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?

Crime and Victimization in Criminology.

  • 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.

Types of crime.

  • 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?

Other Criminology Research Topics

  • 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.
  • Organized crime : how does it affect criminal justice?
  • Crime prevention programs.
  • Street lighting: does it reduce crime?
  • Terrorism prevention technology.
  • Identity theft: risk groups, ways of deception, prevention policies.
  • Due process model: procedural and substantive aspects.
  • Crime control in criminal justice administration.
  • Types of drugs: how do they affect the users?
  • Smart handheld devices: their function for security personnel.
  • Social media: its impact on crime rate.
  • Public health: how does criminal justice affect it?
  • Psychometric examinations: what is their role in criminal justice?
  • National defense in the US.
  • National defense in the UK.
  • Sexual harassment: the role of activism, ways of responding, prevention and prosecution.
  • Substance abuse: military.
  • Criminology and criminal justice jobs: a full list.

🌶️ 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.

Criminal justice system.

  • 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.

Criminology research areas.

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).

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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!

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research titles for criminology students

271+ Excellent Criminal Justice Or Criminological Research Topics For Students [2024 Updated]

Have you ever wondered why some people break the law? Or how we can keep our communities safe? Those are big questions in criminology or criminal justice. Criminology looks at why crime happens and how to prevent it. What if you could research interesting topics that also relate to your life? Well, good news! Here we have collected over 200+ cool criminological research topics for students.

First, what is criminal justice? Think of it as the system governments use to stop crime. It involves police, victims, courts, jails, laws, and more. Lots of elements that work together to keep us safe. Doing research on criminal justice may sound tricky. But don’t worry! We’ll help you find fascinating topics to make your research paper amazing. From understanding why people commit crimes to find the best ways to discourage them. You’ll be diving into the world of criminology in a very limited time. 

And because you’re a student, you get to explore criminal justice research topics that matter to you and your peers. Ever wonder if childhood experiences connect to committing crimes later? Or how money struggles and dropping out of school could relate to stealing? It’s like being a detective – finding clues and finding solutions to make our communities better.

Let’s explore cool criminology topics and research topics for students that interest you. Also, it helps us understand and make positive changes when it comes to crime and justice!

You May Also Like: Interesting Research Topics For College Students

Table of Contents

What Is Criminological Research Topics For Students?

Criminological Research Topics for Students refer to different areas of study about crime and the justice system that students can research.

Criminology looks at why crimes happen, who commits them, and how to prevent them. It also explores the criminal justice system – like police, courts, and jails.

The research topics give students interesting real-world questions to dive into. Some examples are:

  • What causes certain criminals to act the way they do?
  • Are current punishments effectively preventing future crimes?
  • How does growing up very poor relate to committing theft?
  • What helps stop gang violence in communities?

The goal is to get students thinking critically about these important issues. By researching and analyzing, students can gain a deeper understanding of crime, why it happens, and how society addresses it.

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.

Defining Criminal Justice Research Paper

A Criminal Justice research paper is an educational research paper that explores and researches topics related to the criminal justice field. It involves detailed research, critical analysis, and synthesis of information. These papers typically address issues such as law enforcement, the legal system, criminological theories, corrections, and societal responses to crime. The research paper aims to present well-supported arguments, draw conclusions, etc. It often proposes guidance for improving or addressing challenges within the criminal justice system. 

7 Important Steps or Tips for How Can I Find Criminological Research Topics

Finding appropriate criminological research topics for students can be an exciting yet challenging task. Here are seven important steps or tips to guide you in finding effective and relevant research topics in criminology:

7 Important Steps or Tips for How Can I Find Criminological Research Topics

Step 1:- Identify Your Interests

Start by reflecting on your interests in criminology. What aspects of crime, justice, or law enforcement fascinate you the most? Identifying your interests will make the research process more engaging and enjoyable.

Step 2:- Explore Current Issues

Stay informed about current events, trends, and issues in the field of criminology. Reading news articles, academic journals, and reputable websites can help you discover contemporary criminological research topics for students that are relevant and in need of further exploration.

Step 3:- Review Academic Literature

Dive into existing criminological literature. Academic journals, books, and research articles provide a wealth of information on various topics. Identify gaps, controversies, or areas where further research is needed.

Step 4:- Consider Local and Global Perspectives

Explore criminological issues from both local and global perspectives. Issues may vary based on geographical locations, cultural contexts, and legal systems. Comparing and contrasting different perspectives can lead to unique research topics.

Step 5:- Consult with Professors and Experts

Seek guidance from professors, instructors, or other experts in the field. They can provide valuable insights, recommend relevant literature, and suggest areas that need further investigation. Don’t hesitate to discuss your ideas with them.

Step 6:- Attend Conferences and Seminars

Participate in criminology conferences, seminars, or workshops. These events often showcase cutting-edge research and emerging criminological research topics for students within the field. Networking with professionals and attending presentations can spark new criminology ideas.

Step 7:- Utilize Online Resources

Explore online databases, academic journals, and research repositories. Websites of criminological organizations and government agencies may also provide valuable data and insights. Online platforms can be powerful tools for discovering recent studies and trends.

171+ Excellent Criminological Research Topics For Students

Here are the best criminological research topics for students: 

Simple Criminological Research Topics

Good criminological research topics for students, great criminological research topics for high school students, best criminological research topics for college students, cool criminological research topics for phd, interesting examples for criminology research paper questions, controversial criminal justice research paper topics, other good criminological research topics for students.

Here are the most interesting criminological research topics for students:

Juvenile Delinquency and Youth Crime Research Topics

  • The Impact of Family Structure on Juvenile Delinquency
  • School-Based Prevention Programs for Youth Offenders
  • The link between Bullying and Juvenile Delinquency
  • Peer Pressure and Adolescent Criminal Behavior
  • Social Media Influence on Juvenile Crime
  • Effects of Video Games on Youth Aggression and Crime
  • The Role of Parental Involvement in Juvenile Rehabilitation
  • Juvenile Gangs: Causes and Intervention Strategies
  • The Impact of Substance Abuse on Juvenile Criminal Activity
  • School-to-Prison Pipeline: Causes and Solutions

Law Enforcement Criminological Research Topics For Students

  • Community Policing and Crime Reduction
  • Use of Body-Worn Cameras in Policing: Accountability and Privacy Concerns
  • Racial Profiling in Law Enforcement
  • The Effectiveness of K-9 Units in Crime Prevention
  • Police Militarization: Implications and Public Perception
  • Cybersecurity Challenges in Modern Policing
  • Crisis Intervention Training for Law Enforcement
  • Predictive Policing: Benefits and Ethical Considerations
  • The Impact of Police Leadership on Department Culture
  • Procedural Justice in Policing: Building Trust in Communities

Criminal Justice Research Topics

  • The Role of Prosecutors in the Criminal Justice System
  • Plea Bargaining: Advantages and Disadvantages
  • Mandatory Minimum Sentencing: Effects on Justice and Rehabilitation
  • Jury Selection Processes: Bias and Fairness
  • Restorative Justice Practices: Implementation and Outcomes
  • Criminal Justice Policies and Their Impact on Minority Communities
  • The Relationship Between Economic Inequality and Access to Legal Representation
  • Alternatives to Incarceration: Effectiveness and Challenges
  • Death Penalty: Morality and Deterrence
  • Criminalization of Homelessness: Legal and Ethical Dimensions

Corrections and Rehabilitation Research Paper Topics

  • Inmate Education Programs: Impact on Recidivism
  • Solitary Confinement: Psychological Effects and Ethical Considerations
  • The Role of Rehabilitation in Correctional Facilities
  • Mental Health Services in Prisons: Challenges and Solutions
  • Gender-specific Rehabilitation Programs
  • Reentry Programs for Former Inmates: Successes and Failures
  • Privatization of Prisons: Pros and Cons
  • Drug Treatment Programs in Correctional Facilities
  • Youth Rehabilitation Centers: Alternatives to Traditional Juvenile Detention
  • Electronic Monitoring: Effectiveness in Offender Supervision

Criminological Theories Related Research Topics For Students

  • Social Learning Theory and Criminal Behavior
  • Routine Activity Theory: Implications for Crime Prevention
  • Strain Theory and its Relevance in Modern Society
  • Labeling Theory: Stigma and Criminal Identity
  • Biosocial Criminology: Genetics and Crime
  • Feminist Criminology: Gender Inequality in Criminal Justice
  • Critical Criminology: Social Justice Perspectives
  • Integrated Theories of Criminality: Exploring Multiple Factors
  • Life Course Criminology: Understanding Criminal Behavior over Time
  • Control Balance Theory: Assessing Social Control Mechanisms

Cybercrime and Technology Research Topics

  • Dark Web: Challenges in Policing Cybercriminal Activities
  • Digital Forensics in Criminal Investigations
  • Online Hate Crimes: Detection and Prevention
  • Impact of Social Media on Cyberbullying
  • Cybersecurity Threats to Critical Infrastructure
  • Artificial Intelligence in Crime Prediction and Prevention
  • Ethical Considerations in the Use of Facial Recognition Technology
  • Hacking and Identity Theft: Legal Responses and Protections
  • The Role of Cryptocurrencies in Money Laundering
  • Technological Advances and Challenges in Combatting Cyberterrorism

Social Issues Related Criminological Research Topics For Students

  • Human Trafficking: Causes and Solutions
  • Domestic Violence: Intervention and Support Strategies
  • Impact of Immigration Policies on Crime Rates
  • Environmental Criminology: Understanding Crime Hotspots
  • Cultural Influences on Perceptions of Criminality
  • LGBTQ+ Issues in the Criminal Justice System
  • Substance Abuse and Criminal Behavior
  • Mental Illness and Criminality: Stigma and Treatment
  • Youth Unemployment and its Connection to Property Crime
  • Impact of Homelessness on Street Crime

Specialized Crimes Research Paper Topics

  • Corporate Crime: Causes and Enforcement
  • Wildlife Trafficking: Legal and Conservation Perspectives
  • Art Theft: Investigation and Recovery
  • Economic Espionage: Detection and Prevention
  • Counterfeiting: Challenges in Combating Fake Goods
  • Trafficking of Organs: Legal and Ethical Implications
  • Stalking: Causes, Effects, and Legal Responses
  • Environmental Crimes: Challenges in Enforcement
  • Terrorism Financing: Global Efforts and Challenges
  • Cyber Espionage: State-Sponsored Hacking and Responses

Legal and Policy Issues

  • Gun Control Policies and Crime Rates
  • Challenges of Implementing Restorative Justice Policies
  • Three Strikes Laws: Impact and Controversies
  • International Approaches to Counterterrorism
  • Legalization of Marijuana: Impact on Crime and Policing
  • Police Use of Force Policies: Evaluation and Reform
  • Access to Legal Representation: Equality and Justice
  • Impact of Sentencing Guidelines on Criminal Justice
  • Immigration Detention and Human Rights
  • Mental Competency Evaluations: Legal and Ethical Considerations

Emerging Trends in Criminological Research Topics For Students

  • Social Media and Crime Reporting: Challenges and Opportunities
  • Virtual Reality in Crime Scene Reconstruction
  • Technological Advances in Forensic Science
  • Neuroscience and Criminal Responsibility
  • Behavioral Profiling: Validity and Ethical Considerations
  • Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED)
  • Radicalization and Terrorism: Understanding the Processes
  • Gene Editing and its Potential Impact on Criminality
  • Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Extremist Offenders
  • The Future of Policing: Technology and Community Engagement

Comparative Criminology Research Paper Topics

  • Comparative Analysis of Global Crime Rates
  • Cultural Diversity and Criminal Justice: A Comparative Perspective
  • Comparative Study of Gun Control Laws and Homicide Rates
  • Juvenile Justice Systems: A Comparative Analysis
  • Comparative Evaluation of Drug Policies and Crime Rates
  • Impact of Cultural Values on Perceptions of White-Collar Crime
  • Comparative Analysis of Prison Systems and Rehabilitation Programs
  • Human Rights Protection in Different Criminal Justice Systems
  • Comparative Analysis of Cybercrime Legislation Worldwide
  • International Cooperation in Combating Transnational Crimes

Criminological Research Topics For Students In Psychology

  • Psychological Profiling: Validity and Ethical Considerations
  • Impact of Childhood Trauma on Criminal Behavior
  • Psychopathy and Criminality: Understanding the Connection
  • The Role of Mental Health in Criminal Sentencing
  • Eyewitness Testimony: Reliability and Misidentification
  • Forensic Psychology in Criminal Investigations
  • Juvenile Psychopathy: Assessment and Intervention
  • The Psychology of False Confessions
  • Criminal Responsibility and Mental Disorders
  • Neurocriminology: Brain Function and Criminal Behavior

Community and Crime Prevention

  • Community Policing Models: Successes and Challenges
  • Neighborhood Watch Programs: Impact on Crime Prevention
  • School-Based Crime Prevention Strategies
  • Youth Mentorship Programs: Impact on Crime Reduction
  • Community Engagement in Restorative Justice Practices
  • Crime Prevention Through Social Development
  • Role of Community Organizations in Crime Prevention
  • Smart Cities and Crime Prevention Technologies
  • Restorative Justice Circles: Building Community Relationships
  • Community Policing in Rural vs. Urban Settings

Terrorism and National Security

  • Counterterrorism Strategies: Balancing Security and Civil Liberties
  • Radicalization on the Internet: Identifying and Combating Online Extremism
  • Intelligence Sharing and International Cooperation in Counterterrorism
  • Cyberterrorism: Threats and Responses
  • Lone Wolf Terrorism: Causes and Prevention
  • National Security vs. Privacy: A Delicate Balance
  • Counterinsurgency Strategies in Modern Warfare
  • Bioterrorism: Preparedness and Response Measures
  • Emerging Trends in Terrorism Financing
  • Evaluating the Effectiveness of Border Security Measures

Gender and Crime Research Paper Topics

  • Gender Disparities in Criminal Sentencing
  • Female Offenders: Challenges in the Criminal Justice System
  • Gender-Based Violence and Criminal Justice Responses
  • Masculinity and Criminality: Societal Expectations
  • LGBTQ+ Youth in the Criminal Justice System
  • Gender Sensitivity in Policing and Law Enforcement
  • Impact of Gender Roles on Criminal Behavior
  • Women in Prison: Challenges and Rehabilitation
  • Sex Trafficking: Gendered Perspectives and Interventions
  • Intersectionality and Criminal Justice: Overlapping Identities

Drugs and Crime Related Criminological Research Topics For Students

  • War on Drugs: Effectiveness and Consequences
  • Substance Abuse Treatment in Correctional Facilities
  • The Link Between Drug Addiction and Property Crime
  • Prescription Drug Abuse: Legal Responses and Prevention
  • Impact of Legalizing Recreational Marijuana on Crime Rates
  • Drug Trafficking Routes and International Cooperation
  • The Opioid Epidemic: Responses and Challenges
  • Harm Reduction Strategies in Addressing Drug-Related Crime
  • Substance Abuse Among Juveniles: Intervention and Prevention
  • Drug Courts: Evaluating Effectiveness in Rehabilitation

White-Collar Crime Research Topics

  • Corporate Fraud: Detection and Prosecution
  • Insider Trading: Legal and Ethical Implications
  • Cybersecurity in the Business Sector: Crime Prevention
  • Ponzi Schemes and Financial Crimes
  • Environmental Crimes Committed by Corporations
  • Regulatory Responses to White-Collar Crime
  • Whistleblower Protection in Corporate Settings
  • Corporate Social Responsibility and Crime Prevention
  • Money Laundering in the Financial Industry
  • The Psychology of White-Collar Criminals

Human Rights and Criminal Justice

  • Human Rights Violations in the Criminal Justice System
  • Prison Conditions and Human Rights: A Global Perspective
  • Death Penalty and International Human Rights Standards
  • Extrajudicial Killings: Accountability and Prevention
  • Indigenous Rights and Criminal Justice Practices
  • Human Trafficking and Modern-Day Slavery
  • Child Soldiers: Legal Responses and Rehabilitation
  • Right to Legal Representation: Ensuring Fair Trials
  • Privacy Rights in the Age of Surveillance
  • Counterterrorism Measures and Civil Liberties

International Perspectives in Criminology

  • Transnational Organized Crime: Challenges and Responses
  • International Criminal Tribunals: Effectiveness and Challenges
  • The Role of Interpol in Global Crime Prevention
  • Cybersecurity Cooperation Among Nations
  • Human Rights Protections in Different Legal Systems
  • Global Approaches to Counterterrorism
  • Migration and Crime: A Global Perspective
  • International Extradition: Legal and Ethical Considerations
  • Cultural Diversity in International Criminal Justice

Emerging Technologies in Criminology

  • Use of Drones in Law Enforcement and Surveillance
  • Blockchain Technology in Crime Prevention
  • Predictive Analytics in Criminal Justice Decision-Making
  • Artificial Intelligence in Crime Prediction and Policing
  • Biometric Technologies in Criminal Identification
  • Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity Challenges
  • Automated Facial Recognition: Legal and Ethical Concerns
  • DNA Phenotyping: Advancements and Controversies
  • Augmented Reality in Criminal Investigations

Criminological Research Topics Pdf

These are the best criminological research topics for students pdf:

What’s A Good Qualitative Research Title For Criminology Students?

Here are some ideas for qualitative research titles for criminology students:

Conclusion – Criminological Research Topics For Students

Criminological Research Topics for Students opens a gateway to comprehensive exploration and scholarly inquiry. These topics, designed with students in mind, serve as a roadmap for delving into the intricate dynamics of crime, justice, and societal responses. By selecting a Criminological Research Topic for Students that aligns with their passions, students embark on a journey of intellectual curiosity, delving into multifaceted issues that shape our understanding of criminal behavior and its consequences.

Engaging with these topics offers students an invaluable opportunity to contribute to the ongoing dialogue in criminology. As they navigate through the intricacies of juvenile delinquency, law enforcement practices, or emerging trends in the field, students not only hone their research skills but also cultivate a deeper comprehension of the challenges and complexities within the criminal justice system.

These research topics empower students to critically analyze, propose solutions, and ultimately play a proactive role in advancing the knowledge base of criminology. In choosing and researching these topics, students become catalysts for positive change, making meaningful contributions to a discipline that seeks to create safer and more equitable societies.

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200 Best Criminology Research Topics For Students

Criminology studies crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. Picking a good research topic is essential. It should match your interests and help us understand crime and how to prevent it.

There are many types of criminology research topics to choose from. You could look at criminal behavior, crime prevention, the justice system, theories about crime, or new issues like cybercrime. This guide will help you pick a research topic and get excited about criminology research. We’ll look at different topic ideas across criminology.

Whether you’re interested in why people commit crimes, how to stop crimes, the courts and jails, theories about crime, or new issues like internet crime, this guide will help you find a good research topic. Let’s explore criminology research topics and find great research ideas together! 

What are Criminology Research Topics?

Table of Contents

Criminology research topics involve studying crime, criminals, and the justice system using scientific methods. This includes looking at:

  • Why crimes happen
  • Patterns in criminal behavior
  • How crime impacts people and communities
  • How the justice system, like police, courts, and jails, work
  • Theories about the causes of crime
  • Ways to prevent crimes
  • New types of crimes like internet crime
  • How crime is different in various times and cultures
  • How crime affects victims
  • What the public thinks about crime
  • Ideas for improving crime laws and policies

Criminology Research Topics For Students

Here are over 200 criminology research topics for students categorized into different subfields of criminology:

General Criminology

  • The significance of restorative justice programs in decreasing recidivism rates.
  • Exploring the role of genetics in criminal behavior.
  • The impact of socioeconomic status on crime rates.
  • Analyzing the relationship between drug policies and crime rates.
  • Investigating the effectiveness of community policing in reducing crime.
  • Analyzing the role of mental health in criminal behavior.
  • Understanding the link between poverty and crime.
  • Exploring the use of technology in crime prevention.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for offenders.
  • Investigating the role of media in shaping perceptions of crime and criminals.

Criminal Justice System

  • The influence of mandatory minimum sentencing laws on crime rates.
  • Exploring racial disparities in the criminal justice system.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of plea bargaining in reducing court backlogs.
  • Investigating the role of forensic evidence in criminal investigations.
  • Examining the ethics of using informants in criminal investigations.
  • Understanding the influence of incarceration on families and communities.
  • Exploring the role of prosecutorial discretion in shaping criminal justice outcomes.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of probation and parole programs.
  • Investigating the use of body cameras in policing.
  • Examining the role of juries in the criminal justice system.

Crime Prevention

  • Exploring the effectiveness of gun control policies in reducing violent crime.
  • Analyzing the impact of CCTV cameras on crime rates in urban areas.
  • Investigating the role of environmental design in crime prevention.
  • Examining the effectiveness of school-based anti-bullying programs.
  • Understanding the link between unemployment and property crime.
  • Exploring the role of parenting in preventing juvenile delinquency.
  • Analyzing the efficacy of early intervention programs for at-risk youth.
  • Investigating the impact of neighborhood watch programs on community safety.
  • Studying the role of social media in facilitating or preventing cyberbullying.
  • Exploring the effectiveness of drug education programs in schools.

Juvenile Delinquency

  • The effect of family structure on juvenile delinquency rates.
  • Studying the role of peer pressure in juvenile offending.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of diversion programs for juvenile offenders.
  • Investigating the link between childhood trauma and later delinquent behavior.
  • Examining the role of schools in preventing juvenile delinquency.
  • Understanding the influence of media on juvenile behavior.
  • Exploring the effectiveness of mentoring programs for at-risk youth.
  • Analyzing the impact of juvenile curfew laws on crime rates.
  • Investigating the role of substance abuse in juvenile offending.
  • Studying the efficacy of rehabilitation programs for juvenile offenders.
  • The impact of dark web marketplaces on illicit drug trade.
  • Exploring the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures in preventing cyber attacks.
  • Analyzing the role of cryptocurrencies in facilitating money laundering.
  • Investigating the link between online gaming and cyberbullying.
  • Examining the effectiveness of law enforcement responses to cybercrime.
  • Understanding the role of social media in cyberstalking cases.
  • Exploring the impact of data breaches on consumer privacy.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of international cooperation in combating cybercrime.
  • Investigating the role of artificial intelligence in cybercrime detection.
  • Examining the legal and ethical issues surrounding hacking and hacktivism.

White-Collar Crime

  • The impact of corporate culture on white-collar crime.
  • Exploring the effectiveness of regulatory agencies in preventing corporate fraud.
  • Analyzing the role of whistleblowers in exposing corporate misconduct.
  • Investigating the link between executive compensation and financial fraud.
  • Examining the effectiveness of corporate compliance programs.
  • Understanding the role of technology in facilitating white-collar crime.
  • Exploring the impact of globalization on white-collar crime.
  • Analyzing the role of government oversight in preventing financial crimes.
  • Investigating the effectiveness of anti-money laundering measures.
  • Examining the psychological profiles of white-collar offenders.

Terrorism and Counterterrorism

  • The impact of globalization on terrorism.
  • Exploring the role of ideology in terrorist recruitment.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of counterterrorism strategies.
  • Investigating the link between poverty and terrorism.
  • Examining the role of social media in terrorist propaganda.
  • Understanding the psychology of terrorism.
  • Exploring the impact of state-sponsored terrorism.
  • Analyzing the role of intelligence agencies in preventing terrorist attacks.
  • Studying the effectiveness of border security measures in combating terrorism.
  • Examining the ethics of targeted drone strikes in counterterrorism efforts.

Victimology

  • The impact of victim-blaming attitudes on reporting rates of sexual assault.
  • Exploring the psychological effects of victimization.
  • Analyzing the role of victim support services in aiding recovery.
  • Investigating the link between domestic violence and homelessness.
  • Studying the effectiveness of restorative justice practices for victims.
  • Understanding the role of trauma-informed care for victims.
  • Exploring the impact of victim compensation programs.
  • Analyzing the prevalence of revictimization among survivors.
  • Investigating the role of victim-offender mediation in reducing trauma.
  • Examining the experiences of marginalized victims within the criminal justice system.

Gender and Crime

  • The impact of gender stereotypes on sentencing outcomes.
  • Exploring the link between masculinity and violent crime.
  • Analyzing the role of gender in shaping criminal opportunities.
  • Investigating the prevalence of intimate partner violence against men.
  • Examining the experiences of transgender individuals within the criminal justice system.
  • Understanding the role of gender in white-collar crime.
  • Exploring the intersection of race, gender, and crime.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of gender-responsive programming for female offenders.
  • Investigating the link between gender identity and hate crimes.
  • Examining the role of gender in criminal victimization experiences.

Race and Crime

  • The influence of racial profiling on policing practices.
  • Exploring the link between race and sentencing disparities.
  • Analyzing the role of systemic racism in contributing to crime rates.
  • Investigating the prevalence of hate crimes against racial minorities.
  • Examining the experiences of Indigenous peoples within the criminal justice system.
  • Understanding the impact of racial segregation on crime.
  • Exploring the intersection of race, poverty, and crime.
  • Analyzing the role of race in shaping perceptions of criminality.
  • Investigating the effectiveness of diversity training for law enforcement.
  • Examining the experiences of racial minorities as crime victims.

Policing and Law Enforcement

  • The influence of body-worn cameras on police behavior.
  • Exploring the effectiveness of predictive policing algorithms.
  • Analyzing the role of police discretion in shaping law enforcement outcomes.
  • Investigating the prevalence of police brutality and accountability measures.
  • Examining the impact of community-oriented policing initiatives.
  • Understanding the role of police unions in shaping department policies.
  • Exploring the use of technology in crime mapping and analysis.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of de-escalation training for police officers.
  • Investigating the role of implicit bias in police interactions.
  • Examining the impact of police militarization on community relations.

Criminal Behavior Theories

  • The impact of strain theory on understanding criminal behavior.
  • Exploring the role of social learning theory in juvenile delinquency.
  • Analyzing the influence of biological theories on criminal behavior.
  • Investigating the relevance of rational choice theory in explaining white-collar crime.
  • Examining the role of labeling theory in shaping criminal identities.
  • Understanding the impact of control theory on crime prevention strategies.
  • Exploring the intersection of feminist theory and criminology.
  • Analyzing the relevance of routine activities theory in cybercrime.
  • Investigating the role of social disorganization theory in understanding neighborhood crime.
  • Examining the influence of psychoanalytic theories on criminal profiling.

Comparative Criminology

  • The impact of cultural differences on crime rates.
  • Exploring the effectiveness of different legal systems in combating crime.
  • Analyzing the role of globalization in transnational crime.
  • Investigating the prevalence of human trafficking in different regions.
  • Examining the effectiveness of drug policies in different countries.
  • Understanding the impact of political instability on crime rates.
  • Exploring the role of corruption in facilitating organized crime.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in different cultural contexts.
  • Investigating the prevalence of honor crimes in different societies.
  • Examining the role of religion in shaping attitudes towards crime.

Environmental Criminology

  • The impact of urban design on crime rates.
  • Studying the significance of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED).
  • Analyzing the role of natural landscapes in preventing crime.
  • Investigating the impact of lighting on crime in public spaces.
  • Examining the role of surveillance in deterring criminal activity.
  • Understanding the influence of architecture on criminal behavior.
  • Exploring the impact of weather on crime patterns.
  • Analyzing the role of public transportation in facilitating crime.
  • Investigating the effectiveness of neighborhood revitalization efforts in reducing crime.
  • Examining the influence of housing policies on neighborhood safety.

Criminal Profiling and Forensics

  • The impact of offender profiling on criminal investigations.
  • Exploring the reliability of forensic evidence in court.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of DNA databases in solving cold cases.
  • Investigating the role of forensic psychology in criminal profiling.
  • Examining the ethics of using familial DNA searching.
  • Understanding the limitations of eyewitness testimony in court.
  • Exploring the use of forensic linguistics in criminal investigations.
  • Analyzing the role of digital forensics in cybercrime investigations.
  • Investigating the effectiveness of geographic profiling techniques.
  • Examining the impact of forensic anthropology on missing persons cases.

Drugs and Crime

  • The influence of drug legalization on crime rates.
  • Exploring the role of drug trafficking organizations in organized crime.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of harm reduction strategies in reducing drug-related crime.
  • Investigating the link between substance abuse and property crime.
  • Examining the impact of drug courts on recidivism rates.
  • Understanding the role of addiction in driving criminal behavior.
  • Analyzing the impact of drug policy on marginalized communities.
  • Investigating the prevalence of prescription drug abuse and crime.
  • Examining the role of drug treatment programs in reducing criminal recidivism.

Human Trafficking

  • The impact of globalization on human trafficking patterns.
  • Exploring the role of organized crime in human trafficking networks.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of anti-trafficking laws and policies.
  • Investigating the link between human trafficking and other forms of exploitation.
  • Examining the role of technology in combating human trafficking.
  • Understanding the experiences of human trafficking survivors.
  • Exploring the intersection of migration and human trafficking.
  • Analyzing the role of demand in driving human trafficking.
  • Investigating the effectiveness of victim identification and support programs.
  • Examining the impact of cultural attitudes on human trafficking.

Organized Crime

  • The impact of globalization on the expansion of organized crime networks.
  • Exploring the role of cybercrime in organized criminal enterprises.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of law enforcement strategies against organized crime.
  • Investigating the connection between organized crime and terrorism.
  • Examining the role of corruption in facilitating organized crime activities.
  • Understanding the structure and hierarchy of organized crime groups.
  • Exploring the impact of drug trafficking on organized crime syndicates.
  • Analyzing the role of money laundering in legitimizing criminal proceeds.
  • Investigating the use of violence and coercion in organized crime operations.
  • Examining the role of technology in disrupting organized crime networks.

Prisons and Incarceration

  • The influence of mass incarceration on communities of color.
  • Exploring the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in prison.
  • Analyzing the role of privatization in the prison industrial complex.
  • Investigating the link between mental illness and incarceration rates.
  • Examining the impact of solitary confinement on mental health.
  • Understanding the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in prison.
  • Exploring the effectiveness of reentry programs for ex-offenders.
  • Analyzing the role of education and vocational training in reducing recidivism.
  • Investigating the prevalence of overcrowding in prisons.
  • Examining the ethics of for-profit prison systems.

Restorative Justice

  • The impact of restorative justice practices on victims and offenders.
  • Exploring the role of community involvement in restorative justice processes.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of restorative justice in cases of intimate partner violence.
  • Investigating the cultural considerations in implementing restorative justice.
  • Examining the role of restorative justice in addressing historical injustices.
  • Understanding the impact of restorative justice on recidivism rates.
  • Exploring the role of restorative justice in cases involving juvenile offenders.
  • Analyzing the challenges of implementing restorative justice in rural communities.
  • Investigating the effectiveness of restorative justice in cases of hate crimes.
  • Examining the ethical considerations of restorative justice practices.

Factors To Consider When Selecting a Criminology Research Topic

Here are some factors to consider when picking a criminology research topic:

  • Importance – Choose a topic that matters today, is socially important, and will add useful information to criminology. Look at issues people are talking about in the media.
  • Interest – Pick a topic you find really interesting and will enjoy researching. Your excitement will show in your work.
  • Doable – Make sure the topic can be researched well in the time you have, with the data you can access, and follow ethical rules. Avoid topics that are too broad.
  • New – Try to provide new insights or a fresh viewpoint. Look at existing research to find gaps you can help fill.
  • Meaningful – Choose a topic that can potentially improve criminological knowledge, theory, or practice importantly.
  • Methods – Match the topic to research methods you know or want to learn, like statistical analysis, interviews, etc.
  • Sources – Consider access to articles, datasets, people to interview, etc. Can you find good information sources?
  • Audience – Keep your intended readers in mind. Adjust the scope and approach to give useful information to academics, policymakers, practitioners, etc.

Tips for Conducting Criminology Research

Here are some tips for doing criminology research:

  • Get organized – Make a plan for your research steps and deadlines. Keep your notes, sources, and documents in order.
  • Review existing research – Read and analyze other studies about your topic to find gaps, debates, and theories to build on.
  • Choose suitable methods – Pick research methods like surveys, interviews, field studies, or crime data analysis that match your research questions.
  • Follow ethical rules – Get approval for your research plan. Protect participant privacy and anonymity.
  • Find quality sources – Use scholarly journals, crime databases, court records, and trustworthy sources for good data and information.
  • Analyze data carefully – Use appropriate qualitative or statistical techniques to analyze your data and draw valid conclusions.
  • Make persuasive arguments – Interpret your findings to make evidence-based arguments that address your research questions.
  • Write clearly – Use academic but understandable language. Explain terminology. Use an organized structure.
  • Note limitations – Identify limits of your methods, data sources, and ability to determine causation. Suggest future research.
  • Proofread thoroughly – Check for typos, grammar issues, consistent formatting, and complete citations.
  • Share your research – Present at conferences, publish articles or apply findings to inform criminology practice.

Final Remarks

To wrap up, our journey through criminology research has been an exciting exploration of the complex world of crime and solutions. We’ve discovered exciting areas like criminal behavior, prevention, the justice system, and theories by seeing how important it is to pick the right topic.

Remember, your research can help shape real-world policies and practices. As you explore this changing field, connect with experts, use reliable sources, and follow your curiosity. 

A criminology is a powerful tool for positive change, and your work can impact our understanding of crime. Keep exploring, stay curious, and let your criminology research journey unfold! I’m glad we could explore these meaningful topics in a straightforward, easy-to-grasp way.

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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.  

Criminology Research Topics

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  

Human Resources Topics

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.  

Trending Criminology Research Paper Topics

  • Describe how a region’s topography and season affect crime.
  • Crime control and UK immigration policy are key topics.
  • Analyze both the immediate and long-term benefits of crime prevention.
  • Crime lowers poverty: a qualitative analysis.
  • The use of biotechnology and the internet environment to handle crime in the UK
  • How are those who are caught in a trap condemned to a life of crime? mixed-method data.
  • In the US, criminologists are obliged to complete training and academic requirements.
  • Influence of urban environment on criminal behavior
  • Describe how using alcohol and other addictive substances (such heroin, cocaine, and LSD) causes young people to commit crimes.
  • Nature, psychology, and treatment of serial murderers

Get Research Paper Writing Help Online  

We hope you have identified a perfect criminology research topic for your law assignments. In case, you still haven’t found a good topic or need help with criminology research paper topic selection, writing, and editing, then reach out to us quickly. We have well-experienced thesis writers who are experts in the field of criminology, law, and criminal justice to assist you in completing your criminology dissertation or thesis.   

Our ultimate aim is to provide valid solutions for all the academic paper writing issues you experience. So, without any hesitation, try to earn more benefits by availing of our affordable research paper writing services online . We not only offer help for criminology but also provide high-quality assistance with other subject assignments as well.  

To use our academic paper writing services, simply share your requirements with us. Based on what you have shared with us, we will prepare and deliver you a plagiarism-free, top-notch research paper, dissertation, or thesis, without skipping the submission date. Additionally, we will also help you by offering 24/7 customer chat support and endless paper edits.  

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80 Criminology Research Topics

FacebookXEmailWhatsAppRedditPinterestLinkedInIf you are a student passionate about understanding the complexities of crime and its impact on society, your search for compelling research topics in criminology ends here. As you embark on your academic journey, we present you with a comprehensive list of criminology research topics catering to undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. Criminology, a multifaceted […]

criminology research topics

If you are a student passionate about understanding the complexities of crime and its impact on society, your search for compelling research topics in criminology ends here. As you embark on your academic journey, we present you with a comprehensive list of criminology research topics catering to undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels.

Criminology, a multifaceted discipline, delves into the causes, consequences, and prevention of criminal behaviour. From exploring the psychology behind criminal motivations to analyzing the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs, these topics offer a wide range of opportunities for in-depth inquiry. Whether you seek to shed light on emerging trends in cybercrime or to uncover the dynamics of criminal justice policies, our list aims to ignite your curiosity and guide you towards a research path that aligns with your interests and aspirations. Let these thought-provoking topics inspire you as you delve into the captivating world of criminology and make valuable contributions to the field. So, let us embark on this intellectual journey together as you embark on a scholarly exploration of criminology’s intriguing dimensions.

A List Of Potential Research Topics In Criminology:

  • Analyzing the effectiveness of community policing in reducing crime rates.
  • Understanding the implications of privatization in correctional facilities and criminal justice services.
  • A comprehensive review of white-collar crime: theories, patterns, and detection.
  • Understanding the role of social media in facilitating gang activities in the UK.
  • The role of social disorganization and covid-19 on neighbourhood crime patterns.
  • A systematic review of criminal profiling techniques and their validity in an investigation.
  • The role of technology and social media in organized crime activities during COVID-19.
  • The effectiveness of community-based corrections: a critical review of recidivism outcomes.
  • Analyzing the use of technology in policing strategies: lessons from UK law enforcement.
  • The impact of COVID-19 on the prison system: challenges and policy implications.
  • Analyzing the relationship between mental health and criminal justice system: a review.
  • Exploring the role of cybercrime during the COVID-19 lockdown: trends and challenges.
  • A critical review of criminal justice policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Understanding the psychological factors behind serial offenders and crime spree patterns.
  • The influence of drug decriminalization policies on drug-related crimes in the UK.
  • The role of technology in modernizing criminal justice systems: benefits and challenges.
  • Investigating the impact of COVID-19 on crime rates and criminal justice responses.
  • The role of family structure in juvenile offending and delinquency.
  • Investigating the influence of social media on gang culture and criminal activities.
  • The influence of public opinion on criminal justice policies: a UK case study.
  • The role of sentencing policies in criminal justice disparities.
  • The relationship between childhood trauma and criminal behaviour: a longitudinal study.
  • Examining the dynamics of human trafficking: causes, consequences, and countermeasures.
  • Analyzing the effects of gang injunctions on gang activities in UK cities.To covid-19.
  • Understanding the role of social media in criminal behaviour and online activism.
  • The role of community engagement in crime prevention during the pandemic.
  • Investigating the intersection of race, class, and crime: a multidimensional approach.
  • Understanding the effect of COVID-19 on gang activities and recruitment.
  • Understanding the connection between mental health and criminal behaviour during the pandemic.
  • A comprehensive review of restorative justice programs: evaluating effectiveness and challenges.
  • Analyzing the impact of COVID-19 on juvenile delinquency and youth justice systems.
  • Analyzing the impact of mass incarceration on communities and social inequalities.
  • The role of environmental factors in shaping criminal behaviour: a geospatial analysis.
  • Understanding the dynamics of knife crime in London: a case study analysis.
  • Examining the impact of neighbourhood characteristics on crime patterns: a literature review.
  • The effectiveness of prison rehabilitation programs in reducing recidivism in the UK.
  • The effectiveness of hate crime legislation in addressing bias-motivated offences.
  • The impact of cybercrime on society: trends, challenges, and prevention strategies.
  • Exploring the psychology of white-collar criminals: motivations and rationalizations.
  • Examining the relationship between pandemic-related stressors and criminal offending.
  • Investigating the effectiveness of restorative justice programs in promoting rehabilitation and healing.
  • Investigating the link between human rights violations and state crimes.
  • Reviewing the role of technology in advancing crime investigation and policing strategies.
  • The effect of COVID-19 on domestic violence incidents and interventions.
  • Reviewing the influence of media representations on perceptions of crime and criminals.
  • Examining the impact of COVID-19 on criminal justice responses in the UK.
  • Analyzing the use of forensic evidence in solving cold cases and unsolved crimes.
  • The influence of substance abuse on recidivism rates: a comparative study.
  • Investigating the impact of body-worn cameras on police-citizen interactions.
  • Analyzing the use of technology in criminal investigations and law enforcement.
  • The impact of COVID-19 on crime rates: a comparative analysis of pre and post-pandemic periods.
  • Understanding the impact of gun control policies on crime rates.
  • Investigating the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in reducing recidivism.
  • Reviewing the efficacy of gun control policies in reducing gun violence.
  • Understanding the role of gender in criminal offending and victimization.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures in preventing cybercrime: a review.
  • Understanding the implications of COVID-19 on recidivism and reentry programs.
  • The impact of COVID-19 on human trafficking and exploitation.
  • A critical review of mass incarceration and its socioeconomic consequences.
  • Exploring the link between mental health and juvenile delinquency.
  • Analyzing the role of media portrayals in shaping public perceptions of crime and criminals.
  • The influence of gang culture on youth criminalization and membership dynamics.
  • Exploring the effects of COVID-19 on cybersecurity and digital crimes.
  • Reviewing the use of predictive policing algorithms in crime prevention: ethics and implications.
  • Analyzing the impact of racial bias in criminal justice systems.
  • Exploring the role of CCTV surveillance in crime prevention and investigation in the UK.
  • Understanding the relationship between economic inequality and crime.
  • Exploring the relationship between COVID-19 lockdowns and environmental crime.
  • Analyzing the impact of drug policy reforms on crime rates: a systematic literature review.
  • Examining the impact of the economic downturn on property crime rates during the pandemic.
  • Analyzing the relationship between economic inequality and crime rates in the UK.
  • Exploring the relationship between immigration and crime: myths and realities.
  • Analyzing the changes in criminal justice policies and practices in response to the impact of police reforms on crime rates and community perceptions in the UK.
  • Exploring the relationship between drug legalization and crime rates.
  • A systematic review of human trafficking interventions: lessons from global efforts.
  • The influence of COVID-19 on hate crimes and bias-motivated offences.
  • The impact of Brexit on cross-border crime and criminal justice cooperation in the UK.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of early intervention programs in preventing juvenile delinquency.
  • Analyzing the effects of COVID-19 on restorative justice and victim-offender mediation programs.
  • Analyzing the social implications of criminal records on reentry and employment opportunities.

This comprehensive list offers compelling research topics for criminology students at all degree levels. From exploring the impact of technology on crime investigation to studying the influence of social media on gang activities, these themes provide abundant opportunities for in-depth inquiry and analysis. Whether you are pursuing an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degree, choosing a research topic that aligns with your interests and objectives is essential for a successful dissertation journey. Delve into the captivating world of criminology, contribute to understanding complex issues, and pave the way for positive change in criminal justice systems. Best of luck as you embark on your dissertation writing and research endeavours!

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Criminal justice research paper topics

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If you landed on this blog, chances are you are looking for engaging criminal justice research paper topics. This intricate field is brimming with potential subjects, yet not all of them lend themselves to effective research. So, how to navigate this sea of possibilities, you would ask. Fear not, as our dedicated online essay writer team has done all the heavy lifting for you. Check out these criminal justice topics for a research paper, each providing a different perspective.

What Are Criminal Justice Research Topics?

Criminal justice is the branch of law that focuses on punishing those who break the law and preventing others from doing so. It consists of criminal and civil justice systems, which are responsible for investigating, prosecuting, and resolving legal disputes.

With this in mind, criminal justice research topics can include a wide variety of both theoretical and empirical aspects ranging from crime prevention strategies to prison reform. Some other examples of criminal justice topics include types of crime, corrections and rehabilitation, law enforcement and policing, social control theories, sentencing policies, and more.

Characteristics of Good Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

Beginning your study without a properly selected criminal justice topic can steer you off course. For this reason, you should consider topics that satisfy the following criteria:

  • Relevance Do some research to determine if your topic is timely and relevant to the field of criminal justice.
  • Engagement You should select not only easy research paper topics for criminal justice, but also those that you find interesting.
  • Scope Make sure your topic is not too broad or narrow for the scope of your project.
  • Accessibility Ensure you can find enough reliable sources for research and support your thesis.
  • Debate Is the criminal justice topic for research papers controversial or open for discussion? This can make a paper much more meaningful.

How to Choose a Criminal Justice Research Topic?

Once you understand the criteria for great criminology topics for research, it’s time to consider potential ideas. Follow these steps to get you on the right track:

  • Understand your interests Start by identifying your interests within criminology. Reflect on the courses, lectures, or readings that sparked your curiosity.
  • Identify current issues Stay up-to-date with recent developments in the field. Read scholarly articles, news reports, and policy papers to recognize burning topics.
  • Polish Narrow down your selection by researching what’s already been completed in the field.
  • Investigate Research each of your refined topics in criminal justice to determine whether there is enough reliable data. Can you access necessary records, reports, or subjects for investigation?
  • Finalize your topic After considering the above factors, make your final choice.

Remember that you can always rely on our professional online research paper writers . We have experts holding a Ph.D. degree in law and having a solid track record in writing academic works on different criminology research paper topics.

List of Top Criminal Justice Research Topics

Below we have curated a list of current criminological research topics, each unique as a fingerprint. Our paper writers did their best to tailor this assortment to unique research needs. Every topic on this list allows us to delve deeper into the many faces of criminal justice, whether it's a question about modern technology's role or an investigation into longstanding procedures.

  • Analyzing the influence of social media on modern crime reporting.
  • Investigating the role of body cameras in policing: Are they legit tools or privacy invaders?
  • How mandatory sentencing laws contribute to the issue of prison overcrowding.
  • Are we ready for cybercrime, the invisible threat of our era?
  • Understanding the root causes of hate crimes and potential preventive measures.
  • Delving into recidivism rates to evaluate the success of rehabilitation programs.
  • Significant role of forensic science in contemporary law enforcement.
  • Re-evaluating the ethics of the death penalty in today's society.
  • Is community policing a passing trend or a lasting solution?
  • Should victimless crimes fall under the purview of the criminal justice system?
  • How domestic violence laws affect family structures.
  • Probing into racial profiling practices in law enforcement.
  • Juvenile justice system: a struggle between rehabilitation and punishment.
  • Eyewitness testimony: A reliable source of evidence or a roll of the dice?
  • Can restorative justice be an effective alternative to traditional criminal justice methods?

Good Criminal Justice Research Topics

As any seasoned expert would confirm, the foundation of a good investigation, or in our case, a study, is built on a robust subject. Our team has scoured the scene and discovered ten topics, each as unique as a detective's case and rich with resources for a comprehensive study. Ranging from law enforcement techniques to judicial practices, these topics are versatile, offering you a broad spectrum to explore.

  • Developing strategies to prevent and prosecute human trafficking.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of drug courts in managing substance abuse offenders.
  • Crafting successful crime prevention strategies for high crime neighborhoods.
  • Gun control laws and rates of violent crime: Correlational study .
  • How does socioeconomic status influence criminal behavior?
  • The interplay between drug abuse and criminal activity.
  • Decoding the effectiveness of parole systems: are they working as intended?
  • Is immigration tied to crime rates? A fresh look.
  • The impact of disparities in legal representation on judicial outcomes.
  • The use of lie detector tests in law enforcement: are they beneficial or problematic?
  • The influence of the #MeToo movement on the evolution of sexual assault laws.
  • Why is crisis intervention training critical for today's police officers?
  • Does the 'Three Strikes' law deter crime? An empirical investigation.
  • The role of mass media in shaping public perception of crime.
  • Why is victim advocacy important in the criminal justice system?

Easy Criminal Justice Research Topics

If you are a novice researcher, the range of topics might seem intimidating. Don’t worry — here we present criminal justice paper topics that will provide an easy start for your study.

  • How law enforcement plays a role in ensuring community safety?
  • Delving into the workings of the juvenile justice system.
  • Fine line between privacy and security in modern surveillance practices.
  • What happens when drug use is decriminalized? An in-depth study.
  • What are some parameters of police brutality?
  • White-collar crime and its ripple effects on the economy.
  • An exploration of the psychological factors driving criminal behavior.
  • Challenges faced in rehabilitating prisoners: A comprehensive review.
  • How does education contribute to crime prevention strategies?
  • Is the bail system fair? An analysis.
  • How do crime-themed TV shows influence public perception of the criminal justice system?
  • What are some implications of overpopulation in prisons?
  • Unmasking cybercrime: Its impact on individuals and businesses.
  • Domestic violence: Understanding its causes, consequences, and potential solutions.
  • How is social media reshaping modern law enforcement practices?

General Criminal Justice Research Topics

Tackling a criminal justice research paper is never an easy feat. To help you make this process smoother, here are some common topics for a criminal justice paper. Feel free to make them your own or explore these ideas further.

  • How do socioeconomic factors influence crime rates?
  • A comprehensive review of alternative sentencing methods.
  • The impact of media bias on public perception of crime.
  • Analyzing the causes and effects of wrongful convictions.
  • How does neighborhood environment contribute to crime rates?
  • The pros and cons of private prisons: An objective analysis.
  • The role of victim advocacy in the criminal justice system.
  • Examining the trend of cyberbullying and its legal consequences.
  • What influences jurors' decisions? An exploration.
  • The efficacy of gun control laws in reducing violent crime.
  • A comparative study of criminal justice systems across the world.
  • Uncovering the impact of organized crime on society.
  • The evolution of women's role in law enforcement.
  • Human rights issues within the criminal justice system.
  • Modern surveillance techniques.

Interesting Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

Are you looking for something more unconventional? Don’t worry, we have you covered. Here are some interesting criminal justice topics for research papers that your professors will surely appreciate.

  • Psychology of serial killers: nature vs. nurture.
  • How can artificial intelligence help in predicting and preventing crime?
  • Unmasking the dark web: Its influence on cybercrime rates.
  • How forensic science has revolutionized crime-solving.
  • The impact of drug decriminalization on crime rates: A case study .
  • Analyzing the true effectiveness of crime profiling in solving cases.
  • How does prison architecture influence inmate behavior and rehabilitation?
  • The role of cryptocurrency in facilitating online crime.
  • True crime podcasts and their impact on public perception of criminal justice.
  • The impact of climate change on crime rates.
  • Examining the intersection between immigration law and criminal justice.
  • The role of cultural factors in shaping crime rates globally.
  • How social media is used in solving crimes: An exploration.
  • How can virtual reality technology be used for training in law enforcement?
  • Crime and justice in dystopian literature: Its implications on society.

Controversial Criminal Justice Research Topics

While the field of criminal justice holds a vast array of researchable areas, it's often in controversy where the most thought-provoking discussions arise. To spark your creative juices, here are some debatable topics for a criminal justice research paper.

  • Ethical dilemmas of entrapment in law enforcement.
  • Is racial profiling a necessary evil or an unfair practice?
  • Potential consequences of full-scale drug legalization.
  • Using torture in interrogations: An ethical necessity or a grave misstep?
  • Solitary confinement: An effective deterrent or a practice of inhumanity?
  • Where does the debate stand on stricter gun control laws?
  • Analyzing implications of mass surveillance on personal privacy.
  • Restorative justice versus retributive justice: Which proves to be more effective?
  • Controversy surrounding the privatization of prisons.
  • How does socioeconomic status play a role in sentencing?
  • Implications and effects of sentencing minors as adults.
  • Dissecting the controversial practice of criminal profiling.
  • Police militarization: A necessary protection or an instance of excessive force?
  • What are the effects of false accusations on public trust in law enforcement?
  • Is it ethical to use lie detectors and voice stress analysis for criminal investigations?

>> Read more: Law Research Paper Topics

Unique Criminal Justice Research Topics Ideas

Are you all set to write your paper but can’t seem to find an authentic topic? Look no further — here are some unique criminal justice topics to write about.

  • Graffiti: Is it vandalism or expression?
  • The role of body language in lie detection.
  • What is the impact of parental incarceration on child development?
  • How do video games influence youth criminal behavior?
  • Crime in space: Who holds legal jurisdiction and how is law enforcement managed extraterrestrially?
  • Understanding the role of cryptocurrency in money laundering.
  • How does social media influence jury bias?
  • Fashion and crime: How does clothing play a role in criminal identification?
  • Evaluating the impact of Covid-19 on domestic violence rates.
  • What has caused the rise of eco-terrorism and what are its consequences?
  • How does pop culture influence youth criminal behavior?
  • Examining the impact of virtual reality on the future of law enforcement training.
  • Animal rights and criminal justice: What laws and ethical questions need exploration?
  • Has dark tourism had an impact on crime rates in famous crime sites?
  • What are some implications of overcrowding and overpopulation in prisons?

Criminology Research Topics

Criminology, the scientific study of crime, criminal behavior, and the law, presents a world of fascinating subjects ripe for exploration. From analyzing the psychology behind criminal acts to examining the social factors influencing crime rates, criminology research offers multiple issues for consideration. Scroll down to find the best research topics for criminology.

Criminology Research Topics Based on Theories

Theories offer a backbone to any field of study, and criminology is no exception. They help to explain why crimes occur and what factors contribute to them. With a theoretical framework , we can dissect the complexities of crime from a fresh, intriguing perspective. Below you can find criminal law research topics grounded in theories.

  • Exploring the impact of the Broken Windows Theory on modern law enforcement.
  • How does Social Learning Theory apply to cybercrime?
  • Understanding the influence of Labeling Theory on youth crime rates.
  • Application of Rational Choice Theory to drug use.
  • Why do people obey the law? An exploration of Social Control Theory.
  • How does gender influence crime?
  • The intersection of Routine Activity Theory and domestic burglary.
  • Biosocial Theory and the nature vs nurture debate in criminology.
  • How does Cultural Criminology influence hate crimes?
  • Class and crime: A perspective from Marxist Criminology.
  • Unpacking the influence of Social Disorganization Theory on community crime rates.
  • Is serial killing explained by General Strain Theory?
  • Differential Association Theory: a pathway to understanding gang violence.
  • What role does Neutralization Theory play in juvenile delinquency?
  • Does the Deterrence Theory hold true? Does fear of punishment prevent crime?

Criminology Research and Measurement Topics

Equipped with advanced data collection methods, a criminologist can use quantitative research to measure the impact of various criminological phenomena. Here are some interesting criminal justice topics for exploring law through exploration and measurement.

  • Evaluating the accuracy of crime rate statistics.
  • How effective are crime prediction models?
  • Understanding crime patterns using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
  • Data analytics in modern crime investigation.
  • How do victim surveys contribute to our understanding of crime?
  • What are some implications of the dark figure of crime on criminology research?
  • Quantitative methods for analyzing juvenile crime trends.
  • Measuring the effectiveness of community policing strategies.
  • How does measurement error impact crime statistics?
  • Evaluating the reliability and validity of self-report crime surveys.
  • Understanding domestic violence through qualitative research methods .
  • The use of longitudinal studies in crime causation research.
  • Using artificial intelligence to predict crime hotspots.
  • The role of ethnographic studies in understanding gang culture.
  • The impact of biased sampling on crime research findings.

International Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

As our world becomes more interconnected, understanding the complexities of international criminal justice is paramount. The pursuit of justice without borders is not just a theoretical exercise; it's a call to shape a fairer society on a global scale. We've curated a list of compelling international criminal justice topics to write a paper on.

  • How effective are International Criminal Courts?
  • Exploring the challenges of transnational crime in the age of globalization.
  • The role of the United Nations in maintaining international law and order.
  • Genocide and crimes against humanity: How effective is the international response?
  • What are some legal and ethical implications of drone warfare?
  • The impact of international law on combating terrorism.
  • Cross-border data privacy and international criminal justice.
  • Evolution and effectiveness of international humanitarian law.
  • How does international law address state-sponsored terrorism?
  • International maritime law and piracy: How effective are the current measures?
  • Evaluating the role of the International Criminal Court in the prosecution of war crimes.
  • Evolution and impact of international laws on human trafficking.
  • Analyzing international laws concerning the use of nuclear weapons.
  • The extradition process: Challenges and implications for international criminal justice.
  • International laws governing cyber warfare.

Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics on Society

How does law shape and get shaped by societal norms and attitudes? That's what we aim to explore in this section. We've compiled a list of good research topics for criminal justice, each one illuminating the link between law and society.

  • How does media representation affect public perception of crime?
  • Societal impacts of prison overcrowding.
  • How does education level influence criminal behavior?
  • Does socioeconomic status influence judicial outcomes?
  • How do societal attitudes towards drugs shape drug laws?
  • The role of community support in offender rehabilitation.
  • Social consequences of racial profiling.
  • Does neighborhood environment influence youth criminal behavior?
  • How does social stigma impact ex-convicts' reintegration into society?
  • What is the social impact of zero-tolerance policies in schools?
  • How does society perceive and react to "victimless crimes"?
  • Social repercussions of wrongful convictions.
  • How do social media platforms contribute to or prevent crime?
  • Effects of implementing restorative justice.
  • How does media bias influence public opinion on criminal justice?

>> Learn more: Sociology Research Topics

Research Topics in Criminal Justice System

In this section, we will investigate the criminal justice system and its various facets. Explore these research topics for criminal justice to gain a better understanding of how the law system works.

  • Analyzing the role of police discretion in modern policing.
  • The impact of plea bargaining on the criminal justice system.
  • How has gentrification impacted crime rates?
  • What role does prison system play in perpetuating social inequality?
  • How does the school-to-prison pipeline affect youth?
  • Are crime rates influenced by climate change?
  • The opioid crisis: What is its effect on the criminal justice system?
  • How effective are sex offender registries?
  • Are predictive analytics a viable tool for police departments?
  • What is the justice system's response to online hate crimes?
  • Do DNA databases pose a threat to privacy and civil liberties?
  • The role of the criminal justice system in addressing homelessness.
  • How is virtual reality changing forensic investigations?
  • How is the aging inmate population affecting the prison system?
  • Is blockchain technology a viable solution for crime prevention?

Criminal Justice Research Topics on Types of Crime

This section focuses on the various types of crime and criminal behavior. Get to know the key issues concerning different categories of crime with these suggested criminal justice topics for an essay and research paper.

  • The rise of cybercrime: causes, impacts, and responses.
  • A comprehensive study of hate crimes in the 21st century.
  • Evolution of organized crime: From prohibition to cyber syndicates.
  • Human trafficking: Examining modern-day slave trades.
  • Domestic violence: Hidden costs and societal impacts.
  • Understanding the trends and impacts of drug-related crimes.
  • An examination of terrorism in the post-9/11 era.
  • Corporate crimes: Analysis of impacts and regulatory measures.
  • Wildlife crimes and their impact on biodiversity.
  • Cyberbullying: Understanding its psychological effects and legal repercussions.
  • What drives the high rates of recidivism in property crimes?
  • Identity theft in the digital age: Impacts and preventive measures.
  • Intellectual property crimes: How are they impacting innovation?
  • Psychology behind serial killings.
  • Financial crimes in the era of cryptocurrencies.

>> Read more: Psychology Research Topics

Criminal Justice Research Topics About Court Cases

This section highlights some of the most significant court cases in criminal justice history. Pick any one of these criminal justice topics to research a legal precedent or event.

  • Analysis of court cases that have influenced capital punishment policies.
  • A review of major court cases that transformed juvenile justice.
  • Analysis of court cases addressing the rights of crime victims.
  • Roe v. Wade and its implications for abortion law in the US.
  • Miranda v Arizona: A landmark decision that redefined police interrogations.
  • Gideon v Wainwright: The landmark case that guaranteed the right to counsel.
  • Engle v Vitale: Examining effects of this important school prayer ruling.
  • The trial of Socrates and its influence on philosophical thought.
  • Schenck v United States: Exploring free speech rights during wartime.
  • Marbury v Madison: Analyzing impacts of judicial review on US law.
  • Katz v US: Exploring the Fourth Amendment's protection of privacy.
  • The impact of Brown v Board of Education on civil rights in America.
  • United States v Nixon: Examining the president's right to executive privilege.
  • Examining legal implications of Terry v Ohio and stop-and-frisk policies.
  • Griswold v Connecticut: Analyzing the effects of a birth control ruling.

Criminal Justice Research Topics on Racism & Discrimination

Below we offer to explore the complex relationship between racism and criminal justice. Select any of these trending ideas for criminal justice research papers and essays.

  • The intersection of race and capital punishment.
  • An analysis of racial disparities in sentencing.
  • How do racial biases influence jury selection?
  • The impact of "stop and frisk" policies on communities of color.
  • Is there racial discrimination in the bail system?
  • Immigration enforcement and allegations of racial profiling.
  • Racial disparities in the juvenile justice system.
  • The influence of racial bias in death penalty cases.
  • Race and the war on drugs.
  • Racial discrimination in the implementation of three strikes laws.
  • Impact of police brutality on racial minorities.
  • Racism and its influence on probation decisions.
  • Ethnic disparities in the enforcement of hate crime legislation.
  • The relationship between neighborhood racial composition and police use of force.
  • Racial bias in risk assessment tools.

Research Topics in Criminal Justice for Ph.D.

If you are searching for PhD-level topics related to criminal justice, go no further. Choose any of the following criminal justice research proposal topics for your doctoral dissertation or thesis project.

  • Rehabilitation programs for incarcerated veterans.
  • Cyber forensics: New frontiers in solving crime.
  • An exploration of crime among the elderly population: Hidden statistics.
  • The impact of evolving technologies on intellectual property crime.
  • Impact of climate change on global crime patterns: An empirical analysis.
  • Criminology of anonymous cybercrime.
  • Understanding crime among indigenous populations: A comparative study.
  • An evaluation of crime reporting systems in smart cities.
  • The role of public transportation design in crime occurrence.
  • Cybercrime legislation across different jurisdictions.
  • Migration and crime: A quantitative study.
  • Complexities of dealing with organized crime syndicates.
  • Economic globalization and transnational crime patterns.
  • Correlation between drug abuse and crime rates: Longitudinal study.
  • Ethical implications of predictive policing.

Criminal Justice Research Questions

If you need to come up with a research question for criminal justice, here are a few ideas. These criminal justice issue topics can come in handy for both college students and university graduates.

  • How does technology within law enforcement agencies impact crime rates?
  • How effective are neighborhood watch programs in deterring crime?
  • What is the impact of drug decriminalization on crime rates?
  • What factors influence the success rate of exonerations?
  • How does the portrayal of law enforcement in the media influence public trust?
  • What is the effect of witness protection programs on successful prosecution rates?
  • How do the conditions of solitary confinement affect prisoner mental health?
  • How has the rise of online black markets changed the face of organized crime?
  • What role does family structure play in juvenile delinquency?
  • What is the impact of victim advocacy programs on the judicial process?
  • How have recent changes in immigration policy impacted crime rates?
  • What effect do right-to-carry laws have on violent crime rates?
  • How have digital forensics evolved to combat cybercrime?
  • To what extent does the militarization of police influence community relations?
  • How has the legalization of marijuana impacted crime rates in various states?

Bottom Line on Criminology Research Topics

We did our best to provide you with worthwhile ideas and topics to research in criminal justice. Whether you prefer to focus on psychological, sociological, legal, or organizational aspects of crime and justice, there are plenty of great research questions to choose from. Be sure to double-check any topic with your instructor before beginning your assignment. Likewise, you can consult with our experts to receive professional college paper writing service .

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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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Criminology Research Paper Topics

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.

iResearchNet Writing Services for Criminology Research Papers

iResearchNet is a leading provider of custom writing services for students in need of assistance with their criminology research papers. Our team of expert writers holds degrees in criminology and related fields, and are experienced in producing high-quality, original research papers tailored to your specific needs and requirements. With our writing services, you can rest assured that your paper will be written to the highest academic standards and delivered on time.

Features of our writing services include:

  • Expert degree-holding writers : Our team of writers consists of experts in the field of criminology, with advanced degrees and years of experience in writing and research.
  • Custom written works : All of our papers are written from scratch and tailored to your specific needs and requirements.
  • In-depth research : Our writers conduct thorough and comprehensive research using credible sources, ensuring that your paper is well-supported and based on the latest research in the field.
  • Custom formatting : We can format your paper in the citation style of your choice, including APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard.
  • Top quality : Our writers are committed to producing top-quality work that meets the highest academic standards.
  • Customized solutions : We work with you to develop a customized solution that meets your specific needs and requirements.
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Criminology offers a diverse and complex range of research paper topics that require careful consideration and planning to produce a successful paper. Students must choose a topic that is relevant, interesting, and manageable within the given assignment guidelines. Proper research, organization, and writing skills are necessary for crafting a high-quality criminology research paper that effectively addresses the chosen topic.

For students who may be struggling with the research and writing process, iResearchNet offers expert writing services from degree-holding writers with experience in the field of criminology. The company provides custom written works, in-depth research, and flexible pricing options to fit any budget. The company also guarantees timely delivery, 24/7 customer support, and absolute privacy and confidentiality of personal and academic information. By utilizing these services, students can achieve their academic goals and produce top-quality research papers that meet their individual needs and requirements.

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research titles for criminology students

research titles for criminology students

Criminal Justice Research Topics: 150 Ideas for Your Legal Essay

research titles for criminology students

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 for writing read guide of our research proposal writing service 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:

How to Choose a Good Research Topic Rules

  • 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. 

where search for criminal topics

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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The Top 10 Most Interesting Criminal Justice Research Topics

Are you writing a research paper and having a hard time finding good criminal justice research topics? Thankfully, we have compiled a list of 10 of the best criminal justice research paper topic ideas. We’ve also included several criminal justice research questions and examples of criminal justice research topics to help you write your best paper.

Criminal justice is a great field for both those wanting a greater understanding of the US justice system and those who want to know what it is like to be a lawyer . If you want to write the best criminal justice paper you can, this article is for you.

Find your bootcamp match

What makes a strong criminal justice research topic.

Strong criminal justice research papers consist of a focused question to answer and a specific area of criminal justice like forensic science, serial killers, substance abuse, sexual offenders, cyber criminology, corporate crime, juvenile justice, or criminal behavior. Most educational institutions have guidelines that must be followed for picking criminal justice topics for your criminology research paper, and this list will give you a great place to start researching.

Tips for Choosing a Criminal Justice Research Topic

  • Follow the guidelines of your institution. If you are studying criminal justice at any university like Loyola University, Cornell University, Walden University, or even Harvard University, your professor has probably given you guidelines to stick to.
  • Keep it focused. When you’re writing a criminal justice research paper it is best to keep a tight focus on your topic. Keep your research focused and remember to stay on task by using study tips, taking breaks, and improving on and practicing your writing skills daily.
  • Choose a narrow topic. When choosing your topic the scope of your criminal justice research paper mustn’t be too broad. Ask and answer one question or use one thesis statement that is clear and well-defined.
  • Choose a topic that is well-researched. When writing a paper on criminal justice, many topics are too new to have solid research. Pick a topic that has many cases related to it, or is focused on a common issue.
  • Choose a topic you are passionate about. There is nothing worse than being stuck writing about a topic you have no interest in. That’s why you should make sure your topic is something that you want to write about. If it ignites your passion, write about it.

What’s the Difference Between a Research Topic and a Research Question?

The difference between a research topic and a research question is that research topics are the broad area of study and research that is used to answer the research question. Research questions are what you are attempting to answer by researching your criminal justice topic.

Criminology topics can encompass areas of study like crime mapping, crime rates, crime prevention, female crimes, experimental criminology, homegrown crimes, or even criminal psychology. Research questions should be very narrow and like do certain criminal justice laws reduce crime? Do criminal justice practitioners engage in critical criminology? Does education in prison reduce reincarnation?

How to Create Strong Criminal Justice Research Questions

When writing a strong criminal justice research question you should ask three questions. Does this question have sufficient research to reference? Is the question narrow and focused? Am I passionate about this topic? If you ask these questions and use our guide to help you get started, you’ll be well on your way to writing a great criminal justice research paper.

Top 10 Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

1. bad living conditions and access to justice.

In the criminal justice system, sometimes where you live may have an impact on your access to justice. In 2011, the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against the City of Chicago alleging that the Chicago police department had slower response times in areas of the city with poor living conditions. The case was settled in 2021 with a plan to improve.

2. White-Collar Crimes Compared to Working-Class Criminals Punishments

White-collar crimes are generally finance-related crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, or money laundering. According to Cornell University School of Law, white-collar crime costs over $300 billion annually in the US. However, white-collar criminals are prosecuted less severely than their working-class counterparts.

3. False Accusation, False Confessions, and Plea Bargaining

This area of criminal behavior is interesting, as our justice system actually allows for admissions of guilt even if the party did not commit the crime. Sometimes sentences can be reduced if a guilty plea is entered even if the party did not commit the crime.

4. Restorative Justice Efforts on Youthful Offenders

Juvenile and youth offenders have many different rules and avenues for justice. One of these unique approaches to keeping young people from their delinquent behavior employed by problem-solving courts is the concept of restorative justice. Restorative justice is a process that helps offenders make amends with the person or community they hurt with their deviant behaviors.

5. Criminal Justice Reform in Hate Crimes

Hate crimes are crimes that are motivated by hatred of someone or a group of people’s immutable characteristics. In recent years, many states have adopted the federal bias categories as outlined by the Department of Justice. These categories are not adopted by every state, which creates several directions for research questions.

6. Organized Crime and the Social Class Criminal Behavior of Members

Organized crime has been around for centuries, but can be prevalent in communities that see crime as a way of life and family. It can be a robust topic to try and understand the influences that family and community have on organized crime.

7. Criminal Justice Agencies and International Crime Investigation Efforts

One thing that is not often talked about is the relationship between criminal justice agencies that work together across countries. Many agencies work together, and many are made jointly. The most notable agency that does this is Interpol which, in 2021, arrested 1,003 alleged criminals and closed 1,660 cases in just one investigation .

8. Impacts of Wildlife Crime and Environmental Crime

Two little written about criminal justice topics in this scientific field are the topics of environmental and wildlife crime. Pollution, littering, dumping, poaching, and wildfire started by humans are all areas that could be a great place to use your analytical skills and nab a decent grade.

9. Relationship Between Crime and Eyewitness Testimony

Eyewitness testimonies are a staple of modern justice. Many violent crime convictions hinge on the ability of eyewitness testimony to convince a jury of what occurred. Sometimes eyewitness testimony can be unreliable, or the multiple witnesses can testify something different from one another resulting in a wrongful conviction. Many crimes like drunk driving or theft can rest on this method of testimony.

10. Relationship Between Law Enforcement and Racial Profiling

Racial profiling is a topic that has received a lot of coverage and is one of the major criminal justice issues of today. Human rights careers deal with the impact of racial and social issues in the US. There are many areas in which law enforcement has to improve in the area of social science. This is a broad topic with many implications for criminal justice ethics and the area of distributive justice.

Other Examples of Criminal Justice Research Topics & Questions

Criminal justice research topics.

  • Jury nullification
  • Online predators
  • Drunk drivers
  • Gun control
  • Campus crime

Criminal Justice Research Questions

  • Does restorative justice reduce incarceration rates in juveniles?
  • Do drug courts engage with racial profiling in the criminal justice system?
  • Are environmental crimes underreported in the criminal justice field?
  • Can organized criminal behavior be reduced by new crime control measures?
  • Does mental illness cause more false confessions?

Choosing the Right Criminal Justice Research Topic

If you take these criminal justice research topic ideas and start researching, you’ll find a topic that strikes your creativity and deals with current justice issues. If college courses seem like they may not be for you, you can always use your knowledge to get a job in criminal justice without a degree .

As we stated earlier, two important parts to finding a great topic for criminology studies or criminal justice is to follow your institution’s guidelines and find a topic that you’re passionate about. Difficult topics like child abuse, victim services, jury selection, sexual violence, or any other of the wide range of topics are important and you can do them real justice and care in your paper.

Criminal Justice Research Topics FAQ

A good criminal research topic should be a broad area with lots of research and case studies behind it. It follows your institutional guidelines and that you are passionate about.

Controversial topics in criminal justice include issues that the court is not settled on or ones that disrupt long-standing positions in the courts. Issues like private prisons, gun control, reproductive rights, and criminal court reform could all be considered controversial.

Feminist criminology started in the late 60s and early 70s to bring attention to both female criminals and victims. The movement started because of the male-focused approach to criminal psychology with little to no regard for how a woman may be psychologically different.

Current issues in the criminal justice system include topics like racial justice, social justice, police reform, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ discrimination. Many of these topics are being discussed in both state and federal courts.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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 | The Problem Properties Task Force

Student Research | Discrimination Faced by Women in Policing

Student Research | Discrimination Faced by Women in Policing

Student Research | Cybersecurity and Privacy Rights

Student Research | Cybersecurity and Privacy Rights

Student Research | Massachusetts Hate Crime Resource Center

Student Research | Massachusetts Hate Crime Resource Center

Student Research | Correctional Officer Well-Being

Student Research | Correctional Officer Well-Being

Featured Research Project

Understanding and measuring bias victimization against latinos.

Penn State University Libraries

Crim 480: research topics in crime, law and justice.

  • Articles and Databases
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General Interdisciplinary Resources

  • Academic Search Complete (Ebsco) This link opens in a new window Academic Search Complete allows you to search over 40 subject indexes at one time. It can be a useful interdisciplinary tool for finding criminal justice articles in resources that focus on: race relations, peace research, LGBT, women studies, business and a host of other fields. more... less... Academic Search Complete is a comprehensive scholarly, multi-disciplinary full-text database, with more than 5,300 full-text periodicals, including 4,400 peer-reviewed journals. In addition to full text, this database offers indexing and abstracts for more than 9,300 journals and a total of 10,900 publications including monographs, reports, conference proceedings, etc. The database features PDF content going back as far as 1865, with the majority of full text titles in native (searchable) PDF format.
  • Google Scholar This link opens in a new window Google Scholar is an amazing inter-disciplinary resource for criminal justice research. You are encourage to explore the advanced research options, citation alerts and Google's Metrics. It can be a powerful tool for known item searching particularly combined with the "Cited by" features. more... less... Google Scholar enables you to search specifically for scholarly literature, including peer-reviewed papers, theses, books, preprints, abstracts and technical reports from all broad areas of research. Use Google Scholar to find articles from a wide variety of academic publishers, professional societies, preprint repositories and universities, as well as scholarly articles available across the web. Once you set your institutional preferences, links to full-text, if available at Penn State, should appear.
  • LionSearch This link opens in a new window an integrated search of books, e-books, research articles, newspaper articles, and other publications

Ranking Scholarly Criminal Justice Journals

  • SAGE Research Methods Core This link opens in a new window SAGE Research Methods focuses on methodology rather than disciplines so it is useful across the social sciences, health sciences. Contains content from more than 640 books, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and handbooks, the entire Little Green Book, and Little Blue Book series more... less... SAGE Research Methods is a research methods tool created to help researchers, faculty and students with their research projects. SAGE Research Methods links over 100,000 pages of SAGE's renowned book, journal and reference content with truly advanced search and discovery tools. Researchers can explore methods concepts to help them design research projects, understand particular methods or identify a new method, conduct their research, and write up their findings. Since SAGE Research Methods focuses on methodology rather than disciplines, it can be used across the social sciences, health sciences, and more. SAGE Research Methods contains content from more than 640 books, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and handbooks, the entire Little Green Book, and Little Blue Book series, two Major Works collating a selection of journal articles, and newly commissioned videos. Our access is to: SRM Core Update 2020-2025; SRM Cases (includes updates through 2025); SRM Cases 2.
  • Journal Citation Reports This link opens in a new window Provides a more robust ranking of criminal justice journals more... less... Journal performance metrics offer a systematic, objective means to critically evaluate the world's leading journals by delivering quantifiable statistical information based on citation data, which helps determine a publication's impact and influence in the global research community. It includes journal and category data.
  • Google's Top publications - Criminology, Criminal Law & Policing Metric of journals provided by Google
  • How to Read (and Understand) a Social Science Journal Article This is an excellent 3 page article written by Frederique Laubepin for the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research.

Subject Resources for Scholarly Research

  • Criminal Justice Abstracts This link opens in a new window The journal articles described in this resource are from the premier journals in the field as well as from trade publications in the profession. more... less... Provides abstracts of articles from the major journals in criminology and related disciplines, as well as books and reports from government and nongovernmental agencies. For each document, an informative summary of the findings, methodology, and conclusions is provided. Topics include crime trends, prevention projects, corrections, juvenile delinquency, police, courts, offenders, victims, and sentencing.
  • Criminology Collection (Proquest) databases covering criminology, criminal justice, and security includes Criminal Justice Database and NCJRS
  • Sociological Abstracts This link opens in a new window 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. more... less... CSA Sociological Abstracts abstracts and indexes the international literature in sociology and related disciplines in the social and behavioral sciences. The database provides abstracts of journal articles and citations to book reviews drawn from over 1,700 serials publications, and also provides abstracts of books, book chapters, dissertations, and conference papers. Records added after 1974 contain in-depth and nonevaluative abstracts of journal articles.
  • National Criminal Justice Reference Service Abstracts This link opens in a new window This resource is published by the US Department of Justice. It functions as a clearinghouse of information from government agencies at all levels of government. It is particularly useful for finding reports and scholarly research funded through tax dollars. It is equally a wealth of information on current policy topics and events. more... less... The National Criminal Justice Reference Service Abstracts Database contains summaries of more than 150,000 publications on criminal justice, including Federal, state, and local government reports, books, research reports, journal articles, and unpublished research. Subject areas include corrections, courts, drugs and crime, law enforcement, juvenile justice, crime statistics, and victims of crime. Coverage: The time period covered is from the early 1970's to the present.
  • PsycINFO (via ProQuest) This link opens in a new window A great resource for scholarly articles that focus on victimization, behavior and crime, Primary database for international literature in psychology and related disciplines. It is published by the American Psychological Association and provides coverage from 1840 to the present. more... less... PsycINFO provides access to international literature in psychology and related disciplines. Unrivaled in its depth of psychological coverage and respected worldwide for its high quality, the database is enriched with literature from an array of disciplines related to psychology such as psychiatry, education, business, medicine, nursing, pharmacology, law, linguistics, and social work. Nearly all records contain nonevaluative summaries, and all records from 1967 to the present are indexed using the Thesaurus of Psychological Index Terms.
  • ERIC (ProQuest) This link opens in a new window An education resource sponsored by the US Department of Education. It is useful for topics such as: juvenile delinquency, school violence, rehabilitation programs, counseling. more... less... ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) is the major database for education literature, sponsored by the U.S. Department. of Education. The same database content is available on many platforms.

Law Reviews & Legal News

  • Law: Research Effectively with Secondary Sources This research guide identifies resource that will provide you access to law reviews, scholarly articles and media sources.
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  • Last Updated: Apr 3, 2024 7:33 AM
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158 Criminology Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on criminology, ✍️ criminology essay topics for college, 👍 good criminology research topics & essay examples, 🌶️ hot criminology ideas to write about, 🎓 most interesting criminology research titles, 💡 simple criminology essay ideas, ❓ criminology research questions.

  • Criminology Discipline and Theories
  • Robert Merton’s Strain Theory in Criminology
  • Theories of Crime in Forensic Psychology
  • Use of Statistics in Criminal Justice and Criminology
  • Labeling Theory and Critical Criminology: Sociological Research
  • Feminist Perspectives’ Contribution to Criminology
  • Forensic Science: Killing of JonBenet Ramsey
  • Criminology and Impact of Automation Technology The sole objective of this study is to determine to what extent automation is embraced by law agencies and authorities to solve crimes with a faster and more accurate technique.
  • Variance Analysis in Criminal Justice and Criminology The paper states that there are several limitations associated with the ANOVA technique. It may be not suitable against a specific hypothesis.
  • Forensic Psychology and Criminal Profiling The paper seeks to explore insight into the nature of criminal investigative psychology and a comprehensive evaluation of the practice in solving crime.
  • Contemporary Theories in Criminology This paper discusses three methods of measuring crimes, Classical School of criminology and its impacts on the US criminology, and the causes of crime – individuality and society.
  • Criminological Theories on Community-Based Rehabilitation This research study seeks to enhance the collection of integral analysis of human behavior and legal framework that boosts the quality of information for rehabilitation.
  • Criminology as a Science: Cause and Effect Criminology is a study of the nature and degree of the problem of crime in society. For years criminologists have been trying to unravel criminal behavior.
  • Chapter 9 of “Criminology Today” by Schmalleger According to the conflict perspective, conflicts can never be resolved since they are essential in social life. Social order rests on law, which is controlled by the powerful.
  • Criminology: Femininity and the Upsurge of Ladettes In recent years, women in highly industrialized countries are drinking more and behaving more badly than men. These women are called ladettes.
  • Correlational Design in Forensic Psychology Correlational designs are actively used in forensic psychology research in order to determine the meaningful relations between different types of variables.
  • The Rise of Criminological Conflict Theory Three key factors that explain the emergence of conflict theory are the influence of the Vietnam War, the rise of the counterculture, and anti-discrimination movements.
  • Criminology and Victimology: Victim Stereotypes in Criminal Justice The paper shall look at this matter in relation to female perpetrated violence as well as male experiences of sexual violence and racial minority victims.
  • Classical and Positivist Schools of Criminology General and specific deterrence use the threat of negative consequences for illegal acts to reduce crime rates.
  • Criminological Theory: Crime Theories and Criminal Behavior Criminal behavior is a type of behavior of a person who commits a crime. It is interesting to know what drives people to commit crimes and how to control these intentions.
  • Ethical Issues in Forensic Psychology Psychologists face many moral dilemmas in law due to the field’s nature because they are responsible for deciding people’s fates, which puts pressure on them.
  • Hernando Washington Case. Criminology The history of humanity has seen multiple cases of extreme violence, and such instances can hardly ever be justified by any factors.
  • Integrity as a Key Value: Criminology and War Integrity is included in the list of the LEADERSHIP values, which exist to direct military servicemembers toward appropriate conduct.
  • Criminology Today by Frank Schmalleger This paper discusses the first chapter from the book Criminology Today by Schmalleger that tells about the basic topics and defines the basic term.
  • Experimental Psychology and Forensic Psychology Psychology is a powerful field of study aimed at addressing a wide range of human problems. The field can be divided into two specialties. These include experimental and forensic psychology.
  • Sexual Assault: Criminology This paper discusses an act of sexual assault. The paper gives the definition of rape, social, personal, and psychosocial factors.
  • Three Case Briefs in Criminology This paper gives three case briefs in criminology. Cases are “Macomber v. Dillman Case”, “Isbell v. Brighton Area Schools Case”, and “Wilen v. Falkenstein Case”.
  • Chapter 8 of “Criminology Today” by F. Schmalleger According to social process theories, criminal behavior that an individual acquires remains lifelong because it is strengthened by the same social issues that have caused it.
  • Stabbing Cases in London in Relation to Durkheim’s Criminological Theory The two main questions about criminal and deviant acts are what constitutes such an act and whether it should be punished.
  • Forensic Psychology and Its Essential Feature in the Modern World The essay defines the origins of forensic psychology, analyzes its role in various fields and spheres, and identifies its essential feature in the modern world.
  • Researching Environmental Criminology Environmental criminology is the study of crime and criminality in connection with specific places and with how individuals and organizations form their activities in space.
  • Criminology: The Peace-Making Model The purpose of this article is to consider the peacekeeping model in criminology as an alternative to the criminal justice system to solve the problem of a growing crime rate.
  • How the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights Were Influenced by the Classical School of Criminology? In the United States Constitution and bill of rights, many of the fundamental rights used by the citizens originate from classical criminology.
  • “Criminological Theory: Context and Consequences” the Book by Lilly, J., Cullen, F., & Ball, R. Criminological Theory addresses not only the evolving and expanding topic of trends in criminological thought but also tries to achieve a level of explanation.
  • Chapter 10 of “Criminological Theory” by Lilly et al. This paper elaborates on the problem of feminism and criminology. The paper addresses chapter 10 of the book “Criminological Theory” by Lilly et al. as the source material.
  • Full-Service Crime Laboratory: Forensic Science Forensic scientists study and analyze evidence from crime scenes and other locations to produce objective results that can aid in the investigation and prosecution of criminals.
  • Analysis of Forensic Psychology Practice The important feature of the whole sphere of forensic psychology practice is the ability to testify in court, reformulating psychological findings into the legal language, etc
  • Criminology: The Social Control Theory For criminologists, the social control theory means that an effective approach to reducing crime might be to change not individuals but their social contexts.
  • Criminological Theories Assessment and Personal Criminological Theory This essay aims to briefly cover the various criminological theories in vogue and offer the author’s own assessment as to which theory deserves greater credibility.
  • Incorporating Criminological Theories Into Policymaking Criminological theories, primarily behavioral and social learning, are pivotal to the policymaking process. They provide insights into certain situations.
  • Researching of Emerging Technologies in Criminology This paper reviews the advantages and disadvantages of computer technology for crime investigation and law enforcement and concludes that the former outweighs the latter.
  • The Due Process: Criminology The due process clause has been a very essential clause to the ordinary citizens since it is a means of assurance that every freeman has the freedom to enjoy his rights.
  • Juvenile Forensic Psychology: Contemporary Concern The present juvenile forensic psychology system has many pitfalls that have compromised the wellbeing and development of the young offenders admitted within these institutions.
  • Forensic Psychology: Subspecialties and Roles Of my specific interests have been basically two subspecialties of forensic psychology. These include correctional psychology as well as police psychology.
  • The Use of Statistics in Criminal Justice and Criminology This paper discusses small-sample confidence intervals for means and confidence intervals with proportions and percentages in criminal justice and criminology.
  • Extinction Rebellion: A Criminological Assessment The paper aims at exploring whether Extinction Rebellion protestors are criminals using the narrative criminology framework, transgression theory, and green criminology theory.
  • Criminological Conflict Theory by Sykes Sykes identified three important elements, which he used to elucidate the criminological conflict theory. Sykes highlighted the existence of profound skepticism towards any theory.
  • Postmodern Criminology: The Violence of the Language According to Arrigo (2019), postmodern criminology recognizes the specific value of language as a non-neutral, politically charged instrument of communication.
  • Feminism and Criminology in the Modern Justice System Feminist research is a promising method for studying the psychography of crime, motivation, and the introduction of women’s experience in the field of forensic science.
  • Forensic Psychology: Graham v. Florida and Sullivan v. Florida The question in the two cases Graham v. Florida and Sullivan v. Florida was juvenile sentencing. The offenders claimed their life prison sentences for rape and robbery.
  • Statistical Significance and Effect Size in Forensic Psychology Nee and Farman evaluated the effectiveness of using dialectical behavior therapy for treating borderline personality disorder in the UK female prisons.
  • Criminology: Legal Rights Afforded to the Accused The essay discusses the police actions of arrest and the main features of the arrangement process. The case of John Doe shows criminal procedure specifics.
  • Chapter 7 of Statistics for Criminology and Criminal Justice Chapter 7 of Statistics for Criminology and Criminal Justice analyzes populations, sampling distributions, and the sample related to criminal-justice statistics and criminology.
  • Statistics for Criminology and Criminal Justice Dispersion is important as it is not enough to merely know the measures of central tendency to make assumptions about a distribution.
  • “Introduction to Criminology” Book by Hagan In “Introduction to criminology”, Hagan explains survey research and uses it to investigate essential questions that the criminal justice system faces.
  • Overview of the Theories of Criminology Criminology refers to a body that focuses on crime as a social phenomenon. Criminologists adopt several behavioral and social sciences and methods of understanding crime.
  • Broken Window Theory In Criminology In criminology, the broken window theory is often used to describe how bringing order into society can help to reduce crime.
  • Marxist Criminological Paradigm The essence of the Marxist criminological paradigm consists of overthrowing the bourgeoisie, as a ruling class, and establishing the so-called dictatorship of the proletariat.
  • Theories That Explain Criminal Activities and Criminology Academicians have come up with theories that explain why people engage in crime. The theories are classified which may be psychological, biological, or sociological.
  • Criminology: The Aboriginal Crisis The aboriginal people have been living under confinement, in the reserves for a long time. These laws are still under a lot of legal constraints.
  • Are Marxist Criminologists Right to See Crime Control as Class Control? Marxist criminology is comparable to functionalist theories, which lay emphasis on the production of continuity and stability in any society.
  • Forensic Science: Psychological Analysis Human behavior can be evaluated by studying the functioning of the human mind. This is important information in crime profiling among other operations in forensic psychology.
  • Criminology: USA Patriot Act Overview The Act strengthens and gives more authority to the federal agencies over individual privacy and secrecy of information.
  • Criminology: About Corporate Fraud This article focuses on fraud: professional fraud and its types, accounting fraud, and conflicts of interest are considered.
  • Green Criminology: Environmental Harm in the Niger Delta This essay analyzes environmental harm in the Niger Delta, Nigeria using the Green Criminological analysis of victimization and offenders.
  • Criminology: Four Types of Evidence There are basically four types of evidence. Every piece of evidence should be analyzed several times throughout the actual investigation by following all the required steps.
  • Forensic Psychology Practice Standards for Inmates It is vital for the inmates to have frequent access to psychological assessments because the majority of the inmates end up with psychological problems.
  • The Role of Forensic Psychology in the Investigation Confidentiality is an essential feature of a therapeutic bond. Forensic psychologists are bound by a code of ethics to safeguard clients’ information.
  • Violence Potential Assessment in Forensic Psychiatric Institutions This paper aims to discuss the ways of predicting violence in forensic psychiatric institutions while focusing on the review of the recent research in the field.
  • Legal Insanity in Criminology In America, defendants are said to be legally insane if they suffer from cognitive disorder or lack the capabilities to abstain from criminal behaviors.
  • Forensic Psychology in the Correctional Subspecialty Psychological professionals have the role of ensuring that the released convicts have gathered enough knowledge and understanding for them to fit in the society.
  • Criminological Theory: Context and Consequences. The Notion of Criminality and Crime The exploration of the notion of criminality and crime is essential for the prevention and management thereof.
  • Criminological Theory: Context and Consequences The theory of social control seems logical and valid despite controversies and the diversity of theoretical approaches to the reasons of crime.
  • “Criminological Theory: Context and Consequences”: Evaluation The criminal law system works in such a way that all offenses are stopped, and corresponding penalties provided by the law are implemented.
  • Linguistics and Law: Forensic Letters This paper review articles The Multi-Genre Analysis of Barrister’s Opinion by Hafner and Professional Citation Practices in Child Maltreatment Forensic Letters by Schryer et al.
  • Frank Hagan’s Textbook “Introduction to Criminology” Throughout the chapters, Frank Hagan deliberately made reference to positivism criminological theory as such, which was largely discredited.
  • Forensic Psychology: Important Issues Forensic psychologists consider that task of determining insanity extremely difficult. There is a difference between insanity as a psychological condition and a legal concept.
  • The American Psychological Association: Forensic Field Forensic psychologists are commonly invited to provide expert consultation and share their observations that might be useful to the judicial system.
  • Transnational Crime and Global Criminology: Definitional, Typological, and Contextual Conundrums
  • Rational Choice, Deterrence, and Social Learning Theory in Criminology
  • Comparing Cultures and Crime: Challenges, Prospects, and Problems for a Global Criminology
  • The Distinction Between Conflict and Radical Criminology
  • How the Study of Political Extremism Has Reshaped Criminology
  • Contribution of Positivist Criminology to the Understanding of the Causes of Crime
  • Overcoming the Neglect of Social Process in Cross‐National and Comparative Criminology
  • The Development of Criminology: From Traditional to Contemporary Views on Crime and Its Causation
  • Racism, Ethnicity, and Criminology: Developing Minority Perspectives
  • Activist Criminology: Criminologists’ Responsibility to Advocate for Social and Legal Justice
  • The Challenges of Doing Criminology in the Big Data Era: Towards a Digital and Data-Driven Approach
  • Radical Criminology and Marxism: A Fallible Relationship
  • Ontological Shift in Classical Criminology: Engagement With the New Sciences
  • Hot Spots of Predatory Crime: Routine Activities and the Criminology of Place
  • The Criminology of Genocide: The Death and Rape of Darfur
  • Future Applications of Big Data in Environmental Criminology
  • Overcoming the Crisis in Critical Criminology: Toward a Grounded Labeling Theory
  • Toward an Analytical Criminology: The Micro-Macro Problem, Causal Mechanisms, and Public Policy
  • The Utility of the Deviant Case in the Development of Criminological Theory
  • In Search of a Critical Mass: Do Black Lives Matter in Criminology?
  • Crime and Criminology in the Eye of the Novelist: Trends in the 19th Century Literature
  • Income Inequality and Homicide Rates: Cross-National Data and Criminological Theories
  • Women & Crime: The Failure of Traditional Theories and the Rise of Feminist Criminology
  • Criminology Studies: How Fear of Crime Affects Punitive Attitudes
  • Recent Developments in Criminological Theory: Toward Disciplinary Diversity and Theoretical Integration
  • Critical Criminology: The Critique of Domination, Inequality, and Injustice
  • Anti-racism in Criminology: An Oxymoron?
  • Heredity or Milieu: The Foundations of Modern European Criminological Theory
  • Classical and Contemporary Criminological Theory in Understanding Young People’s Drug Use
  • Theories of Action in Criminology: Learning Theory and Rational Choice Approaches
  • Criminalization or Instrumentalism: New Trends in the Field of Border Criminology
  • Eco-Justice and the Moral Fissures of Green Criminology
  • The Impact of Criminological Theory on Community Corrections Practice
  • Feminism and Critical Criminology: Confronting Genealogies
  • Learning From Criminals: Active Offender Research for Criminology
  • Offending Patterns in Developmental and Life-Course Criminology
  • Big Data and Criminology From an AI Perspective
  • Psychological and Criminological Factors Associated With Desistance From Violence
  • Connecting Criminology and Sociology of Health & Illness
  • Assessment of the Current Status and Future Directions in Criminology
  • Using Basic Neurobiological Measures in Criminological Research
  • Green Criminology: Capitalism, Green Crime & Justice, and Environmental Destruction
  • The Foundation and Re‐Emergence of Classical Thought in Criminological Theory
  • Conservation Criminology, Environmental Crime, and Risk: An Application to Climate Change
  • Feminist and Queer Criminology: A Vital Place for Theorizing LGBTQ Youth
  • Criminological Fiction: What Is It Good For?
  • Investigating the Applicability of Macro-Level Criminology Theory to Terrorism
  • Criminological Theory in Understanding of Cybercrime Offending and Victimization
  • The Nurture Versus Biosocial Debate in Criminology
  • Developmental Theories and Criminometric Methods in Modern Criminology
  • How Does Criminology Cooperate With Other Disciplines to Solve Crimes?
  • Is Criminology a Social or Behavioral Science?
  • How Does the Study of Criminology Relate to the Detection or Deterrence of Fraud?
  • What Are the Types of Norms in Criminology?
  • How Do Criminology Schools Differ?
  • What Is Criminological Research?
  • How Important Is the Role of Punishment in Neoclassical Criminology?
  • What Is the Life Course Theory of Criminology?
  • Who Is the Father of Modern Criminology?
  • What Did Early Criminology Focus On?
  • What Is the Difference Between Classical and Positivist Schools of Criminology?
  • Why Is Personal Identification Necessary for Criminology?
  • What Is the Difference Between Criminology and Applied Criminology?
  • What Is Evidence-Based Criminology?
  • Are Criminology and Criminal Justice the Same?
  • Who Rejected the Doctrine of Free Will in Criminology?
  • What Are the Fundamental Propositions of Feminist Criminology?
  • Is There a Difference Between Criminology and Victimology?
  • What Is the Bell Curve in Criminology?
  • Why Do People Commit Crimes, According to Criminology?
  • What Is the Difference Between Criminology and Criminal Psychology?
  • What Is Contemporary Criminology?
  • How Do Criminological Theories Relate to White Collar Crime?
  • What Are the Main Features and Concepts of Classical Criminology?
  • What Is the Positivist School of Criminology?
  • Who Are the Forerunners of Classical Thought in Criminology?
  • What Role Does Attachment Theory Play in Criminology?
  • Why Do Sociological Criminology Theories Help With Our Understanding of Crimes?
  • How Is Victimization Used in Criminology?
  • What Is Albert Cohen’s Theory of Subculture Formation in Criminology?

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StudyCorgi. (2023, May 7). 158 Criminology Essay Topics. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/criminology-essay-topics/

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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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180+ Unique Criminal Justice Research Topics for Students

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If you are a law student, then at times you will be asked to submit assignments or academic papers on criminal justice research topics. In case, you have no idea what topic to choose for your Criminal Justice research paper, take a look at this blog post. Especially, for your better understanding, here, we have shared some valuable criminal justice research paper topic selection and writing tips. In addition to that, we have also presented a list of some outstanding criminal justice research paper topics and ideas. Explore and pick a perfect topic for preparing your criminal justice dissertation or thesis.

Why is it Important To do Research on Criminal Justice Topics?

Criminal justice is the educational study system bearing on understanding crimes and the outcome of crimes. Criminal justice and criminological research have contemporarily taken the multidisciplinary path to the study of crime and controlling crimes. It contributes to the domains of Law, Sociology, Psychology, and Forensic Science.

Research testimony is very relevant to the development of the criminal justice decision-making process. Within well-planned and executed research, we can adequately explore the influence of policies, applications, and daily disciplines; we can “see if all works” for a measure to reduce crime.

Criminal Justice Research Topics

The criminal justice policy is the system of government action for proposing to manage accused and sentenced criminals in social aspects. The criminal justice system comprises various correlative principles, including academic practice, law implementation, judicial services, the judiciary, and revisions of laws.

Common Barriers to Criminal Justice Research

Some common barriers involved in doing criminal justice research are

  • Knowledge base specialization;
  • Disapproval of theory by sensible people;
  • Categorizing;
  • Dilettantism and synthesis
  • The problem of conceptual dominance.

Criminal Justice Research Paper Topic Selection

For writing a criminal justice research paper, first, you must have a good topic. Usually, your professors will suggest some research ideas for you to focus on. But at times, they will give you the freedom to choose a research topic on your own. If you are asked to choose a criminal justice research topic of your choice, then in order to pick the perfect topic, follow the tips shared below or take our law assignment help online.

  • Pick a topic from a research area that you are passionate about and have strong knowledge of.
  • Choose a distinct topic that has a wide scope to discuss, analyze, and form opinions.
  • Give preference to a topic that has several sources of references and evidence to prove your thesis statement.
  • Avoid choosing a topic that is too narrow or wide.
  • Go with a topic that allows you to conduct research and share your ideas within the deadline.
  • Never choose a frequently discussed research topic.
  • Finalize the topic only if matches with the research paper writing guidelines of your university.

Read here: Most Demanding Communication Research Topics for All Students

List of Criminal Justice Research Topics

In this section, we have shared a list of some unique criminal justice research paper topics and ideas on various themes related to the subject. Go through them all and select any topic that you feel is right for you to conduct research and write about.

research titles for criminology students

Controversial Criminal Justice Research Topics

  • Capital punishment and human anatomy.
  • The principles of medical participation in capital punishment.
  • The cancellation of forensic mental hospitals.
  • Appointing Dogs for explosives detection.
  • Eyewitness Identification Reform.
  • Do medical marijuana laws increase hard-drug use?
  • Medical marijuana: The conflict between scientific evidence and political ideology.
  • Ignoring human rights in criminal procedure.
  • Possibility of circumventing the law.
  • Mental Hospitals and deinstitutionalization.
  • Police Deprivations of Individual Rights.
  • The bias of skin tone for African Americans in the investigation.
  • Reducing White Juror Bias.
  • Narco-propaganda in the Mexican “drug war”.
  • Legal Classification of the Uniform Commercial Code
  • Campus violence: Classifications, causes, and cures.
  • Why do white  Americans  support the death penalty?
  • Prisons in America: opposing viewpoints.
  • The Black Lives Matter – A case of police brutality that shook the entire world
  • The attack on the U.S. Capitol
  • Legalization of Marijuana
  • Why does Narco test need to be prohibited for juvenile criminals?
  • Critical analysis of Gun control
  • Crimes propaganda and modern culture of music

Simple Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

  • Criminal justice value: Theory and application.
  • Private prisons: Describe Cons and pros.
  • The cost of domestic violence: A random affair.
  • Drug Abuse & Children.
  • Proverbs of Religion and Cultural Customs.
  • Religious contextual characteristics and violence.
  • Women and War Crimes.
  • Conducting war against the world.
  • Gender crimes Vs. War crimes.
  • Domestic violence theories and opinions among college students.
  • Human rights and criminal justice.
  • Criminal Justice & Human Trafficking.
  • The Warren Court and Criminal Procedure
  • Basic criminal procedure
  • Crime prevention and fear of school campus.
  • Crime prevention in residential areas.
  • Gender harassment, and generalized workplace harassment.
  • Gender Bias in the Courts and Legal Investigation.
  • Sexual harassment in workplaces
  • Emotional harassment for having different skin color and ethnic background
  • Child labor and abuse
  • Violation of fundamental human rights
  • Domestic violence against women and elderly
  • Black marketing and money laundering
  • Pros and cons of polygraph tests
  • Analysis of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000
  • Use of Genealogy databases in the criminal investigation
  • Importance of forensics and DNA samples in the criminal investigation
  • What are the problems in the Indian criminal justice system?
  • Discuss the role of law enforcement, public defenders, and prosecutors

Criminology and Criminal Justice Research Topics

  • Does age play a significant role in crimes?
  • Criminal activity at different ages.
  • Does the wages or employment uncertainty have a substantial effect on law violation?
  • Does Gender and age-related influence attitudes toward law violation?
  • Criminological theories of violations of wartime regulations.
  • When Family Matters: what is “family status” discrimination and how it encourages law violation?
  • How does a lack of education commence crime?
  • How often and how constantly do symptoms directly precede criminal behavior among offenders?
  • What is a “right to have rights”?
  • Can someone who is an authorized citizen have their citizenship taken away if they violate the law?
  • Temperament and aggression: Are they the determinants of cruel nature and more prone to committing crimes?
  • Physically aggressive boys from ages 6 to 12: family background, parenting behavior influence it?
  • Gun Use for the Public: How much control do we need?
  • Does immigration enforcement reduce crime?
  • Employers have gone criminal: How does industry variation in violations of workplace laws?
  • Schoolgoers turn criminals: Are they really have the nature to commit crimes or did accidentally they got involved in crime?
  • Does an employer’s dishonest and disloyal act turn his/her employees to commit crimes?
  • How do college students get involved in crime?
  • What are the key theories of Criminology?

Criminal Justice Research Topics on Racism & Discrimination

  • Does Rap music and lyrical content influence human behavior?
  • Legacy of Hate: Discuss History of Ethnic, Religious, and Racial Prejudice in America.
  • Davis, David Brion,” From Homicide to Slavery”: A study in American Culture.- Discuss.
  • Jane Crow: Black women & punishment.
  • Islam in the African-American experience.
  • Extreme in slavery: Prison labor exploitation.
  • Demand the impossible!: A prison manifesto
  • Understand discrimination and constraints negotiation on leisure behavior.
  • American antiapartheid activism and the emergence of multicultural politics.
  • Race for socials control: African Americans against apartheid
  • Interpret and superstrict: Exploring bias across the legal system.
  • Factors correlated with racist hate crimes on college campuses.
  • Battling bias: The struggle for identity and community conflict on college campuses.
  • Do immigrants increase crime?
  • The fashion culture of corrections and police officers
  • Are correctional officers the same as police officers?
  • Racism led people to disrespect people from different races, attributes, and behavioral traits
  • Community conflicts act as a factor leading deterioration of social and communal health
  • Racism stands as a crisis in public health
  • Brutality of police
  • Black people as victims of violent crimes
  • Death penalty and prolonged imprisonment for Black people: Resulted from discrimination

Criminal Justice Research Topics for Ph.D. Students

Encourage your writing propensity on a dissertation about Criminal Justice Research Topics and nourish your Ph.D. in Criminal Justice with a large prospective. Research on Criminal justice is steadily developed your knowledge areas and will help you advance your study.

Below are just some of the interesting points in criminology and Justice Research Topics that might encourage you as you choose your research topic.

  • Explore the relationship between emotional intelligence and job performance in police organizations.
  • Police body cameras & Police violence.
  • Legitimating police violence: Newspaper stories face off against deadly force.
  • Media report of police misbehavior and attitudes toward the public.
  • How do police establish public safety?
  • How to investigate the accuracy of eyewitness testimony in a criminal case?
  • Factors Influencing the Role of Eyewitness Evidence in the Courtroom.
  • Connections between terrorism and drug trafficking: Methods of battling against narco-terrorism?
  • How smugglers, merchants, and mobile apps are capturing the global economy.
  • How are Law-enforcement divisions actively working against drug transportation networks?
  • Race, gender, and the social structure of mental illness in the criminal justice system.
  • How does corruption spike during public emergencies, such as natural disaster time?
  • Emergencies and disasters crimes: How does the Law-enforcement division prevent such malpractices?
  • Gender disparity or suitable sanctions: Why do females receive different sentences from federal drug trafficking authorities?
  • Why are men prone to likely get the death sentence?
  • The Priosioners’ health and solitary confinement in the United States.
  • What do the impacts of solitary confinement on prison inmates face?
  • Do mandatory minimum sentences deter crime or increase stable recidivism?
  • Is the physical and mental health and well-being of a prisoner maintained or cared for in the prisons in the United States
  • Why women are mostly found experiencing domestic violence and emotional harassment?

International Criminal Justice Research Ideas

  • The degradation of international law, how much of it?
  • Military Intervention in Alliances: NATO, Afghanistan, and the Age of Interventionism of Ethics.
  • Toothless Tiger: The Human Rights Commissions of Uganda.
  • When courts establish law: how do the international criminal tribunals recast the laws of war?
  • Drug and alcohol crash risk.
  • How do Western militaries confront child soldiers’ threats?
  • How powerful are international criminal judiciaries?
  • International criminal procedure: Principles and rules.
  • When is International Intervention required?
  • When are Conflict resolution and power politics work?
  • What are the major weaknesses of the current prison system?
  • Influence of social media platforms in driving crimes or criminal offenses
  • What are the strategies to apply for preventing crime at the international level?
  • How to control and reduce violence in prison?
  • Are severe punishments like the death penalty or life imprisonment for criminals have the ability to reduce the rate of crime?
  • Discuss how upbringing, gender roles, and cultural background affect one’s attitude toward involving in crime
  • Classical criminology: the contemporary take on crime, deterrence, and rational choice perspective
  • Critical Analysis of Deterrence Theory
  • Psychological theories of crime: Analyze one’s criminal mind and behavior through the lenses of a person’s personality
  • Describe the way social disorganization theory and social control theory relate to criminology

Criminal Justice Research Topics on Different Types of Crime

  • How do trace & restrain the most common crime on college campuses?
  • Primary prevention of child abuse: type, detection, and way of prevention.
  • Preventing wildlife crimes: Solutions that can maintain ecological balance.
  • Domestic violence against people with disabilities: Preventive measures and trend analyses.
  • Transnational environmental crime: Law against eco-global criminology.
  • Criminological perspectives on environmental crime.
  • Exploring and analyzing cyber crimes and their patterns.
  • Prevention and early identification of elder abuse. A way to detect and prevent.
  • Domestic violence against disabilities: Identification and prevention.
  • The social construction of a hate crime epidemic.- Discuss.
  • How to detect and control money laundering?
  • What are the actions by applying which drug trafficking can be controlled and reduced significantly?
  • What are called corporate crimes and how to reduce these crimes?
  • Describe the different types of crimes with examples
  • ADAM (Arrestee drug abuse monitoring): drug use among arrestees
  • Compare and contrast the different types of campus crime
  • Discuss the prevalence, risk groups, rate, severity, prevention, and detection of Elder abuse in the United States
  • Discuss how prejudice and stigma motivate hate crime
  • Describe the five white-collar crimes and their impact on the national and global economy
  • Why Ponzi scheme is considered a white-collar crime?
  • What are the four general types of research in criminology and criminal justice?
  • Provide examples of some White-collar offenses in the workplace including their impact on employees’ performance
  • How do people and drug trafficking impact international trade and commerce?
  • Securities and Commodities Fraud: Definition, impact, and control strategies
  • Critical Analysis of the Mortgage and Financial Institution Fraud Financial institutions
  • The rise in equitable mortgage fraud has had a significant impact on the Indian banking system: Explain with justifications
  • Discuss the differences between Theft and Shoplifting including their impact on society
  • Felon Disenfranchisement: History, overview, policies, and legal status

Top Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

  • Child Abuse and the Effects of Divorce
  • The impact of childhood experiences on antisocial conduct in adults
  • How do a person’s gender and cultural upbringing impact how they view drug abuse?
  • The influence of forensic psychology on the legal system
  • Death Row and Euthanasia: When Is It Right to Take Someone’s Life?
  • The Bureaucracy of Modern Law vs. the Chaos of Insanity. When Does an Inmate Need Protective Custody? How NGOs Are Handled in Modern Justice?
  • Visits from the other man: a release or a new danger?
  • He’s got a gun, so be careful! And Other Factors That Contribute to Police Deaths
  • Why Is the Justice System Making Convicts Into Examples on Purpose?
  • What do ex-convicts have to say about criminal justice and incarceration?
  • Theories of criminal justice: using punishment to dissuade crime.
  • Debunking myths about crime and the criminal justice system is the goal of critical criminology.
  • Criminality as a cultural product is the focus of cultural criminology.
  • Cultural transmission theory: how social interactions spread criminal norms.
  • The relationship between neighborhood ecological factors and crime rates according to the social disorganization theory.
  • Social learning theory explains how people learn (non)criminal behavior by imitating and observing others.
  • Theories of strain: how social institutions in society influence people to commit crimes.
  • Integration of theories: why two theories are preferable to one.
  • Poverty or psychopathy. Why Do People From Low-Income Households Have a Higher Chance of Becoming Criminals?
  • Political Corruption and the Impact It Has Had on American Criminology Today
  • Life Without the Chance of Parole. A Death That Is Worse?
  • Combat boots to leather shoes. What Modifications Have Police Tools Undergone Over Time?
  • Crime is committed as a societal reaction or social construction of crime.

Related post: Unique Research Paper Topics For Excellency

Interesting Criminal Justice Research Topics

  • Compare white-collar crimes vs. working-class criminal punishments.
  • Do drug courts engage in racial profiling of the criminal justice system?
  • Write about criminal justice reform in hate crimes.
  • Explain the impact of wildlife and environmental crimes.
  • Discuss the relationship between crimes and eyewitness testimony.
  • Explain how organized crime affects criminal justice.
  • Write about crime control in criminal justice administration.
  • Discuss the role and functions of forensic science in modern criminal justice.
  • Explain the role of crime mapping in modern criminal justice.
  • Investigate how criminal justice affects public health.

We hope you have now identified a good topic for your criminal justice research paper from the list of ideas suggested in this blog. In case, you have not yet identified a perfect topic for your law assignments, then get in touch with us immediately.

research titles for criminology students

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

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... read more

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... read more

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

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... read more

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.

Table of Contents

  • 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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FSU | College of Criminology & Criminal Justice

College of Criminology & Criminal Justice

  • Graduate Programs
  • Doctoral Program

Student Research

Participate in the publication process.

Doctoral students gain valuable research and publication experience through working side-by-side with faculty on ground-breaking research. Top doctoral students become partners with faculty in publishing in the field’s top journals. Through this partnership, they build the skills necessary for generating compelling ideas for new research, using research methods that provide informative and reliable findings, and writing persuasive papers. Additionally, the opportunity to work side-by-side with leading scholars on important research projects that result in conference presentations, publications, and policy improvement recommendations to legislators and local governments is invaluable. These notable accomplishments make them particularly attractive to employers.

Check out the list of collaborative student-faculty publications from the last five years below. Students, both current and alumni, are highlighted in bold .

Pickett, Welch, Chiricos . 2015. “Racial Crime Stereotypes and Offender Juvenility: Comparing Public Views about Youth-Specific and Non-Youth-Specific Sanctions.” Race and Justice.

Stupi, Chiricos , Gertz . 2015. “Perceived Criminal Threat from Undocumented Immigrants: Antecedents and Consequences for Policy Preferences. Justice Quarterly.

Baker, Thomas , Cleary, H., Pickett, J. , and Marc Gertz . Forthcoming. “Crime Salience and Public Willingness to Pay for Child Saving and Juvenile Punishment.” Crime and Delinquency.

Barnes, James C. , and Gary Kleck . Forthcoming c. September 2014. “Do more police generate more crime deterrence?” Crime and Delinquency.

Chiricos , Ted, Elizabeth K. Stupi , Brian J. Stults , and Marc Gertz . Forthcoming. “Illegal Immigrant Threat and Popular Support for Social Controls.” Social Problems.

Mears , Daniel P., Joshua C. Cochran , Brian J. Stults , Sarah J. Greenman, Avinash S. Bhati, and Mark A. Greenwald. Forthcoming. “The ‘True’ Juvenile Offender: Age Effects and Juvenile Court Sanctioning.” Criminology.

Pickett, Justin, Christi Falco Metcalfe, Thomas Baker, Marc Gertz , and Laura Bedard. Forthcoming. “Superficial Survey Choice: An Experimental Test of a Potential Method for Increasing Response Rates and Response Quality in Correctional Surveys,” Journal of Quantitative Criminology.

Baker, Thomas, W. Pelfrey, L. Bedard, K. Dhungana, M. Gertz , and K. Golden. 2014. “Female Inmates’ Procedural Justice Perceptiosn of the Police and Courts: Is There a Spill-Over of Police Effects?” Criminal Justice and Behavior.

Blomberg , Thomas G. and Julie Mestre . 2014. Net-widening: Past, Present and into the Future. In (Mitchell J. Miller, ed.) Encyclopedia of Theoretical Criminology . Wiley-Blackwell.

Chiricos , Stupi , Stults , Gertz . 2014. “Undocumented Immigrant Threat and Support for Social Controls. Social Problems .

Kleck , Gary, and Jongyeon Tark . 2014. “Resisting rape: the effects of victim self-protection on rape completion and injury.” Violence Against Women.

Pickett , Chiricos , Gertz . 2014. “The Racial Foundations of Whites’ Support for Child Saving.” Social Science Research .

Stults , Brian J., and Christi S. Falco . 2014. Unbalanced Institutional Commitments and Criminal Behavior: an Individual Level Assessment of Institutional Anomie Theory. Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice.

Blomberg , Thomas G., Julie Mestre , and Karen Mann. 2013. Seeking Causality in a World of Contingency. Criminology & Public Policy , 12(4).

Kleck , Gary, Tomislav Kovandzic, and Mark Schaffer . 2013. “Estimating the causal effect of gun prevalence on homicide rates: A local average treatment effect approach.” Journal of Quantitative Criminology.

Barnes, James C. , and Gary Kleck . 2013. “Deterrence and Macro-Level Perceptions of Punishment Risks: Is There a “Collective Wisdom?” Crime and Delinquency.

Hauser, Will , and Gary Kleck . 2013. “Guns and fear: a one-way street?” Crime and Delinquency.

Mears , Daniel, Christina Mancini, Kevin Beaver , and Marc Gertz . 2013. “Housing for the ‘Worst of the Worst’ Inmates: Public Support for Supermax Prisons,” Crime and Delinquency.

Mears , Daniel P., and Joshua C. Cochran . 2013. “What Is the Effect of IQ on Offending?” Criminal Justice and Behavior .

Mears , Daniel P., Joshua C. Cochran , and Kevin M. Beaver . 2013. “Self-Control Theory and Nonlinear Effects on Offending.” Journal of Quantitative Criminology .

Mears , Daniel P., Justin T. Pickett , Kristin Golden, Ted Chiricos , and Marc Gertz . 2013. “The Effect of Interracial Contact on Whites’ Perceptions of Victimization Risk and Black Criminality.” Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency .

Cochran, Joshua C. , and Daniel P. Mears . 2013. “Social Isolation and Inmate Behavior: A Conceptual Framework for Theorizing Prison Visitation and Guiding and Assessing Research.” Journal of Criminal Justice.

Mancini, Christina , James C. Barnes , and Daniel P. Mears . 2013. “It Varies from State to State: An Examination of Sex Crime Laws Nationally.” Criminal Justice Policy Review.

Pickett, Justin, Dan Mears , Marc Gertz , and Eric Stewart . 2013. “Security at the Expense of Liberty: A Test of Predictions Deriving from the Culture of Control Thesis,” Crime and Delinquency.

Wang, Xia , Daniel P. Mears , Cassia C. Spohn, and Lisa Dario. 2013. “Assessing the Differential Effects of Race and Ethnicity on Sentencing Outcomes under Different Sentencing Systems.” Crime and Delinquency .

Barnes , Lavin , Mancini , Boutwell , Beaver , and Diamond. 2012. “Marriage and Involvement in Crime: A Consideration of Reciprocal Effects in a Nationally Representative Sample”; Justice Quarterly .

Caravelis Hughes , Chiricos , and Bales . 2012. “Race, Ethnicity, Threat and the Designation of Career Offenders.” Justice Quarterly.

Chiricos , Ted, Kathy Padgett, Jake Bratton, Justin Pickett, and Marc Gertz . 2012. “Racial Threat and Opposition to the Re-Enfranchisement of Ex-Felons,” International Journal of Criminology and Sociology.

Devers, Lindsey , Marc Gertz , Nicole Piquero, and Baruch Kraus. 2012. “The Ethnic Typification of Crime and Support for Punitive Attitudes: An Exploratory Analysis of Arabs in Israel,” Journal of Ethnicity in criminal JusticeC

Jackson and Hay . 2012. “The Conditional Impact of Official Labeling on Subsequent Delinquency: Considering the Attenuating Role of Family Attachment.” Journal of Research in Crime, and Delinquency.

Barnes, James C. , and Gary Kleck . 2012. “Deterrence and macro-level perceptions of punishment risks: Is there a ‘collective wisdom?’” Crime and Delinquency.

Barnes, James C. , and Gary Kleck . 2012. “Do More Police Generate More Crime?”; Crime and Delinquency.

Chiricos , Padgett, Bratton, Pickett. 2012 “Racial Threat and Opposition to the Re-Enfranchisement of Ex-Felons.” International Journal of Criminology and Sociology.

Hay , Carter, Brian J. Stults , and Emily Ciaravolo . 2012. “Suppressing the Harmful Effects of Key Risk Factors: Results from the Children at Risk Experimental Intervention.” Criminal Justice and Behavior.

Mears , Cochran , Siennick , and Bales . 2012. “Prison Visitation and Recidivism.” Justice Quarterly .

Mears , Mancini , Beaver , and Gertz . 2012. “Housing for the ‘Worst of the Worst’ Inmates: Public Support for Supermax Prisons.” Crime and Delinquency .

Mears and Mestre . 2012. “Prisoner Reentry, Employment, Signaling, and the Better Identification of Desisters: Introduction to the Special Issue.” Criminology and Public Policy .

Mears , Pickett , Golden , Chiricos , and Gertz . 2012. “The Effect of Interracial Contact on Whites’ Perceptions of Victimization Risk and Black Criminality.” Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency .

Meldrum, Ryan C. , and Brian J. Stults . 2012. “Student Performance in Research Methods Classes: Evaluating the Predictive Validity of the DRAMA Scale.” Journal of Criminal Justice Education.

Pickett and Chiricos . 2012. “Controlling Other People’s Children: Racialized Views of Delinquency and Whites’ Punitive Attitudes toward Offenders.” Criminology.

Pickett , Chiricos , Golden , and Gertz . 2012. “Reconsidering the Relationship between Perceived Neighborhood Racial Composition and Whites’ Perceptions of Victimization Risk: Does Racial Typification of Crime Matter?” Criminology.

Van Slyke and Bales . 2012. “A Contemporary Study of the Decision to Incarcerate White-Collar and Street Property Offenders”; Punishment and Society .

Wang , Mears , Spohn, and Dario. 2012. “Assessing the Differential Effects of Race and Ethnicity on Sentencing Outcomes under Different Sentencing Systems.” Crime and Delinquency.

Barnes, James C. , and Gary Kleck . 2011. “Article productivity among the faculty of criminology and criminal justice doctoral programs, 2005-2009.” Journal of Criminal Justice Education.

Barnes , Beaver , and Boutwell . 2011. ”Examining the Genetic Underpinnings to Moffitt’s Developmental Taxonomy: A Behavioral Genetic Analysis.“ Criminology.

Blomberg , Bales , Mann , A. Piquero, and Berk. 2011. “Incarceration, Education and Transition from Delinquency.” Journal of Criminal Justice.

Caravelis Hughes , Chiricos , and Bales. 2011. “Static and Dynamic Indicators of Minority Threat in Sentencing Outcomes: A Multi-Level Analysis”; Journal of Quantitative Criminology.

Forrest and Hay . 2011. “Does Self-Control Mediate the Effects of Life-Course Transitions on Desistance from Crime?” Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Kleck , Kovandzic, Saber, and Hauser . 2011. “The Effect of Perceived Risk and Victimization on Plans to Purchase a Gun for Self-Protection.” Journal of Criminal Justice .

Mears , Mancini , Beaver , and Gertz . 2011. “Housing for the ‘Worst of the Worst’ Inmates: Public Support for Supermax Prisons.” Crime and Delinquency .

Mears , Pickett , Lavin , Chiricos , and Gertz. 2011. “The Effect of Interracial Contact on White’s Perceptions of Victimization Risk and Black Criminality.” Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency .

Shelly , Chiricos , Gertz . 2011. “What About the Environment? Assessing the Perceived Seriousness of Environmental Crime.” International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice.

Welch , Payne, Chiricos , Gertz . 2011. “The Typification of Hispanics as Criminals and Support for Punitive Crime Controls.” Social Science Research.

Boutwell and Beaver . 2010. “The Intergenerational Transmission of Low Self-Control.” Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency.

Bales , Mann , Blomberg , McManus , and Dhungana . 2010. “Electronic Monitoring in Florida.” The Journal of Offender Monitoring.

Hay , Meldrum , and Ciaravolo . 2010. “Stability and Change in Risk-Seeking: Investigating the Effects of an Intervention Program.” Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice .

Kleck and Barnes . 2010. “Article Productivity Among the Faculty of Criminology and Criminal Justice Doctoral Programs, 2005-2009.” Journal of Criminal Justice Education.

Wang and Mears . 2010. “Examining the Direct and Interactive Effects of Changes in Racial and Ethnic Threat on Sentencing Decisions.” Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency.

Wang , Mears , and Bales . 2010. “Race-Specific Employment Contexts and Recidivism.” Criminology.

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Department of   Sociology and Criminology

Criminology student research.

The program draws its students from a variety of academic backgrounds, including sociology, psychology, political science, and criminal justice.  In addition, some students enter with professional experience, although not necessarily in the area in which they plan to concentrate.  Others enter the graduate program directly upon completing their undergraduate work.  This diversity contributes to a stimulating learning environment and a wide range of research topics.

Students augment their research competence and professional credentials by collaborating with faculty on research projects, conference presentations, and scholarly publications. Below are some recent publications  by current and former students in our program.

Current Students

  • Gladfelter, Andrew ,  Brendan Lantz,  and R. Barry Ruback. Forthcoming. “The Complexity of Hate Crime and Bias Activity: Variation across Contexts and Types of Bias.”   Justice Quarterly . 
  • Howard-Tripp, Alyssa,  Corina Graif, and  Sarah Fry . Forthcoming. “Public Housing”. Invited chapter in  The American Middle Class: An Economic Encyclopedia of Progress and Poverty , edited by Robert Rycroft. Greenwood: Santa Barbara, CA.
  • Jacobsen, Wade C.  and Cecily R. Hardaway. Forthcoming. “Heterogeneity in Research on African American Boys and Men: Focusing on Resilience, Social Networks, and Community Violence.” In  Boys and Men in African American Families , edited by L Burton, D Burton, S M McHale, V King, and J Van Hook. New York: Springer.
  • Knoth, Lauren  and R. Barry Ruback. Forthcoming. “Reporting Crimes to the Police Depends on Relationship Networks: Effects of Ties among Victims, Advisors, and Offenders.”   Journal of Interpersonal Violence . 
  • Lantz, Brendan  and R. Barry Ruback. Forthcoming.  “A Networked Boost: Burglary Co-offending and Repeat Victimization.”   Crime and Delinquency .
  • Lantz, Brendan  and R. Barry Ruback. Forthcoming. “The Relationship between Co-offending, Age and Experience using a Sample of Adult Burglary Offenders.”   Journal of Developmental and Life-Course Criminology .
  • Ruback, R. Barry, Cynthia Kempinen, Leigh Tinik, and  Lauren Knoth .  Forthcoming.  “Communicating Risk Information at Criminal Sentencing in Pennsylvania: An Experimental Analysis.”   Federal Probation .
  • Staff, Jeremy,  Nayan Ramirez , and  Kelsey Cundiff . “The Vanishing Teenage Worker in the United States.” Forthcoming in  Young People’s Development and the Great Recession: Uncertain Transitions and Precarious Futures,  edited by Ingrid Schoon and John Bynner. Cambridge University Press.
  • Staff, Jeremy, Jennifer L. Maggs,  Kelsey Cundiff , and Rebecca Evans-Polce. 2016. “Childhood Cigarette and Alcohol Use: Negative Links with Adjustment.”  Addictive Behaviors  62:122-128.
  • Ulmer, Jeffery T. and  Julia Laskorunsky . 2016.  “The Role of Juvenile Adjudications in the Disproportional Incarceration of African American and Hispanic Defendants.”   Journal of Crime and Justice  39(1):9-27.
  • Ulmer, Jeffery T. and  Julia Laskorunsky . 2016.  “Sentencing, Policy, and Race, Ethnic, and Gender Disparities.”  Pp. 170-186 in  Advancing Criminology and Criminal Justice Policy edited by T. Blomberg, J. Mestre Brancale, K. Beaver, and W. Bales.  New York:  Routledge. Whichard, Corey  and Richard B. Felson. 2016. “Are Suspects Who Resist Arrest Defiant, Desperate, or Disoriented?”   Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency  53:564-591.
  • Felson, Richard and  Brendan Lantz . 2015. “When Are Victims Unlikely to Cooperate with the Police?”  Aggressive Behavior  42: 97-108.
  • Lantz, Brendan  and  Robert Hutchison .  2015.  “Co-offender Ties and the Criminal Career: The Relationship between Co-offender Group Structure and the Individual Offender.”  Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency 52:658-690.
  • McLanahan, Sara and  Wade C. Jacobsen . 2015. “Diverging Destinies Revisited.” Pp. 3-23 in  Families in an Era of Increasing Inequality: Diverging Destinies , edited by PR Amato, A Booth, SM McHale, and J Van Hook. New York: Springer.
  • Staff, Jeremy,  Corey Whichard , Sonja E. Siennick, and Jennifer L. Maggs. 2015. “Early Life Risks, Antisocial Tendencies, and Preteen Delinquency.”  Criminology  53:677-701.
  • Staff, Jeremy,  Nayan Ramirez , and Mike Vuolo. 2015. “The Transition to Adulthood Matters.” Pp. 137-146 in  Diverging Destinies: Families in an Era of Increasing Inequality , edited by Paul Amato, Alan Booth, Susan McHale, and Jennifer Van Hook.  New York: Springer.
  • Ulmer, Jeffery T. and  Julia Laskorunsky .  2015. “Sentencing Policy and Practices in Pennsylvania.”   Oxford Handbooks in Criminology and Criminal Justice , edited by M. Tonry.  New York: Oxford University Press.
  • Ruback, R. Barry,  Andrew Gladfelter , and  Brendan Lantz .  2014.  Paying Restitution: An Experimental Analysis of the Effects of Information and Rationale.   Criminology & Public Policy ,  13 , 405-436.  (Included in the National Institute of Justice’s CrimeSolutions.gov repository of evidence-based justice programs)
  • Forste, Renata and  Wade C. Jacobsen . 2013. “Divorced Mothers and Higher Education in Utah.”  Marriage & Family Review  49(4): 330-348.  

Former Students (2013-2016)

  • Frisco, Michelle L.,  Marin R. Wenger , and Derek A. Kreager. Forthcoming. “Extradyadic Sex and Union Dissolution among Married and Cohabiting Young Adults.”  Social Science Research.
  • Gladfelter, Andrew , R. Barry Ruback. Forthcoming. “Victims’ Needs and Restorative Justice.  Forthcoming in C. Robertson (Ed.)  Handbook on Victims Issues in Criminal Justice .  New York: Taylor & Francis/Routledge.
  • Becker, Jacob . 2016. “The Dynamics of Neighborhood Structural Conditions: The Effects of Concentrated Disadvantage on Homicide over Time and Space.”  City & Community  15:64-82.
  • Light, Michael T . and Jeffery T. Ulmer. 2016. “Explaining the Gaps in White, Black and Hispanic Violence Since 1990: Accounting for Immigration, Incarceration, and Inequality.”  American Sociological Review  81(2):290-315.
  • Light, Michael T . 2016. “The Punishment Consequences of Lacking National Membership in Germany, 1998-2010.”  Social Forces  94: 1385-1408. 
  • Kreager, Derek A.,  Daniel Ragan , Holly Nguyen, and Jeremy Staff. 2016. “When Onset Meets Desistance: Cognitive Transformation and Adolescent Delinquency Experimentation.”  Journal of Developmental and Life Course Criminology  2:135-161 .
  • Light, Michael  and John Iceland. 2016. “The Social Context of Racial Boundary Negotiations: Segregation, Hate Crime, and Hispanic Racial Identification in Metropolitan America.”  Sociological Science  3:61-84.
  • Painter-Davis, Noah . 2016. “Immigration Effects on Violence Contextualized The Role of Immigrant Destination Type and Race/Ethnicity.”  Sociological Perspectives  59: 130-152
  • Silver, Eric and  Leslie Abell . 2016. “Beyond Harm and Fairness: A Study of Deviance and Morality.”  Deviant Behavior  37:496-508 .
  • Ulmer, Jeffery T.,  Noah Painter-Davis , and Leigh Tinik. 2016. “Disproportional Imprisonment of Black and Hispanic Males:  Sentencing Discretion, Processing Outcomes, and Policy Structures.”  Justice Quarterly  33(4):642-681.  
  • Cundiff, Patrick , and Duane F. Alwin. 2015. “Changing Beliefs about Crime and Punishment in American Society.”  Journal of Law and Criminal Justice  3: 49-66.
  • Harris, Casey T ., Jeff Gruenewald, and  Noah Painter ‐ Davis . 2015. “Hispanic Immigration and Black Violence at the Macro‐Level: Examining the Conditioning Effect of Victim Race/Ethnicity.”  Sociological Forum  30:62-82.
  • Warner, Cody . 2015. “On the Move: Incarceration, Race, and Residential Mobility.”  Social Science Research  52:451-64.
  • Steffensmeier, Darrell,  Casey T. Harris , and  Noah Painter-Davis . 2015. “Gender and Arrests for Larceny, Fraud, Forgery, and Embezzlement: Conventional or Occupational Property Crime Offenders?”  Journal of Criminal Justice  43: 205-217.
  • Felson, Richard B. and  Patrick Cundiff . 2014. “Sexual Assault as a Crime Against Young People.”  Archives of Sexual Behavior  43: 273 -284.
  • Graif, Corina,  Andrew S. Gladfelter , and Stephen A. Matthews. 2014. “Urban Poverty and Neighborhood Effects on Crime: Incorporating Spatial and Network Perspectives”.  Sociology Compass  8: 1140–1155.
  • Light, Michael T ., Michael Massoglia, and Ryan D. King. 2014. “Citizenship and Punishment: The Salience of National Membership in U.S. Criminal Courts.”  American Sociological Review  79: 825-847.  
  • Light, Michael T . 2014. “The New Face of Legal Inequality: Noncitizens and the Long-Term Trends in Sentencing Disparities across U.S. District Courts, 1992-2009.”  Law & Society Review  48: 447-478.
  • Osgood, D. Wayne, Mark E. Feinberg,  Lacey N. Wallace , & James Moody. 2014. “Group position and substance use.”   Addictive Behaviors  39: 923-933.
  • Ragan, Daniel.   2014.  Revisiting “what they think”:  Adolescent drinking and the importance of peer beliefs.   Criminology 52 :488-513.
  • Ragan, Daniel , D. Wayne Osgood, and Mark Feinberg.  2014.  Friends as a bridge to parental influence:  Implications for adolescent alcohol use.   Social Forces 92: 1061-1085.
  • Remster, Brianna . 2014. “Self-Control and the Depression-Delinquency Link.”  Deviant Behavior  35:66-84.
  • Ruback, R. Barry,  Valerie Clark , and  Cody Warner .  2014.  “Why are Crime Victims at Risk of Being Victimized Again?  Substance Use, Depression, and Offending as Mediators of the Victimization-revictimization Link.”   Journal of Interpersonal Violence 29:157-185.  Siennick, Sonja , Jeremy Staff, D. Wayne Osgood, John E. Schulenberg, Jerald G. Bachman, and  Matthew VanEseltine . 2014. “Partnership Transitions and Antisocial Behavior in Young Adulthood: A Within-Person, Multi-Cohort Analysis.”   Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency  51:735-758.
  • Siennick, Sonja , Eric A. Stewart, and Jeremy Staff.  2014. “Explaining the Association between Incarceration and Divorce.”  Criminology  52:371-398.
  • Warner, Cody . and John D. McCarthy. 2014. “Whatever Can Go Wrong Will: Situational Complexity and Public Order Policing”.  Policing and Society  24:566-587.
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  • Felson, Richard B. and  Luke Bonkiewicz . 2013 “Guns and Trafficking in Crack Cocaine and Other Drug Markets.”    Crime & Delinquency  59: 319-343.  
  • Firebaugh, Glenn,  Cody Warner , and Michael Massoglia. 2013. “Fixed Effects, Random Effects, and Hybrid Models for Causal Analysis.” Pp. 113-132 in Handbook of Causal Analysis for Social Research (Stephen Morgan, Editor). New York: Springer.
  • Harris, Casey  and  Ben Feldmeyer . 2013. “Latino Immigration and White, Black, and Latino Violent Crime: A Comparison of Traditional and Non-Traditional Immigrant Destinations.”  Social Science Research  42:202-16.
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  • Osgood, D. Wayne, Mark E. Feinberg, Scott D. Gest, James Moody,  Daniel T. Ragan , Richard Spoth, Mark Greenberg, and Cleve Redmond. 2013. “Network Effects of PROSPER on the Influence Potential of Prosocial versus Antisocial Youth.  Journal of Adolescent Health  53: 174-179.
  • Osgood, D. Wayne,  Daniel T. Ragan ,  Lacey Wallace , Scott D. Gest, Mark E. Feinberg, and James Moody. 2013.  “Peers and the Emergence of Alcohol Use: Influence and Selection Processes in Adolescent Friendship Networks.”  Journal of Research on Adolescence 23(3): 500-512.  Parks, Michael , D. Wayne Osgood, Richard B. Felson, Samantha Wells, and Kathryn Graham.  2013. “Third Party Involvement in Barroom Conflicts.”   Aggressive Behavior  257–268.
  • Staff, Jeremy, John Schulenberg, Jerald Bachman,  Michael Parks , and  Matthew VanEseltine . 2013. “Identifying Good and Bad Jobs in Adolescence.” Pp. 26-45 in  Health and Safety of Young Workers: Proceedings of a U.S. and Canadian Series of Symposia . National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Publication No. 2013-144.
  • Ulmer, Jeffery T. and  Casey Harris .  2013. “Race and the Religious Contexts of Violence: Linking Religion and White, Black, and Latino Violent Crime.”   The Sociological Quarterly  54(4):610-646. 

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Public Criminology

Reimagining Public Education and Research Practice

  • © 2023
  • Debbie Jones 0 ,
  • Mark Jones 1 ,
  • Kate Strudwick 2 ,
  • Anthony Charles 3

Department of Criminology, Swansea University, Swansea, UK

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Higher Plain Research & Education, Swansea, UK

University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK

Considers the topic of Public Criminology from a teaching and research practice viewpoint

Discusses the role and impact of Public Criminology as a pedagogical tool to bring about change

Includes empirical studies, reflections on methodological and dissemination approaches, as critical commentaries

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Table of contents (15 chapters)

Front matter, introduction.

  • Kate Strudwick, Debbie Jones, Mark Jones, Anthony Charles

Research Methodologies and Academic Activism

Public criminology: a conversation.

  • Kathrine Johnson, Helen Jones

Making Criminology Public: Public Education and the Student Sex Work Project

  • Debbie Jones, Tracey Sagar, Elaine Forde

The Impact of Children’s Engagement in Public Education in Criminology

  • Anthony Charles, Phatsimo Mabophiwa

Community Sanctions and Measures—Public Criminology as a Counter to Marginality

  • Matt Tidmarsh

Inside-Out as Public Criminology: The Ripple Effect Revisited

  • Katherine Pickering, Joey Whitfield

True Dissemination of Knowledge Doesn’t Gather Dust on a Library Shelf

  • Victoria Silverwood

Public Criminology and Pedagogical Practice

Public criminology in the australian higher education classroom: bringing criminology and history together through citizen social science.

  • Victoria Nagy, Nancy Cushing, Alana Piper

Higher Education’s Role in Public Criminology: Students as Producers

  • Kate Strudwick, Suzanne Young

Public Criminology in an Acute Setting and the Development of an Academic Criminological Career

  • Joseph Janes

Advancing Prison Education Through Partnership Working and Public Criminology

  • Kirsty Teague, Paul Hamilton, Anne O’Grady

Revitalising a Partisan Public Criminological Pedagogy

  • Marc Jacobs

#PublicCriminology on Twitter

  • Christopher J. Schneider

Using Lived Experiences of the Criminal Justice System to Educate and Train Criminal Justice Practitioners in Anti-Racism and Cultural Competency: A Conversation with Jacob Henry facilitated by Mark Jones

  • Jacob Henry, Mark Jones

Concluding Thoughts

  • Anthony Charles, Kate Strudwick, Mark Jones, Debbie Jones

Back Matter

  • Social action
  • prison education
  • criminology pedagogy
  • criminological career
  • research dissemination
  • children's engagement in policy
  • the future of criminology
  • criminology research

About this book

This book discusses the role and impact of ‘Public Criminology’. It brings together a collection of key scholars who have been at the fore of empirical and practice work in relation to understanding how ‘Public Criminology’ can engender academic activism. Split into two parts, it focusses on academic activism and research methodologies, and public criminology and pedagogical practice. It includes chapters on a range of topics including Inside-Out teaching, it discusses the role of social scientists and stepping outside of established research practices, and how students, the public and children can be engaged in criminological learning and issues to become agents of social change. It includes a reflection on how ‘Public Criminology’ has developed both in the UK and USA. It speaks to students, researchers and academics alike involved in teaching and learning within the discipline of Criminology and those who wish to evaluate practice and ensure their interventions have impact on commissioners and policymakers.

"This important and valuable new collection takes the ongoing dialogue about ‘public criminology’ in two new directions. Rather than focusing on relationships between criminology and criminal justice policy and practice, the editors and contributors ask what it means to practice public criminology in how we research and in how we teach. In a sense then, this book invites us to attend to our own house, to our core tasks; and to clarify what it means in these activities to work for the public good or for what we Scots call ’the common weal’. As such, this is a timely book that should be of great interest anyone committed to exploring whether and how criminology can contribute to the development of safer and more just societies in which people and communities can thrive." (--Professor Fergus McNeill, Associate Director of SCCJR and Professor of Criminology and Social Work, University of Glasgow)

"For any discipline, the challenge is to move beyond its borders into the messy territory of practice, of partnerships, of engaging with the constituents of the discipline rather than just its proponents.  This book engages thoughtfully and practically with this challenge, bringing the experience of its authors in all its messy incompleteness back to criminology and making the science respond to those to whom it is responsible." (--Professor Howard Sercombe, Head of School of Social Work, Excelsia College, Sydney.)

Editors and Affiliations

Debbie Jones, Anthony Charles

Higher Plain Research & Education, Swansea, UK

Kate Strudwick

About the editors

Debbie Jones is Professor of Criminology and Head of the School of Social Sciences, Swansea University, UK.

Mark Jones is Director at Higher Plain Research and Education and Visiting Professor of Criminology at the Centre for Criminology, University South Wales, UK.

Katie Strudwick is Associate Professor and Dean of Teaching and Learning at the University of Lincoln, UK.  She previously held roles including Programme Leader and Director of Teaching and Learning for the School of Social and Political Sciences. 

Anthony Charles is Associate Professor of Youth Justice and Children’s Rights in the Department of Criminology at Swansea University, UK. 

Bibliographic Information

Book Title : Public Criminology

Book Subtitle : Reimagining Public Education and Research Practice

Editors : Debbie Jones, Mark Jones, Kate Strudwick, Anthony Charles

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-42167-9

Publisher : Palgrave Macmillan Cham

eBook Packages : Law and Criminology , Law and Criminology (R0)

Copyright Information : The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023

Hardcover ISBN : 978-3-031-42166-2 Published: 20 November 2023

Softcover ISBN : 978-3-031-42169-3 Due: 04 December 2024

eBook ISBN : 978-3-031-42167-9 Published: 19 November 2023

Edition Number : 1

Number of Pages : XXI, 341

Number of Illustrations : 3 b/w illustrations, 10 illustrations in colour

Topics : Research Methods in Criminology , Social Justice, Equality and Human Rights , Social Sciences, general , Crime and Society , Social Policy , Politics of the Welfare State

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Criminal Justice Research Topics

Published by Boni on May 9, 2023 May 9, 2023

criminal justice research topics

Criminal justice research topics are becoming increasingly significant today, as the criminal justice system is critical to maintaining peace and order. The goal of criminal justice research is to provide insight into the effectiveness and efficiency of the criminal justice system, identify weaknesses, and inform policy decisions.

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Therefore, you find that most people studying law will have to do a research paper on a particular criminal justice topic. In this article, you will find more about these topics. If you are a law student finding it difficult to write a good criminal justice research paper, worry not because, at Gudwriter, we offer the best assignment help services. Additionally, if you need help with history homework , our team of professional tutors is available 24/7 to provide quality help students need to succeed.

What is a Criminal Justice Research Paper?

A criminal justice research paper is an academic document that explores and analyzes various facets of the criminal justice system. It is a scholarly piece of writing that tries to add to the current knowledge of criminal justice. Typically, these articles require substantial research and analysis of primary and secondary sources such as case studies, official reports, statistics, and academic literature.

A research paper in criminal justice typically follows a standard academic format, which includes 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.

A criminal justice research paper aims to critically study and evaluate various components of the criminal justice system. An exhaustive literature review is required to identify existing hypotheses, research findings, and knowledge gaps. Researchers must explain their ideas and conclusions clearly, logically, and compellingly, supported by appropriate evidence. Thus, these research papers are done mainly by college law and criminology students as they learn how to deal with crime and law.

Tips for Choosing a Good Research Topic Rules

A suitable research topic is essential for any law or criminology student conducting a successful and relevant study. The research topic serves as the foundation for your whole research project, and choosing the proper topic can make a significant difference in the quality and effect of your work.

Here are some crucial ideas and rules to consider while selecting a research topic to assist you in this process;

  • Follow your institution’s guidelines – Any law/criminology student at any university, such as Harvard, must probably be given instructions. As a student, stick to these guidelines as they will significantly help when selecting the best research topic.
  • Choose a topic that interests you – Your topic should be something you are passionate about or are interested in learning more about. Your interest in the subject will drive you to study and write an excellent research paper thoroughly.
  • Be focused – When writing a criminal justice research paper on a topic such like racism and discrimination , it is best to stay focused on your topic. Use study suggestions, take breaks, improve and practice your writing abilities daily to keep your research focused and on topic.
  • Narrow your topic – A broad topic might be intimidating and challenging to address. As a result, it is critical to limit your issue to a specific area that can be thoroughly researched and analyzed. For instance, use one clear and well-defined thesis statement.
  • Choose a well-researched topic – Many criminal justice issues are too fresh from having solid research while writing a paper on them. Choose a topic with many examples or one focusing on a prevalent problem.
  • Consider the scope of your research – Your research topic should be possible within the scope of your research project. Consider your resources, such as time, money, and data access. If you are having a hard time trying to get a great research topic, you can use our efficient essay title generator that generated quality topics that will get you great ideas.

How to Create Strong Criminal Justice Research Questions

Developing substantial research questions is essential to conducting effective criminal justice research. You should ask yourself the following questions; Is there enough research to back up the question? Is the research question narrow and focused?

Are you passionate about the topic you want to write about? With this knowledge, any criminal justice college student can develop an excellent research paper. Additionally, you can explore our website for a well researched list of human resources research topics .

Basic Criminal Justice Research Topics

Basic criminal justice topics give students the groundwork for understanding criminal justice. Criminal justice research topics vary from criminal investigation and prosecution to incarceration and rehabilitation of offenders. The following are some crucial essential criminal justice research paper topics you can choose for your assignment;

  • Gender and crime.
  • Police brutality and excessive use of force.
  • Policing and law enforcement. use of force, community policing.
  • Crime prevention strategies.
  • Courts and legal systems.
  • Discuss different types of criminology theories.
  • Victimization’s impact on mental health and well-being.
  • The efficiency with which juvenile justice programs/interventions are implemented.
  • What are the methods for preventing international drug trafficking?
  • Juvenile justice, the impact of adolescent brain development on criminal behavior.
  • Discuss the history and development of criminology.
  • What is the accuracy of DNA evidence in a crime scene?
  • Discuss the impact of community programs on crime rates.
  • What is the role of education in preventing juvenile delinquency?
  • Criminal profiling and investigative techniques.
  • Ways of preventing crimes in our societies.

General Criminology Research Topics

Criminology includes a wide range of subjects, from the human and social factors that influence criminal conduct to the effectiveness of intervention and policy strategies. Sometimes it may be difficult for criminology students to choose criminology research topics. Here are the general criminology research topics college students can select for their research;

  • White-Collar Crime: Examining the nature, scope, and Impact of white-collar crimes.
  • Studying crime patterns, trends, and spatial distribution to identify emerging crime patterns and causes contributing to variances in crime rates.
  • Analyzing the various theories that explain criminal behavior and their consequences for understanding and avoiding crime.
  • Exploring the various types of cybercrime and analyzing the difficulties in investigating and prosecuting cybercriminals.
  • Crime and Technology.
  • Drug Misuse and Crime.
  • Investigating the links between mental health illnesses and criminal conduct.
  • Analysis of the relationship between immigration patterns, acculturation, crime rates, and the impact of immigration policies on crime.
  • Studying the factors contributing to gun violence, analyzing the impact of gun control policies, and exploring strategies for preventing firearm-related crimes.
  • Policing strategies: Evaluating the success of various policing strategies in crime prevention and community trust.
  • Investigating the nature and scope of human trafficking and factors contributing to its occurrence.
  • Rehabilitation and reintegration: Evaluating the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in lowering recidivism.
  • Hate Crimes: Investigating the motivations, prevalence, and impact of hate crimes.
  • International and comparative criminology.
  • Examining the psychological aspects that influence criminal behavior.

Criminal Law Research Topics

For many college students selecting a topic to research on is quite challenging. Here are some of the criminal law research topics you can consider;

  • What is the role of forensic science in criminal investigations, advances, and ethical Implications?
  • The impact of technology on cybercrime, issues, and legal reactions.
  • Evaluating juvenile justice systems’ effectiveness in rehabilitating young offenders.
  • What is the use of predictive policing with artificial intelligence?
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of alternative approaches to drug criminalization.
  • Investigating the causes and consequences of white-collar crime in corporate settings.
  • Racial profiling and its impact on policing: Addressing bias and ensuring equal treatment of individuals.
  • Balancing law enforcement needs and individual rights in the digital age.
  • The insanity defense: Its legitimacy and importance in modern criminal law.
  • Human Trafficking: Legal approaches to combating modern-day slavery.
  • False confessions, causes, implications, and preventive measures.
  • Hate crimes and legal reactions and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
  • What are the roles of criminal profiling in solving and preventing crimes?
  • Offenders’ rehabilitation and reintegration, program evaluation and best practices.
  • The effects of mandatory minimum sentencing laws on the criminal justice system.

Here is a sample essay on democracy to help you understand how to work your way around the research.

International Criminal Law Research Topics

International criminal law comprises a wide range of legal principles and concepts targeted at combating major crimes of international relevance. It is critical in promoting accountability and guaranteeing justice on a global scale, from war crimes to genocide. Here are appealing research topics in international criminal law for college students;

  • Assessing the ICC’s efficiency in prosecuting and deterring international crimes.
  • Analyzing the development of international criminal law from the Nuremberg Trials to the founding of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
  • Investigating international law’s definition, prevention, and punishment of genocide.
  • Investigating the notion and legal implications of crimes against humanity, such as their definition and prosecution.
  • Analyzing the historical development and contemporary legal situation of the crime of aggression as an international crime.
  • Examining the legal system that governs war crimes and their prosecution in international tribunals.
  • Examining the notion of universal jurisdiction and its relevance in international criminal prosecution.
  • Examining the interaction of domestic legal systems with international criminal law.
  • Examining the concept of command responsibility and how it is applied in punishing higher officers for crimes committed by subordinates.
  • Investigating the prosecution of sexual assault and gender-based offenses as war crimes or crimes against humanity.
  • Cybercrime and international law.
  • Corporate Liability for International Crimes.
  • Terrorism and International Criminal Law.
  • Examining the legal framework governing the recruitment, use, and rehabilitation of children as soldiers in armed wars.
  • Emerging Issues in International Criminal Law.
  • Extraterritorial Application of International Criminal Law.

 Criminal Controversial Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

Criminal justice is a broad and ever-changing discipline that includes aspects of law enforcement, crime prevention, and punishment. As researchers and students explore this area, they encounter several controversial issues that inspire debates and discussions. Below are some of these topics;

  • Evaluating the ethical and moral implications of the death penalty and its usefulness in deterring crime.
  • Analyzing the frequency and repercussions of racial bias in law enforcement procedures and its impact on marginalized populations.
  • Examining the reasons, implications, and viable alternatives to the United States’ high incarceration rates.
  • Police Use of Force: Investigating law enforcement officers’ use of force, including excessive force, and developing methods to reduce its occurrence.
  • Policies to combat gun violence.
  • Propaganda for Crimes and Modern Music Culture.
  • The politics of race in criminal justice.
  • Poverty criminalization.
  • Punishment and Gender.
  • The impact of drugs on the development of children.
  • Addiction’s impact on mental health.
  • Bootcamps for young offenders.
  • Police Militarization: Examining law enforcement agencies use of military techniques and equipment and its impact on community relations and civil liberties.
  • Wrongful Convictions: Investigating the reasons for wrongful convictions, such as false confessions and inadequate legal representation, and evaluating measures to prevent such miscarriages of justice.
  • Comparing the benefits of rehabilitation-focused approaches to criminal justice against punishment-oriented strategies.
  • Examining the arguments for and against decriminalizing sex work and its possible influence on public health and human rights.

Justice Research Topics on Racism & Discrimination

Racism and discrimination remain persistent societal challenges that require our attention and concerted efforts. To effectively counteract these injustices, extensive research is needed to understand the complex mechanisms at work better and identify ways to foster a more inclusive and fair society. The following topics can be researched to understand these college students;

  • Discrimination in criminal justice sentencing: Examining racial discrepancies in sentencing results and the factors contributing to unnecessary treatment of people of different races.
  • Examining the influence of implicit bias in decision-making processes such as jury selection and resource allocation and proposing solutions to limit its effects.
  • Exploring racial differences in educational results and identification of measures to close the achievement gap between students of diverse racial origins.
  • Employment discrimination: Investigating and recommending policies to ensure equitable opportunities for all employees in hiring, promotions, and workplace policies.
  • Legislative Apartheid Against African Americans.
  • Discrimination based on race on college campuses.
  • How criminal justice laws are applied to migrants.
  • Inequality in the criminal justice system is being researched.
  • Disparities in health among racial and ethnic groupings.
  • Examining the use of racial profiling in immigration enforcement techniques and its influence on the lives of people of various races and ethnicities.
  • Discrimination in the healthcare system.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of existing anti-discrimination legislation and policies in resolving racial and ethnic imbalances.
  • LGBTQ+ communities of color.
  • Examining how poverty and race intersect in the criminal justice system, resulting in the criminalization of individuals from underprivileged groups and providing alternatives to punitive tactics.
  • Investigating the unequal distribution of environmental hazards and toxic sites in vulnerable groups and developing measures to promote environmental justice for all.

Criminal Justice Research Topics on Society & Justice

As societies grow and face new difficulties, conducting studies on all areas of the criminal justice system is critical. This piece explores the complex relationship between culture and justice, diving into crucial subjects such as crime prevention, offender rehabilitation, societal inequities, and developing trends in the field of criminal justice. The following are the criminology justice topics for college students who want to research criminology topics on society and justice;

  • Death penalty .
  • Domestic abuse and criminal justice response.
  • Assess the effectiveness of community-based crime prevention initiatives in lowering crime rates, making areas safer, and strengthening police-community relations.
  • Wrongful Convictions: Look into the origins and effects of wrongful convictions, focusing on the role of forensic science, eyewitness evidence, and the possibility of systemic flaws within the criminal justice system.
  • Policing in minority communities: Investigate the difficulties law enforcement agencies confront in establishing trust and sustaining positive relationships with minority groups and the ideas for effective community policing.
  • Rehabilitation and reentry programs
  • Investigating the nature and scope of human trafficking.
  • Gun restrictions policies
  • Examine the role of civilian supervision and accountability procedures in embracing police transparency and reducing police misconduct.
  • Rehabilitation for sex offenders.
  • Evaluate the availability and efficacy of victim services and support programs.
  • Human trafficking.
  • Mental health and criminal justice.
  • Cybercrime and digital forensics.
  • Effects of technology on policing.

Research Topics in Criminal Justice System

Criminal justice research topics help college students to investigate the court system and assess practices. Some criminal justice research papers include;

  • Eyewitness identification.
  • Policing strategies.
  • Restorative justice.
  • Risk assessment tools.
  • Racial disparities in sentencing
  • The broken window theory of crimes.
  • Assessing the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs.
  • Juvenile justice reforms.
  • Community Reentry programs.
  • Drug courts
  • What is the role of prosecutors?
  • Implicit bias in policing.
  • Gun violence prevention.
  • Mandatory sentencing’s impact on the criminal justice system.
  • Examine the impact of police militarization on community trust.
  • Gun firing.

Criminal Justice Research Topics in Types of Crime

Criminal justice research is critical for understanding and addressing various types of crime. Here are some of the multiple topics’ students can research to help them understand different types of crime in society.

  • Recognizing the underlying causes of domestic violence.
  • The influence of media violence on real-world aggressiveness.
  • Examining the link between mental health and violent criminal conduct.
  • A case study on the significance of situational circumstances in a burglary.
  • Trends, problems, and responses in the evolution of cybercrime.
  • The influence of socioeconomic conditions on urban property crime rates.
  • Examining the effectiveness of community policing in preventing property crimes.
  • Examining the effects of money laundering on national economies.
  • Emerging difficulties and solutions to the use of technology in aiding white-collar crime.
  • Evaluating the efficacy of drug treatment programs in lowering recidivism rates.
  • Investigating the link between drug addiction and property crime.
  • Investigating the effects of drug decriminalization on crime rates and public health.
  • Understanding the structure and functioning of multinational criminal organizations.
  • Investigating the role of corruption in the facilitation of organized crime activities.
  • Examining the consequences of human trafficking on individuals and societies.

Criminal Justice Research Topics about Court Cases

For any law student trying to understand more about court cases, here are various topics to research about;

  • The Effects of Plea Bargaining on the Criminal Justice System.
  • Racial Bias in Jury Selection Methods.
  • The Importance of Forensic Evidence in Legal Proceedings
  • Is there a link between organized crime and corruption?
  • What legal assistance is available to date rape victims?
  • Eyewitness Testimony in Court.
  • Can crime victims get help?
  • What is the severity of shoplifting incidents?
  • The Application of Technology in Courtrooms.
  • When do felony disenfranchisement statutes come into play?
  • How valuable is forensic science in contemporary criminal justice?
  • Cases in Juvenile Court and Rehabilitative Services.
  • Who qualifies for the protection program, and what kind of protection is offered?
  • What can be done to avoid rape and violence in prison?
  • The Importance of Mitigating Factors in Sentencing.

Criminology Topic Ideas based on Criminology Theories

One of the core parts of criminology is the study of theories that explain why people participate in criminal acts. If you are a criminology/ law student or researcher looking for exciting topics to investigate, here are captivating criminology topic ideas based on criminology theories.

  • Investigating the role of interpersonal relationships in criminal behavior.
  • Discussing the effects of societal labels on individuals’ criminal activity.
  • Is there a link between gender and the sort of law violation?
  • Investigating the role of societal forces in the prevention of criminal activity.
  • What exactly is the connection between citizenship and law enforcement?
  • What is the relationship between education and crime rates?
  • What is the relationship between gun ownership and breaking the law?
  • Discussing the effects of neighborhood variables on crime rates.
  • Examining the methods people employ to alleviate guilt and rationalize unlawful behavior.
  • What kinds of crimes are prevalent, and at what ages?
  • What is the relationship between the crime type and the aggression level?
  • Discussing the integration of multiple criminological ideas to explain criminal behavior comprehensively.
  • Examining the effect of societal stress on criminal behavior.
  • Investigating the role of observational learning and modeling in the development of criminal behaviors.
  • Feminist Criminology: The study of gender inequality and their impact on crime rates.

Criminal Justice Research Topics and Research Questions Examples

Choosing an exciting and relevant research topic is critical to many law college students. Let’s look into these topics and questions you can select for your research;

  • Police Use of Force: What variables influence police officers’ decision-making when employing force?
  • Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency: What are the most effective intervention tactics for preventing juvenile delinquency?
  • Wrongful Convictions: What are the most common reasons for wrongful convictions in the criminal justice system?
  • Rehabilitation Programs: Which rehabilitation programs are most effective at lowering recidivism rates?
  • Cybercrime: What are the emerging trends and problems in detecting and prosecuting cybercrime?
  • Community policing: How does community policing affect public trust in law enforcement?
  • Mental Health and Criminal Justice: What are the best practices for redirecting people with mental illnesses away from the criminal justice system and towards appropriate treatment?
  • Restorative Justice: What are victims’ and offenders’ perceptions of their experiences in therapeutic justice processes?
  • Police-Community interactions: What variables lead to positive police-community interactions in different communities?
  • Hate Crimes: What motivates and distinguishes perpetrators of hate crimes?
  • Technology and Crime: How does surveillance technology impact crime prevention and investigation?
  • Identification of Eyewitnesses: How can lineup processes be changed to improve eyewitness identification accuracy?
  • Police Brutality: What causes police brutality, and how can it be avoided?
  • What are the repercussions of mass incarceration, and how can it be reduced?
  • Domestic Violence: What causes and repercussions of domestic violence are there, and how can they be avoided?
  • Organized Crime: What are the different types of organized crime and their consequences, and how can it be prevented and prosecuted?

Criminal justice research topics are not easy to find. They must be well-thought and prepared to make sense to the reader. If you are unable to get the right topic for your criminal justice research, here are the top topics to inspire you.

More resources to explore;

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Click here for Objectives    

In order to earn both the Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in Criminal Justice and Criminology, students will take seven graduate foundation courses during their Senior year. These foundation courses will count toward the undergraduate degree credit hour requirements, and they will also satisfy the corresponding graduate degree requirements. Students will complete the remaining graduate degree requirements during their fifth year.  Students in the dual degree program must complete a minimum of 216 quarter credits, including 180 undergraduate credits and 36 graduate credits. Students admitted to this program must have a cumulative and a major/program grade point average of 3.50 in order to be admitted for MA studies and take graduate courses during their Senior year; otherwise they will terminate with the BA degree only. Students with Junior standing may be admitted to the dual degree program if they have a minimum cumulative and a major/program grade point average of 3.50. Students considering the dual degree program are strongly advised to meet with their Academic Advisor as early as possible in order to review all program requirements, the typical five-year program of study, and to ensure that degree requirements will be satisfied prior to taking graduate courses during the Senior year. Students should also consult the MA Student Handbook for additional detail on graduate program requirements.      

Requirements

In order to earn the bachelor of arts with a major in criminal justice and master of arts in criminal justice dual degree, students must complete a minimum of 216 quarter credits with a cumulative and a major/program grade point average of 3.50, including the following:

I. Core Curriculum Requirements

Module i: engaging academic inquiry.

  • UCOR 1100 - Academic Writing Seminar
  • UCOR 1200 - Quantitative Reasoning (or MATH 1010 or above)
  • UCOR 1300 - Creative Expression and Interpretation
  • UCOR 1400 - Inquiry Seminar in the Humanities
  • UCOR 1600 - Inquiry Seminar in the Social Sciences
  • UCOR 1800 - Inquiry Seminar in the Natural Sciences  (or BIOL 1610/1611, 2200, CHEM 1500/1501, PHYS 1050/1051, 1210/1211)

Module II: Engaging Jesuit Traditions

  • UCOR 2100 - Theological Explorations
  • UCOR 2500 - Philosophy of the Human Person
  • UCOR 2900 - Ethical Reasoning

Module III: Engaging the World

  • UCOR 3100 - Religion in a Global Context
  • UCOR 3400 - Humanities and Global Challenges
  • UCOR 3800 - Natural Sciences and Global Challenges

II. College of Arts and Sciences Requirements

  • Modern Languages 1150, 1250, 1350, or equivalent (15)

Students earning this major must demonstrate competency through the level of 1350 in a language other than English. This competency is ordinarily achieved by successful completion of the three-course sequence: 1150, 1250, and 1350. Because these courses are a college requirement, no course in the sequence may be taken on a pass/fail, correspondence, or audit basis. Placement into other than the beginning course of the sequence is achieved by acceptable performance on the Modern Language Competency Examination. See the Modern Languages and Cultures Department for details on the examinations. Courses used to satisfy the College of Arts and Sciences modern language requirement may not be used to fulfill major requirements.

Choose one of the following three courses:

  • HIST 1200 - Constructing Past and Present I
  • HIST 1210 - Constructing Past and Present II
  • HIST 2310 - US in the World

Criminal Justice, BA/MA

Iii. major requirements.

68 undegraduate-level credits in criminal justice and related disciplines, and 22 graduate-level credits in criminal justice, including:

  • CRJS 1100 - Introduction to Criminal Justice
  • CRJS 2090 - Criminology
  • CRJS 3010 - Criminal Justice Research Methods
  • CRJS 3020 - Criminal Justice Statistics
  • CRJS 3120 - Criminal Law
  • CRJS 4050 - Gender, Race and Crime
  • CRJS 4870 - Senior Synthesis

Senior Year Graduate-Level Courses

22 credits, including:

  • CRJS 5010 - Criminal Justice Theory (3)
  • CRJS 5020 - Advanced Criminological Theory (3)
  • CRJS 5030 - Law and Social Control (3)
  • CRJS 5040 - Organizational Theory and Analysis in Criminal Justice (3)
  • CRJS 5060 - Advanced Research Methods in Criminology and Criminal Justice (3)
  • CRJS 5100 - Theory and Research in Police, Courts, Corrections (3)
  • CRJS 5070/5080 - Statistical Analysis with Lab (4)

See Graduate Catalog for course descriptions

Area I: Police

Choose one from the following four courses (5):

  • CRJS 3060 - Police and Society
  • CRJS 3200 - Criminal Investigation
  • CRJS 4010 - Criminal Profiling
  • CRJS 4220 - Issues in Contemporary Law Enforcement

Area II: Courts

Choose one from the following three courses (5):

  • CRJS 2100 - Law, Society and Justice
  • CRJS 3100 - The Criminal Trial and the Courts
  • CRJS 3150 - Criminal Procedure

Area III: Corrections

  • CRJS 3080 - Jails and Prisons
  • CRJS 3500 - Reentry and Community Corrections
  • CRJS 4200 - Working with Offender Populations
  • CRJS 4230 - Punishment and Social Theory

Area IV: Specialization Electives

Choose from the following specialization electives (20):

  • CRJS 2000 - Deviance and Social Control
  • CRJS 3030 - Juvenile Justice
  • CRJS 3600 - Forensic Psychology
  • CRJS 4000 - Victimology
  • CRJS 4500 - The Psychopath
  • CRJS 4510 - Trafficking
  • CRJS 4520 - Serial Murder
  • CRJS 4530 - US Marshals Practicum
  • CRJS 4540 - DEA Practicum
  • CRJS 4550 - ATF Practicum
  • CRJS 4560 - Forensics Practicum
  • CRJS 4570 - Trial Skills Practicum
  • CRJS 4580 - FBI Practicum
  • CRJS 4590 - Research Assistantship
  • CRJS 4600 - Forensic Anthropology
  • CRJS 4650 - Crime Scene and Medico-legal Death Investigation
  • CRJS 4800 - Forensic Science
  • CRJS 4810 - Murder Movies and Copycat Crime
  • CRJS 4910 - Special Topics
  • CRJS 4950 - Internship
  • SOCW 4340 - Introduction to Alcohol and Drug Addiction
  • A maximum of 30 community college credits may apply to this program.
  • Any of the required police, courts, and corrections courses not selected may count as specialization electives.
  • Special topics courses may fulfill police, courts, or corrections requirements if deemed applicable and approved by the program chair.
  • For students pursuing the dual degree program, cross-listed courses (i.e., courses that are taken by both undergraduate and graduate students) may not be double-counted toward both the BA and MA degrees. Students should plan accordingly to take such courses to fulfill either undergraduate specialization elective or graduate elective requirements.

IV. General Electives

  • Undergraduate-level general elective credit to reach 158 undergraduate credits total

V. Additional MA requirements

36 additional graduate-level credits to be completed in fifth year of the program, including:

Required Courses: (6)

  • CRJS 5050 - Criminal Justice Ethics and Decision-making (Summer course only)
  • CRJS 5900 - Criminal Justice Capstone (Summer course only)

Electives (30)

  • CRJS 5110 - Criminal Justice Legislation and Policy
  • CRJS 5120 - Qualitative Research Methods in Criminology and Criminal Justice
  • CRJS 5130 - Critical Criminology
  • CRJS 5140 - Investigative Criminology and Offender Profiling
  • CRJS 5150 - Typologies of Crime and Criminal Behavior
  • CRJS 5160 - Theories and Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation
  • CRJS 5170 - Crime Analysis
  • CRJS 5180 - Contemporary Issues in Victimology
  • CRJS 5190 - Violence and Victimization
  • CRJS 5200 - Restorative/Community Justice
  • CRJS 5240 - Crime Mapping
  • CRJS 5530 - US Marshals Practicum
  • CRJS 5540 - DEA Practicum
  • CRJS 5550 - ATF Practicum
  • CRJS 5560 - Forensics Practicum
  • CRJS 5570 - Trial Skills Practicum
  • CRJS 5580 - FBI Practicum
  • CRJS 5700 - Restorative Justice: Behind Bars
  • CRJS 5910 - Special Topics
  • CRJS 5950 - Internship
  • CRJS 5960 - Independent Study
  • CRJS 5970 - Teaching Assistantship
  • CRJS 5980 - Research Assistantship
  • CRJS 5990 - Thesis
  • COUN 5100 - Fundamental Counseling Skills
  • COUN 5110 - Counseling Theories
  • COUN 5130 - Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling
  • PUBM 5310 - Public Budgeting
  • PUBM 5720 - Administrative Law

With no more than two courses from the following joint undergraduate/graduate courses. Students may take up to two (6 credits) to fulfill MACJ elective course requirements. However, dual degree students may not double-count these courses toward both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements,

  • CRJS 5220 - Issues in Contemporary Law Enforcement
  • CRJS 5230 - Punishment and Social Theory
  • CRJS 5260 - Terrorism and Homeland Security
  • CRJS 5500 - The Psychopath
  • CRJS 5510 - Trafficking
  • CRJS 5600 - Forensic Anthropology
  • CRJS 5650 - Crime Scene and Medicolegal Death Investigation
  • CRJS 5810 - Murder, Movies and Copycat Crime

Consult the Graduate Catalog for details on different specialization tracks within the MA program, including Investigative Criminology, Research and Evaluation, and Victimization.

VI. Comprehensive Exam/Thesis

Students have the option of taking the comprehensive exam or completing a Master’s Thesis. Please see the current Graduate Catalog for detailed descriptions of the comprehensive exam and thesis option.

Kent State Online

What is the difference between Criminology and Criminal Justice?

investigator examines fingerprints with magnifying glass

Determining what degree field you’d like to explore more, means learning the subtle nuances of that degree. Case in point, what is the difference between criminology and criminal justice? These two terms seem similar in use because the career paths from both can overlap.

In a nutshell, here’s the quick difference between criminology and criminal justice.

Criminology focuses on the sociological and psychological behaviors of criminals to determine why they commit crimes or do what they do.

Whereas criminal justice studies law enforcement systems and operations.

CRIMINOLOGYDifference_5.png

Which path should you choose - Criminology or Criminal Justice?

As the discipline that deals in the practical application of policy and research, criminal justice is associated most closely with law enforcement, court proceedings, and criminal corrections. Professionals in this field may work as criminal investigators or federal agents, but they may also work in research and policy development, aiming to improve existing policing or corrections practices.

On the other hand, criminologist jobs are focused almost entirely on investigative research and policy development, with leaders in the field is highly sought after in both the private sector and federal government agencies.

Why apply to Kent State University?

  • No GRE required for admission
  • Learn from dedicated, full-time faculty who are invested in student success
  • Graduate in as few as two years
  • One of the most affordable online master’s programs in criminology and criminal justice in the state of Ohio
  • 100 percent of our alumni rated the program as high or very high 1

Kent State University’s Online Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice

The Online Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice program at Kent State University helps prepare you for the diverse career paths associated with criminology, or the theoretical exploration of crime, as well as the practical application and execution of criminal justice policies, policing and corrections practices, victim advocacy initiatives, and contemporary global security measures.

Designed for busy working professionals and students seeking graduate education, our online program challenges students to expand their scope of knowledge, with options to concentrate in three areas:

  • Global Security
  • Victimology

For more information on Kent State’s Online Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice degree, visit https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/sociology/criminal-justice .

1 Based on a limited sample of self-reported data from Kent State alumni from graduating cohorts between 2016-2020

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IMAGES

  1. RESEARCH TOPICS AND TITLES FOR CRIMINOLOGY STUDENTS

    research titles for criminology students

  2. Advances in Criminology Research

    research titles for criminology students

  3. Criminology-Thesis-FINAL.docx

    research titles for criminology students

  4. Introduction to Criminology Outline

    research titles for criminology students

  5. Criminological Research 2: A Textbook for Criminology Students

    research titles for criminology students

  6. Browsing Best Journals

    research titles for criminology students

COMMENTS

  1. 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!

  2. 256 Research Topics on Criminal Justice & Criminology

    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.

  3. 271+ Excellent Criminological Research Topics For Students

    These research topics empower students to critically analyze, propose solutions, and ultimately play a proactive role in advancing the knowledge base of criminology. In choosing and researching these topics, students become catalysts for positive change, making meaningful contributions to a discipline that seeks to create safer and more ...

  4. 200 Best Criminology Research Topics For Students

    Criminology research topics involve studying crime, criminals, and the justice system using scientific methods. This includes looking at: Why crimes happen. Patterns in criminal behavior. How crime impacts people and communities. How the justice system, like police, courts, and jails, work. Theories about the causes of crime.

  5. 155 Captivating Criminology Research Topics For Students

    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 ...

  6. 80 Criminology Research Topics

    80 Criminology Research Topics. If you are a student passionate about understanding the complexities of crime and its impact on society, your search for compelling research topics in criminology ends here. As you embark on your academic journey, we present you with a comprehensive list of criminology research topics catering to undergraduate ...

  7. 35 Criminal Justice Topics for Students

    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 ...

  8. 250+ Criminal Justice Research Topics: Top List for Students

    Criminology Research Topics. Criminology, the scientific study of crime, criminal behavior, and the law, presents a world of fascinating subjects ripe for exploration. From analyzing the psychology behind criminal acts to examining the social factors influencing crime rates, criminology research offers multiple issues for consideration.

  9. Criminology Research Paper Topics

    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 ...

  10. Criminal Justice Research Topics for College Students

    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 ...

  11. 15 Easy Criminology Research Topics For Final-Year Students

    Here are 15 easy criminology research topics for students: 1. Social media and cybercrime. With the growth of social media, new types of cybercrimes like cyberbullying, identity theft, hacking ...

  12. Criminal Justice Research Topics

    Two little written about criminal justice topics in this scientific field are the topics of environmental and wildlife crime. Pollution, littering, dumping, poaching, and wildfire started by humans are all areas that could be a great place to use your analytical skills and nab a decent grade. 9.

  13. Student Research

    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 ...

  14. CRIM 480: Research Topics in Crime, Law and Justice

    databases covering criminology, criminal justice, and security includes Criminal Justice Database and NCJRS Sociological Abstracts This link opens in a new window A premier resource for interdisciplinary research on subjects impacting society and the single most important database in the Social Sciences.

  15. 158 Criminology Essay Topics & Research Titles at StudyCorgi

    Criminology is a study of the nature and degree of the problem of crime in society. For years criminologists have been trying to unravel criminal behavior. Chapter 9 of "Criminology Today" by Schmalleger. According to the conflict perspective, conflicts can never be resolved since they are essential in social life.

  16. Criminology Theses and Dissertations

    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.

  17. Student motivations for studying criminology: A narrative inquiry

    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 ...

  18. 180+ Unique Criminal Justice Research Topics for Students

    Criminal justice is the educational study system bearing on understanding crimes and the outcome of crimes. Criminal justice and criminological research have contemporarily taken the multidisciplinary path to the study of crime and controlling crimes. It contributes to the domains of Law, Sociology, Psychology, and Forensic Science.

  19. Research Methods for Criminal Justice Students

    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 ...

  20. Student Research

    Doctoral students gain valuable research and publication experience through working side-by-side with faculty on ground-breaking research. Top doctoral students become partners with faculty in publishing in the field's top journals. Through this partnership, they build the skills necessary for generating compelling ideas for new research ...

  21. Criminology Student Research

    Criminology Student Research. The program draws its students from a variety of academic backgrounds, including sociology, psychology, political science, and criminal justice. In addition, some students enter with professional experience, although not necessarily in the area in which they plan to concentrate.

  22. QUANTITATIVE STUDIES IN CRIMINOLOGY

    THE SIGNIFICANCE OF LONGITUDINAL RESEARCH IS REVIEWED IN THE FOLLOWING STUDIES; (1) A SYSTEMATIC TIME SERIES OF SPECTRAL AND CROSS SPECTRAL ANALYSIS OF CRIME WITH RESPECT TO MONTHLY AND YEARLY HOMICIDE RATES; AND (2) THE RELATIONSHIP OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY TO ADULT CRIME. RESEARCH DIRECTED AT DETERMINING THE EFFECTS OF EDUCATION ON POLICE ...

  23. Public Criminology: Reimagining Public Education and Research Practice

    Kate Strudwick, Anthony Charles. Considers the topic of Public Criminology from a teaching and research practice viewpoint. Discusses the role and impact of Public Criminology as a pedagogical tool to bring about change. Includes empirical studies, reflections on methodological and dissemination approaches, as critical commentaries. 861 Accesses.

  24. 170+ Criminal Justice Research Topics for Research Papers

    Here are the general criminology research topics college students can select for their research; White-Collar Crime: Examining the nature, scope, and Impact of white-collar crimes. Studying crime patterns, trends, and spatial distribution to identify emerging crime patterns and causes contributing to variances in crime rates.

  25. (PDF) STRESS AND COPING MECHANISM AMONG CRIMINOLOGY STUDENTS

    used by the criminology students. Wh ile the negative coping mechanism presented seven coping strategies with. a weighted mean of 2.00, the top three negative copings found, (1) criticize me ...

  26. Using Student Samples in Criminological Research

    In criminology and criminal justice, student samples are often used in behavioral studies, tests of criminological theories, pilot tests of methodologies, and in evaluating attitudes toward crime and justice issues. This article provides an overview of the types of studies that have used students as samples in criminological research.

  27. Program: Criminal Justice and Criminology, BA/MA

    Special topics courses may fulfill police, courts, or corrections requirements if deemed applicable and approved by the program chair. For students pursuing the dual degree program, cross-listed courses (i.e., courses that are taken by both undergraduate and graduate students) may not be double-counted toward both the BA and MA degrees.

  28. What is the difference between Criminology and Criminal Justice?

    Learn from dedicated, full-time faculty who are invested in student success; Graduate in as few as two years; One of the most affordable online master's programs in criminology and criminal justice in the state of Ohio; 100 percent of our alumni rated the program as high or very high 1