 1993.

ASC Division on Corrections & Sentencing Handbook Series Ebook series sponsored by the American Society of Criminology.

Elsevier's dictionary of criminal science, in eight languages : English/American, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, and German. Call Number: Available online Publication Date: Elsevier, 1960
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URL: https://guides.library.upenn.edu/criminology

Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies

Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology

About the program.

The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology provides a comprehensive examination of justice, crime, and the law. Faculty teach and research a variety of topics reflecting their diverse social science backgrounds.

Our majors work toward a Master of Science in Criminal Justice And Criminology degree, which fosters a broad understanding of the nature of justice, crime and the law, in addition to the social, political, legal, philosophic and historical context in which questions of justice are addressed, both in the United States and around the world. Students are expected to develop not only knowledge but a commitment to public service, ethical consciousness, and leadership abilities. Through the course work in Criminal Justice and Criminology, students are equipped to become proficient writers, critical and independent thinkers, and effective communicators. Graduates of the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology are prepared for graduate school, law school, and professions within the criminal justice system.

The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology recognizes that the issues of crime and justice are complex, controversial topics that are open to several different interpretations. As such, we are committed to an open intellectual environment that encourages teaching, scholarship, and discussion from a diversity of theoretical perspectives and research methodologies.

The curriculum of the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology reflects these values by offering a broad foundation of courses drawing on criminal justice, criminology, political science, sociology, public administration, and the law. The curriculum integrates these approaches to provide an understanding of the challenges of achieving justice in a complex society.

Ready to Apply?

Request information, criminal justice executive track, certificate in cybercrime, visit campus, or, you can :, admissions requirements.

A Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited, four-year institution in criminal justice/criminology or related field (that adequately prepares students for success in this field. This application requirement will be waived for applicants who successfully complete the Post-Baccalaureate Cyber Certificate.)
A 3.0 cumulative grade point average or higher on completed requirements for a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. (This application requirement will be waived for applicants who successfully complete the Post-Baccalaureate Cyber Certificate.)
A Statement of Purpose detailing: a) academic background and/or professional credentials, b) relevant research and work experience, c) career goals and reasons for enrollment in this program.
Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s: 1) academic work; 2) professional experience, if any; 3) ability to handle master’s level curriculum, and 4) how the applicant can be expected to contribute to the program. (This application requirement will be waived for applicants who successfully complete the Post-Baccalaureate Cyber Certificate.)

*International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES accredited evaluation service and must be a course by course evaluation and include a GPA. ( naces.org )

Additional Admission Requirements - Executive Track

A letter of recommendation from their current criminal justice employer/supervisor (in liu of two letters of recommendation).
Be a current POST-certified law enforcement officer in the state of Georgia.

Provisional Admission

Students whose GPA is under 2.75 may be granted provisional admission by the graduate faculty committee based on careful review of additional materials submitted.

Reclassification

A student may be reclassified with regular admission providing that they have completed three program or related courses (9 hours), approved by their advisor, with a grade of no less than B for each class. Additional courses may be required to be completed prior to a student's reclassification that do not contribute to these nine hours (such as taking an undergraduate statistics course to prepare for graduate statistics). No more than nine hours may be earned under the provisional admission classification. After nine hours, the student must either be reclassified as a regular admission student or be removed from the program.

Executive Track - August 31*

November 15 *

Executive Track - November 15*

Executive Track - Does Not Admit

NOTE: Due to current course offerings and visa requirements, international applicants can only be admitted in the Fall and Spring terms at this time.

*The application and all required documents listed on the "admissions requirements" tab for the program must be received by the deadline. If all required documents are not received by the deadline your application will not be considered for admission.

Program Contact Information

Program coordinators.

Adam Bossler, Ph.D. Co-Graduate Program Director Online Options Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology

Laurie Gould, Ph.D. Co-Graduate Program Director Face-to-Face Options Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology

Last updated: 3/28/2024

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Office of Graduate Admissions Physical Address: 261 Forest Drive PO Box 8113 Statesboro, GA 30460 Georgia Southern University Phone: 912-478-5384 Fax: 912-478-0740 gradadmissions @georgiasouthern.edu

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Lander Students Present Research at Academic Symposium

Lindsey Hodges
26 April 2024

Lander University’s students put on an impressive display of the wide range of research they have done this year at the annual academic symposium last week.

The annual symposium gave students a chance to present research through roundtable discussions, classroom presentations and a poster session.

Dr. Lillian Craton, professor of English and director of the Honors College said the academic symposium is one of her favorite traditions at Lander.

“That is because this is a chance for our students all the way from freshman year up to senior year to take their work up a level,” she said. “It’s a chance for our first year students to see the way they’re going to be writing and talking and researching by the time that they graduate, it’s a chance for our seniors to feel like they get to be the center of attention, that the faculty are listening to them instead of the other way around and it is a chance for all of our students to practice their professional communication skills, to practice their planning and organization skills. There’s just so many different ways in which this pays off for our students.”

The symposium, Craton said, is a chance to get out of the classroom and celebrate what others get excited about.

Topics at the symposium stretched across the various academic fields at Lander.

Senior visual arts student Kristina Peay gave a presentation about how she mixed ceramics and chemistry when experimenting with glazes. Bryce LeCroy, a senior English major, presented on “How Vampires Became Goblins,” comparing Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” to Christina Rossetti’s “Goblin Market.” Jaziah Eaddy, a senior criminology student, presented about her time volunteering in a prison through a Lander course.

They were just a few among many who presented over multiple days.

The academic symposium ended with a poster session where dozens of students had the chance to show off and speak about their work.

Cristyn Reynolds is a senior interdisciplinary studies major from Chester who looked at the long-term effects of bullying and studied what interventions and programs could be implemented to help students who have been bullied.

“Just trying to bring awareness to whatever we want to speak about, having a voice is very important when you are in college and you don’t really have a voice, so this is a great way to get yourself out,” she said about the symposium.

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April 25, 2024

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Study demonstrates efficacy of web programming course for incarcerated individuals

by Rachel Gordon, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Study demonstrates efficacy of MIT-led Brave Behind Bars program

Several years ago, a team of scientists from MIT and the University of Massachusetts at Lowell designed and deployed a first-of-its-kind web programming course for incarcerated individuals across multiple correctional facilities. The program, Brave Behind Bars , uses virtual classroom technology to deliver web design training to students behind prison walls.

The program brought together men and women from gender-segregated facilities to learn fundamentals in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, helping them to create websites addressing social issues of their own choosing. The program is accredited through three collaborating universities: Georgetown University, Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, and Washington County Community College.

In a new open-access paper about the project, the team analyzed its impact: They used a multi-pronged approach, gathering insights through comprehensive surveys with participants from dichotomous and open-ended questions.

The results painted a powerful narrative of increased self-efficacy—a crucial marker for successful reentry into the workforce and society—among incarcerated learners.

"Education has long been recognized as a pivotal factor in reducing recidivism and fostering successful reentry," says Martin Nisser, an MIT Ph.D. candidate in electrical engineering and computer science (EECS), affiliate of the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), and lead author of the paper.

"By equipping incarcerated learners with invaluable digital literacy skills and boosting their self-efficacy, our program aims to foster the skills necessary to thrive in today's technology-driven world."

The strength of Brave Behind Bars is manifested vividly through the impactful websites created by the students. One project, "End Homelessness Statewide," provided vital resources to help unhoused individuals find temporary and permanent shelter.

Another website, "The PinkPrint," addressed the unique challenges incarcerated women face, serving as a "blueprint" with educational resources and gender-responsive support. Equally remarkable was "No Excuse for Domestic Abuse," which raised awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence while offering a lifeline to victims seeking help.

A mixed-methods research study evaluated how the 12-week, college-accredited course was faring. "Our qualitative study in 2022 involving thematic analyses of post-course surveys from 34 students revealed overwhelmingly positive feedback, with students reporting increased self-confidence , motivation, and a sense of empowerment from learning web programming skills. The themes we uncovered highlighted the powerful effect of the program on students' self-beliefs," says Nisser.

The urgency of such work cannot be understated, as underscored by the alarmingly high rates of recidivism, the rate at which formerly incarcerated individuals are rearrested leading to re-conviction.

A central cause of mass incarceration, data shows that an estimated 68% of people released from U.S. jails or prisons were arrested within three years between 2005 and 2014, rising to 83% within nine years.

However, a meta-analysis spanning 37 years of research (1980–2017) revealed a promising trend: Incarcerated individuals who participate in post-secondary educational programs are 28% less likely to return to prison.

Joblessness among the formerly incarcerated can be as high as 60% a year after release. Almost two-thirds of those who secure employment enter jobs typically available to people with little or no education, such as waste management, manufacturing, and construction—jobs increasingly being automated or outsourced.

While both the demand and supply of AI curricula in higher education have sky-rocketed, these have not typically served disadvantaged people, who must be caught up in foundational digital literacy. The ability to skillfully navigate computers and the internet is becoming essential for post-release employment in the modern workplace, as well as to navigate the economic, social, and health-related resources that are now embedded in our digital technologies.

The other part was a quantitative study in 2023, with 37 participants measuring general computer programming self-efficacy using validated scales before and after the course. The authors saw an increase in mean scores for general self-efficacy and digital literacy after the course, but the pre- and post-course measures of self-efficacy were not statistically significantly different.

This challenge, the team says, is common in carceral environments, where meta-analyses of multiple studies with less significant results are often needed to achieve statistical significance and draw meaningful conclusions. The authors also acknowledge that their quantitative study contributes to this data pool, and they are conducting new courses to gather more data for future comprehensive statistical analyses.

"By providing incarcerated individuals with an opportunity to develop digital literacy, the Brave Behind Bars program facilitates self-efficacy through a novel education model designed not only to expand access to the internet for individuals but also to teach them the navigation and web design skills needed to connect and engage with the communities to which they will return," says UMass Lowell professor and chair of the School of Criminology and Justice Studies April Pattavina, who was not involved in the research.

"I applaud the team's dedication in implementing the program and look forward to longer-term evaluations on graduates when they leave prison so we can learn about the extent to which the program transforms lives on the outside."

One student, reflecting on the impact of the Brave Behind Bars program, says, "This class has shown me that I am human again, and I deserve to have a better quality of life post-incarceration." In an environment where individuals can too often be made to feel like numbers, a program is underway to demonstrate that these individuals can be seen once more as people.

The research was conducted by a team of experts from MIT and UMass Lowell. Leading the team was Martin Nisser, who wrote the paper alongside Marisa Gaetz, a Ph.D. student in the MIT Department of Mathematics; Andrew Fishberg, a Ph.D. student in the MIT Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics; and Raechel Soicher, assistant director of research and evaluation at the MIT Teaching and Learning Laboratory. Faraz Faruqi, an MIT Ph.D. student in EECS and CSAIL affiliate, contributed significantly to the project. Completing the team, Joshua Long brought his expertise from UMass Lowell, adding a unique perspective to the collaborative effort.

Provided by Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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Peoplefinder
George Mason University

For this graduate, Mason’s academic options were a career road map

For Ari Williams, her journey toward graduation at George Mason University was anything but linear.

The CliffsNotes version is that of a criminology, law and aociety major who will graduate in May with an eye toward a career in government contracting.

The more complete story is how the options for a diversified education at George Mason—Williams’ major concentration is in homeland security and justice with minors in sociology and intelligence studies —helped prepare her for that career.

“My course load has been learning a lot about the government and its agencies and what they do, and that’s actually really applicable to government contracting,” Williams said. “There’s a lot to be said for being able to read scientific research and journals. That was really great practice for me to doing things such as market research.”

The road that brought Williams toward a government contracting career was winding.

When the Fredericksburg, Virginia, native came to Mason as a first-generation student and a member of the Honors College , she wanted to work in the federal government. She also considered being an FBI agent, a police officer, and joining the military.

She landed on government contracting by chance, she said, after a faculty member in Mason’s Costello College of Business recommended giving the career a look.

Once committed, Williams took things into her own hands, securing analyst internships with CACI International, Cambridge Associates, and PingWind.

“I’ve always been a bit of a determined person,” Williams said. “When I want something or have a plan for something, I always try to enact it because closed mouths don’t get fed, right? So that’s the mentality I’ve always had.”

It was the same for her pursuit of academics.

“I was hungry to learn,” Williams said. “That’s one of the reasons I decided to come to college, because I knew I was going to be interested in what I was learning.”

“Ari is one of the most impressive students I have had the pleasure of teaching at Mason,” said Marie Mele Thomas , associate professor in the Department of Criminology, Law, and Society in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. “Ari cares deeply about what she is learning, and her ability to think critically about complex issues and share her perspectives in insightful ways has been a joy to witness. I am confident she will continue to excel academically and professionally in whatever path she chooses.”

Continued learning is a big part of the plan for Williams, who said she plans to pursue an MBA after establishing herself in the workforce.

As for her time at George Mason, Williams said the great upsides are the opportunities to network, the quality of the faculty, and its proximity to Washington, D.C.

“All in all, in the last four years I’ve been able to get a lot of work experience. I’ve been able to make a lot of connections,” she said. “I’m as prepared as I can be.”

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428 Criminology Research Topics & Questions for Students
428 Criminology Research Topics & Questions for Students. by StudyCorgi ®. Updated: Mar 12th, 2024. As you might already know, criminology is the study of crime. To be more precise, criminology studies crime as a social trend, including its origin, various manifestations, and its impact on society. 1 hour!
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The criminology research topics for students allow them to explore meaningful questions that impact people's lives. Overall, it engages students to contribute to knowledge in criminology in a hands-on way. ... Best Criminological Research Topics for College Students; 1: Exploring Trends in Juvenile Delinquency: 2: Innovative Policing ...
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Criminology Topics on Types of Crime. Campus crime: the most common crimes on college campuses and ways of preventing them. Child abuse: types, prevalence, risk groups, ways of detection and prevention. Cybercrime: cyber fraud, defamation, hacking, bullying, phishing. Domestic violence: gender, ways of detection and prevention, activism.
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justice landscape. Embracing these research topics for students embark on a transformative academic expedition that not only hones their research skills but also positions them as contributors to the ongoing discourse in the vital field of criminology. Here are 100+ criminological research topics for students: The Impact of Social Media on ...
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A PhD in Criminal Justice can prepare graduates for a number of positions, including police chief, corrections facility director, professor, and research consultant. 1. At Walden University, students pursuing a PhD in Criminal Justice can choose the General Program or one of several specializations: The courses you take and the area you ...
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7 International Crimes Research Topics. 8 Racism and Discrimination Criminal Justice Research Topics. 9 Court Cases Research Topics. 10 Crime and victimization Research Topics. 11 Criminology Theories Research Topics. 12 Reasonable Criminology Research Topics. 12.1 Conclusion.
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A premier resource for interdisciplinary research on subjects impacting society and the single most important database in the Social Sciences. This resource can be useful for any number of topics including: family violence, gangs, violence, drug issues, schools, and media.
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The purpose of this page is to provide students with a comprehensive list of criminology research paper topics, organized into 10 categories, each with 10 topics. These categories include criminology, types of crime, correlates of crime, theories of crime, measurement and research in criminology, criminal justice system, criminal justice ...
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Below is a list of SOME of the key scholarly journals in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Sometimes it helps to simply browse an appropriate titles to generate some ideas about a topic. British Journal of Criminology. Criminology: an interdisciplinary journal. Core journal of the American Society of Criminology.
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Students in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice conduct cutting-edge research alongside our faculty experts in topics including bias victimization, urban violence, homicide and suicide, human trafficking, juvenile justice, mass incarceration, and racial equity. The School houses several centers and labs that align closely with topics ...
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The CQ Researcher Online (MU only) Pro/Con reports that will help you generate ideas. Look for the "Browse" tab and select "Law and Justice." Issues and [email protected] from Facts On File. Full-text balanced articles. Look for the "Subject", "Browse", "Pro/Con" and "Need a Topic" Indexes.
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List of Criminology Research Topics. Begin with the broad research topics in criminology that immediately captivate your reader's attention: The impact of social media on crime rates. Rehabilitation vs. retribution: effectiveness of different punitive measures. Juvenile delinquency: causes and prevention strategies. The psychology of criminal ...
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Theses/Dissertations from 2016. PDF. Disinhibition, Violence Exposure, and Delinquency: A Test of How Self-Control Affects the Impact of Exposure to Violence, Wyatt Brown. PDF. The Guilty But Mentally Ill Verdict: Assessing the Impact of Informing Jurors of Verdict Consequences, Erin Elizabeth Cotrone. PDF.
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A common reason given by students for studying criminology is because it is thought to be an 'interesting' subject (Walters and Kremser, 2016).While some speculate that students may be influenced by the 'CSI effect', 'just as many are propelled into the field as a result of more altruistic and personal motivations' (Belknap and Potter, 2007: 16) and because they want to 'help ...
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FSU's College of Criminology and Criminal Justice is home to the nation's number one criminology faculty in the world. Our team of experts is ranked number one in the nation for research productivity and are among the top 10 for grant acquisition, as demonstrated below. Many of our faculty are industry experts and offer extensive research on topics like gun control, biosocial criminology ...
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Criminology and Criminal Justice is a peer-reviewed journal that focuses on the broad field of criminology and criminal justice policy and practice. The journal publishes scholarly articles on all areas of criminology, crime and criminal justice. It includes theoretical pieces, as well as empirically-based analyses of policy and practice in areas that range from policing to sentencing ...
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Using a narrative inquiry, three types of stories emerged through our analysis: stories about (1) building on existing interests, (2) understanding the 'self', and (3) securing 'justice' and 'helping' others. The stories students tell about their exposure to 'crime' help motivate their decision to study criminology, while their ...
Guides: Criminology
The SAGE Handbook of Criminological Research Methods by David Gadd (Editor); Susanne Karstedt (Editor); Steven F. Messner (Editor) ISBN: 9781849201759. Publication Date: 2011. Focuses on the application of 'methods' to address the core substantive questions that currently motivate contemporary criminological research.
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Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology
About the Program The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology provides a comprehensive examination of justice, crime, and the law. Faculty teach and research a variety of topics reflecting their diverse social science backgrounds. Our majors work toward a Master of Science in Criminal Justice And Criminology degree, which fosters a broad understanding of the
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for students starting at Ohio State AU22 and after (and following the New GE) major provides a foundation for post. Criminology & Criminal Justice Studies are the sociology-based study of crime and the criminal justice system. Our students are prepared for a variety of career options. Some graduates enter directly into the labor force in these ...
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Students admitted to the Ph.D. program with only a bachelor's degree and who complete all requirements for the Ph.D. other than the dissertation may be awarded a M.A.degree in criminology and criminal justice. Students choosing this option will not be permitted to complete the dissertation or be awarded the Ph.D. degree.
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Kaysn Irby, a senior psychology student from Greenwood, speaks about her research during the poster session on Thursday, April 18. Photo by Lindsey Hodges. Lander University's students put on an impressive display of the wide range of research they have done this year at the annual academic symposium last week.
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A mixed-methods research study evaluated how the 12-week, college-accredited course was faring. ... will return," says UMass Lowell professor and chair of the School of Criminology and Justice ...
For this graduate, Mason's academic options were a career road map
Photo by Cristian Torres/Office of University Branding. The CliffsNotes version is that of a criminology, law and aociety major who will graduate in May with an eye toward a career in government contracting.. The more complete story is how the options for a diversified education at George Mason—Williams' major concentration is in homeland security and justice with minors in sociology and ...

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