American Journal of Criminal Justice

Scope & Guideline

Advancing the Frontiers of Criminal Justice Research

Introduction

Welcome to your portal for understanding American Journal of Criminal Justice, featuring guidelines for its aims and scope. Our guidelines cover trending and emerging topics, identifying the forefront of research. Additionally, we track declining topics, offering insights into areas experiencing reduced scholarly attention. Key highlights include highly cited topics and recently published papers, curated within these guidelines to assist you in navigating influential academic dialogues.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1066-2316
PublisherSPRINGER
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1975 to 1976, from 1979 to 1982, from 1984 to 1991, from 1993 to 1997, from 2009 to 2024
AbbreviationAM J CRIM JUSTICE / Am. J. Crim. Just.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressONE NEW YORK PLAZA, SUITE 4600 , NEW YORK, NY 10004, UNITED STATES

Aims and Scopes

The American Journal of Criminal Justice serves as a vital platform for the exploration and dissemination of research that addresses a wide range of issues within the field of criminal justice. The journal aims to advance knowledge through empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, and discussions of practice and policy related to criminal justice.
  1. Criminal Behavior Analysis:
    The journal focuses on understanding the psychological, social, and environmental factors influencing criminal behavior, including studies on recidivism, violence, and substance abuse.
  2. Law Enforcement Practices:
    Research on policing strategies, decision-making processes, and the effects of law enforcement policies on communities, particularly regarding procedural justice and community relations.
  3. Judicial Processes and Sentencing:
    Examination of the judicial system, including prosecutorial discretion, sentencing disparities, and the impact of legislation on criminal justice outcomes.
  4. Impact of Social Issues on Crime:
    Analysis of how societal factors such as race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status affect crime rates and perceptions of crime, including studies on neighborhood effects and community resilience.
  5. Rehabilitation and Reintegration:
    Focus on programs and practices aimed at rehabilitating offenders and facilitating their reintegration into society, including discussions on mental health support and educational initiatives.
  6. Emerging Technologies and Crime:
    Exploration of the implications of technology in criminal justice, including cybercrime, data analytics, and the use of body-worn cameras in policing.
Recent publications in the American Journal of Criminal Justice reveal emerging themes that reflect current societal challenges and advancements in the field. These trends indicate a shift in research focus towards more complex and interdisciplinary approaches.
  1. Impact of COVID-19 on Crime:
    A significant increase in research addressing how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected crime rates, law enforcement practices, and the judicial system.
  2. Mental Health and Criminal Justice:
    An emerging focus on the intersection of mental health issues within the criminal justice system, particularly regarding rehabilitation and the treatment of offenders.
  3. Community and Restorative Justice:
    Growing interest in community-based approaches to justice, emphasizing restorative practices, community resilience, and the role of social support in reducing recidivism.
  4. Cybercrime and Digital Offenses:
    Increased research on cybercrime, including the implications of digital technology on crime and law enforcement's response to online criminal activities.
  5. Diversity and Inclusion in Criminal Justice:
    A trend towards examining race, ethnicity, and gender within the criminal justice system, focusing on disparities in treatment, victimization, and outcomes.
  6. Evidence-Based Practices in Policing:
    A rising emphasis on the importance of evidence-based practices in law enforcement, including the evaluation of policing strategies and community engagement efforts.

Declining or Waning

As the field of criminal justice evolves, certain themes within the American Journal of Criminal Justice appear to be declining in prominence. This section highlights areas that have seen a reduction in focus in recent publications.
  1. Traditional Crime Theories:
    Research centered around classical theories of crime, such as deterrence and rational choice, has decreased as newer, more nuanced theories gain traction.
  2. General Crime Statistics Reporting:
    There has been a notable decline in papers focusing solely on traditional crime statistics without critical analysis or contextualization of the data.
  3. Single-Factor Explanations of Crime:
    Studies that attribute criminal behavior to a single factor, such as poverty or lack of education, are becoming less common as multi-faceted approaches are favored.
  4. Focus on Specific Crime Types:
    The journal has shifted away from narrow studies on specific crime types (e.g., property crime) in favor of broader analyses that encompass multiple dimensions of crime.

Similar Journals

Monatsschrift fur Kriminologie und Strafrechtsreform

Navigating Contemporary Challenges in Law and Crime.
Publisher: WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBHISSN: 0026-9301Frequency: 6 issues/year

Monatsschrift für Kriminologie und Strafrechtsreform is a prestigious academic journal dedicated to advancing the fields of criminology and legal reform. Published by WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBH in Germany, this journal boasts a significant history since its inception in 1943, continually evolving its focus and scope from 2010 to 2024 to address contemporary issues in law and criminal justice. With an impressive Q2 rating in Law and a ranking in the 46th percentile among social sciences law journals, it serves as a vital resource for researchers, practitioners, and students alike. By publishing innovative articles, critical reviews, and comprehensive studies, the journal aims to foster academic discourse and propel discussions surrounding legislative reforms and criminological theories. Although it does not currently offer open access, readers can obtain valuable insights that contribute to both academic scholarship and practical applications in the legal field, thereby enhancing the understanding of complex societal dynamics related to crime and law enforcement.

Asian Journal of Criminology

Advancing Criminological Discourse Across Asian Borders
Publisher: SPRINGERISSN: 1871-0131Frequency: 4 issues/year

Asian Journal of Criminology, published by SPRINGER, stands as a pivotal platform for scholarly communication within the field of criminology, boasting a notable impact factor and achieving a distinguished Q1 ranking in Law for 2023. Located in the Netherlands, this journal addresses the complexities of crime and justice in Asian contexts, fostering interdisciplinary discourse between researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. Since its inception in 2006 and continuing through to 2024, the journal has published a range of high-quality articles that explore theoretical frameworks, empirical research, and practical applications in criminology. Although the journal is not open access, it remains accessible through academic libraries and institutions, ensuring its wide reach among scholars and students. With a Scopus ranking of 143 out of 1025 in the field of Social Sciences Law, placing it in the 86th percentile, the Asian Journal of Criminology is essential for anyone looking to stay at the forefront of criminological research and its application in diverse societal contexts.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDIES

Advancing the discourse in criminal justice.
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1478-601XFrequency: 4 issues/year

CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDIES, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a leading journal in the field of criminal justice and law, boasting an impressive 2023 Q1 category ranking. With an ISSN of 1478-601X and an E-ISSN of 1478-6028, this journal serves as a pivotal platform for disseminating high-quality research that spans various dimensions of criminal justice, including policy, theory, and practice. Since its inception in 2007, CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDIES has become a vital resource for scholars, practitioners, and students, addressing contemporary challenges and developments within the field. With a remarkable Scopus rank of #157 out of 1025 in Law, positioning it within the 84th percentile, this journal is dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering critical discourse. Although it does not offer open access, the insights shared within its pages are invaluable to those seeking to deepen their understanding of criminal justice systems worldwide. Based in the United Kingdom and running through 2024, CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDIES is essential for those engaged in research and practice, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and contributing to the evolution of criminal justice scholarship.

Criminal Law Forum

Navigating the evolving landscape of criminal justice.
Publisher: SPRINGERISSN: 1046-8374Frequency: 4 issues/year

Criminal Law Forum, published by Springer, is a distinguished journal that serves as a critical platform for scholarly discourse in the field of criminal law. With an ISSN of 1046-8374 and E-ISSN 1572-9850, this journal has been contributing to the legal community since its inception, with a publication span that includes significant periods such as 1989 to 1997, and from 1999 to 2024. Positioned in the Q3 quartile of the Law category and ranked 491 out of 1025 in the Scopus database, Criminal Law Forum showcases innovative research, theoretical insights, and empirical studies that assist professionals, researchers, and students in dissection and comprehension of contemporary legal issues. Though it does not operate on an open-access model, the journal is accessible to subscribers and academic institutions, furthering its reach within the legal academia. By fostering a robust exchange of ideas and encouraging interdisciplinary approaches, Criminal Law Forum continues to enhance the understanding of criminal law, making it an essential resource for those engaged in legal scholarship.

International E-Journal of Criminal Sciences

Fostering Collaboration for a Safer Society
Publisher: DMS INT RESEARCH CENTREISSN: 1988-7949Frequency: 1 issue/year

Welcome to the International E-Journal of Criminal Sciences, a distinguished platform dedicated to the rigorous exploration of contemporary issues within the field of criminal sciences. Published by the DMS INT RESEARCH CENTRE, this journal aims to disseminate high-quality research and critical analyses that foster a deeper understanding of criminal behavior, law enforcement strategies, justice systems, and related societal impacts. With its commitment to open access, it ensures that knowledge is readily available to a global audience, promoting inclusivity and academic collaboration across borders. Although specific metrics like impact factor and H-index have yet to be established, its relevance and contribution to the discourse on criminal sciences remain significant. Researchers, professionals, and students are invited to engage with the journal’s valuable insights, as it strives to become a leading resource for innovative thought and evidence-based solutions in the evolving landscape of criminal science.

Journal of Criminal Psychology

Transforming criminal justice practices through psychological innovation.
Publisher: EMERALD GROUP PUBLISHING LTDISSN: 2009-3829Frequency: 4 issues/year

Journal of Criminal Psychology, an esteemed publication by EMERALD GROUP PUBLISHING LTD, serves as a pivotal resource in the interdisciplinary study of criminal behavior through the lenses of psychology and law. Since its inception in 2011, this journal has significantly contributed to the understanding of psychological principles as they apply to crime, law enforcement, and social justice, making it a vital source for both researchers and practitioners. With a commendable ranking of Q1 in Law and Q3 in Applied and Social Psychology for 2023, the journal guarantees high-quality research findings that can influence policy and practice across these domains. Although it does not offer open access, its rigorous peer-review process ensures that every published article adheres to the highest academic standards. The Journal of Criminal Psychology not only fosters academic discourse but also drives innovation in criminal justice practices, making it essential reading for anyone dedicated to the enhancement of ethical standards in legislation and law enforcement.

Journal of Criminal Law

Fostering Scholarly Dialogue in Criminal Law
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 0022-0183Frequency: 6 issues/year

Welcome to the Journal of Criminal Law, a prestigious publication in the field of legal studies, expertly published by SAGE Publications Ltd. With a rich history that dates back to 1937, this journal has been a vital platform for disseminating innovative research and critical analyses pertaining to criminal law and justice issues. The journal boasts a commendable Q2 ranking in the Law category for 2023, placing it among the top tier of legal publications. It is recognized for its impactful contributions, as indicated by its impressive Scopus Rank of #346 out of 1025 in the Social Sciences - Law category, positioning it within the 66th percentile. Although it does not currently offer open access options, researchers, professionals, and students will find a wealth of rigorously peer-reviewed articles that address contemporary challenges and developments in criminal law. Based in the United States, the journal is committed to fostering scholarly dialogue and advancing understanding in an ever-evolving legal landscape.

CRIMINAL LAW JOURNAL

Fostering knowledge that shapes legal reform.
Publisher: LAWBOOK CO LTDISSN: 0314-1160Frequency: 6 issues/year

CRIMINAL LAW JOURNAL, published by LAWBOOK CO LTD, serves as a critical resource for legal practitioners, scholars, and students in the field of criminal law. With a dedicated focus on advancing the understanding of legal principles, case law, and statutory developments, this journal provides insightful articles, case analyses, and commentary from leading experts. Although it does not currently offer Open Access options, its rigorous peer-review process ensures the publication of high-quality research pertinent to contemporary issues in criminal law. The journal aims to foster academic discourse and promote best practices within the legal community. By maintaining a strong commitment to legal scholarship and education, the CRIMINAL LAW JOURNAL stands as a prominent platform for disseminating vital knowledge that influences policy-making and legal reform.

Women & Criminal Justice

Fostering Dialogue for Gender Equity in Justice
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0897-4454Frequency: 6 issues/year

Women & Criminal Justice, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, stands as a prominent platform for scholarly discourse in the intertwined realms of gender studies and legal research. Since its inception in 1989, this journal has been pivotal in addressing the unique challenges and perspectives of women within the criminal justice system, making substantial contributions to the field. With a commendable impact factor reflected in its Q1 ranking in Law and Q2 ranking in Gender Studies, it offers both researchers and practitioners rigorous and insightful analyses. The journal covers a wide spectrum of topics, aligning contemporary issues with legal frameworks, while advocating for a nuanced understanding of gender-related injustices. Though it operates under a traditional access model, its invaluable insights foster essential discussions among academics, policymakers, and social advocates. By engaging with themes of societal crime, victimization, and justice reform, Women & Criminal Justice continues to underscore the importance of integrating gender awareness into legal scholarship and practice, thereby enriching the broader academic community.

CRIMINOLOGY

Innovating Theories and Practices in Criminology.
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0011-1384Frequency: 4 issues/year

CRIMINOLOGY, published by WILEY, stands as a leading journal in the fields of Law and Forensic Medicine, with an impressive impact factor that places it in the Q1 quartile for both categories. With its ISSN 0011-1384 and E-ISSN 1745-9125, this esteemed journal has been at the forefront of advancing knowledge and understanding in criminological theories and practices since its inception in 1963, and continues to be relevant through 2024. As of 2023, CRIMINOLOGY is ranked #19 in Social Sciences_ Law and #19 in Medicine_ Pathology and Forensic Medicine, positioning it within the top 2% of its field, making it an essential resource for researchers and professionals alike. Despite not offering open access, it provides invaluable insights into the complexities of crime, law enforcement, and societal impacts, thus shaping the future of criminological research and policy.