American Journal of Criminal Justice

Scope & Guideline

Fostering Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Criminal Studies

Introduction

Welcome to the American Journal of Criminal Justice information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of American Journal of Criminal Justice, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
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.

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