American Journal of Criminal Justice
Scope & Guideline
Fostering Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Criminal Studies
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- 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. - 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. - Judicial Processes and Sentencing:
Examination of the judicial system, including prosecutorial discretion, sentencing disparities, and the impact of legislation on criminal justice outcomes. - 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. - 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. - 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.
Trending and Emerging
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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
JOURNAL OF CRIMINAL LAW & CRIMINOLOGY
Innovating Perspectives in Criminal Law and CriminologyJournal of Criminal Law & Criminology, published by Northwestern University, is a premier scholarly journal dedicated to advancing the understanding of criminal law and criminological theories. Established in 1974, it has a strong history of publishing rigorous empirical research and critical analyses, contributing significantly to the discourse in legal and criminal justice studies. With an impressive impact factor and recognized as a Q1 journal in Law, it ranks favorably within the Scopus database, positioned in the top 25% of its category. This journal is essential for academics, legal practitioners, and students seeking insightful perspectives and developments in contemporary criminal justice issues. Although not open access, it provides a wealth of resources and discussions, making it an invaluable asset for anyone engaged in the study of law and criminology.
Asian Journal of Criminology
Navigating the Nuances of Crime and Justice Across AsiaAsian 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.
PSYCHOLOGY CRIME & LAW
Exploring the Nexus of Mind, Crime, and JusticePSYCHOLOGY CRIME & LAW, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a premier academic journal dedicated to the intersection of psychology, criminology, and the law. With an ISSN of 1068-316X and an E-ISSN of 1477-2744, this journal provides a critical platform for the dissemination of cutting-edge research and innovative methodologies in the fields of psychology, forensic medicine, and legal studies. Spanning over three decades (1994 to 2024), it holds impressive Scopus rankings, placing it in Q1 and Q2 quartiles for its contributions to law and forensic medicine, highlighting its standing within the academic community. PSYCHOLOGY CRIME & LAW is particularly noted for addressing contemporary issues at the crossroads of human behavior and legal standards, making it essential reading for scholars, practitioners, and students alike. While the journal is not open access, it offers valuable insights into a variety of topics, from criminal psychology to the implications of mental health in legal contexts, ensuring that it remains an influential resource for those engaged in research and professional practice.
Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology
Empowering Law Enforcement with Psychological KnowledgeThe Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, published by Springer, is a leading scholarly periodical that explores the intricate intersections of psychological principles and law enforcement practices. Founded in 1985, this esteemed journal serves as an essential resource for researchers, practitioners, and students alike, addressing contemporary issues in applied psychology and law, and has achieved a commendable position in its field, with a 2023 Scopus ranking of #128 in Law and #123 in Applied Psychology. With an impressive impact factor, it reflects the journal's commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering dialogues surrounding criminal behavior, law enforcement strategies, and psychological assessments. The journal maintains a non-open access model, ensuring rigorous peer-review standards while reaching a global audience interested in the psychological dimensions of criminal justice. As it continues to converge into 2024, the Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology remains dedicated to fostering groundbreaking research and facilitating critical insights that inform policy and practice in police psychology.
South African Crime Quarterly-SACQ
Championing research that informs and transforms justice systems.South African Crime Quarterly (SACQ) is an esteemed open-access journal dedicated to the comprehensive examination of crime and justice issues in South Africa. Published by the Institute for Security Studies, SACQ aims to provide a platform for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to disseminate innovative research, case studies, and theoretical discussions that address the complexities of crime in the region. Since its transition to open access in 2015, the journal has fostered a wider dissemination of knowledge, promoting accessibility for students and professionals alike. With an ISSN of 1991-3877, SACQ stands out as an essential resource, driving informed dialogue and enhancing the understanding of security challenges in South Africa. The journal encourages submissions that contribute to evidence-based practices and policies, making it a vital tool for those committed to addressing crime and improving safety within communities.
Monatsschrift fur Kriminologie und Strafrechtsreform
Exploring the Intersection of Crime and Reform.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.
CALIFORNIA LAW REVIEW
Championing Diverse Voices in Legal ResearchCalifornia Law Review, published by the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, stands as a premier academic journal in the field of law, boasting a distinguished reputation reflected in its Q1 category rank within the Scopus database, placing it in the 83rd percentile of social sciences law journals. Since its founding, this journal has provided a critical platform for innovative legal scholarship and discourse, drawing upon a rich tapestry of contributions from leading scholars, practitioners, and students. Although not an open-access publication, it offers diverse access options through university libraries and institutional subscriptions, ensuring a wide dissemination of its impactful research. In light of its historical significance and contemporary relevance, California Law Review continues to shape legal thought and practice, fostering a deeper understanding of complex legal issues in the United States and beyond.
International Criminal Justice Review
Advancing global insights in criminal justice.International Criminal Justice Review is a premier journal in the field of law, published by SAGE Publications Inc, renowned for its commitment to advancing the understanding of criminal justice issues on a global scale. With an ISSN of 1057-5677, this journal spans a rich history from its inception in 1991 to its ongoing contributions into 2024, supporting a diverse array of research that addresses both theoretical and practical concerns in international criminal law. The journal holds a prestigious Q1 ranking in the Law category for 2023, reflecting its influence and relevance, as evidenced by its impressive Scopus rank of #68 out of 1025 in the Social Sciences Law field, placing it in the 93rd percentile. Though not an open-access journal, it provides vital access options for institutions and individuals alike. International Criminal Justice Review serves as a critical resource for researchers, practitioners, and students dedicated to exploring the complexities of international criminal justice systems, offering a platform for innovative scholarship that informs policy and practice worldwide.
CRIMINOLOGY
Leading the Way in Criminology Research and Policy.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.
Revista Brasileira de Direito Processual Penal
Fostering Engagement in Criminal Justice ResearchRevista Brasileira de Direito Processual Penal, published by the Instituto Brasileiro de Direito Processual Penal (IBRASPP), serves as a vital open-access platform for scholars and practitioners in the fields of criminal procedure law and social sciences. With an ISSN of 2359-3881 and an E-ISSN of 2525-510X, the journal has been committed to disseminating innovative legal research since its opening access in 2015, thus fostering engagement within legal academia. Based in Brazil and reaching an array of international contributors, it has achieved a respectable Q2 ranking in both Anthropology and Law categories as of 2023, appealing to a diverse audience interested in legal studies, sociology, and the interplay with mental health issues. The journal's ongoing commitment to excellence and impactful scholarship is reflected in its competitive standing across multiple Scopus ranks, making it a significant resource for researchers, legal professionals, and students looking to deepen their understanding of procedural law and its implications in contemporary society.