BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW
Scope & Guideline
Fostering Dialogue Between Behavioral Science and Legal Practice
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Integration of Behavioral Science and Law:
The journal emphasizes research that integrates insights from psychology, psychiatry, and criminology with legal frameworks and practices, fostering a deeper understanding of criminal behavior and legal implications. - Focus on Vulnerable Populations:
A significant portion of the research addresses issues faced by vulnerable populations, including children, adolescents, and marginalized groups, exploring their experiences within the legal system. - Forensic Assessment and Evaluation:
The journal regularly publishes studies on forensic assessments, including the evaluation of competency, risk assessment, and the effects of mental health on legal outcomes. - Sexual Offenses and Homicide:
A core area of research includes sexual offenses and homicide, with a particular focus on understanding the psychological, social, and legal dimensions of these crimes. - Impact of Technology on Crime:
The journal explores the implications of technology on criminal behavior, including cybercrime and the use of social media in forensic evaluations. - Transgender and Gender-Diverse Issues:
Recent publications have highlighted the unique legal and psychological challenges faced by transgender and gender-diverse individuals, indicating a commitment to advancing understanding in this area.
Trending and Emerging
- Neuropsychiatry and Law:
There is a growing interest in neuropsychiatry, particularly how neurobiological evidence is applied in legal contexts, including sentencing and competency evaluations. - Sexual Homicide Research:
The frequency of publications focusing on sexual homicide has increased, indicating a heightened concern for understanding the dynamics, victimology, and offender patterns related to these crimes. - Cyberbullying and Online Harassment:
Emerging themes around cyberbullying and technology-facilitated crimes reflect societal shifts towards understanding the psychological impact of digital interactions on youth. - Transgender Rights and Legal Issues:
The exploration of transgender rights within the legal system is a growing focus, addressing both legal protections and the psychological implications of discrimination. - Forensic Mental Health Assessments:
There is an increasing emphasis on improving forensic mental health assessments, with a focus on innovative methods and their implications for legal outcomes. - Impact of Social Media on Legal Proceedings:
Research examining the effects of social media on legal proceedings and forensic evaluations is on the rise, highlighting the need for legal professionals to adapt to digital realities.
Declining or Waning
- Traditional Crime Analysis:
There is a noticeable reduction in studies focusing solely on traditional crime analysis without considering contemporary factors such as technology or social media influences. - General Mental Health Issues:
Research on general mental health issues unrelated to specific legal contexts appears to be waning, as the focus shifts more towards forensic mental health and its legal implications. - Substance Abuse in Criminal Contexts:
While substance abuse remains a relevant topic, studies specifically addressing its role in criminal behavior are less frequent, suggesting a possible saturation of this theme in previous years. - Child Welfare and Legal Interventions:
Research specifically dedicated to child welfare cases and their legal interventions has seen a decline, possibly overshadowed by more pressing issues like sexual violence and homicide. - Broad Psychological Theories:
The exploration of broad psychological theories without direct application to forensic contexts is becoming less common, as the journal emphasizes more applied research.
Similar Journals
Journal of Criminal Psychology
Shaping the future of law enforcement with evidence-based research.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.
PSYCHOLOGY CRIME & LAW
Decoding Criminal Minds: Insights for Law and SocietyPSYCHOLOGY 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.
Revista Brasileira de Direito Processual Penal
Exploring the Intersection of Law and SocietyRevista 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.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY
Innovating Insights into Legal and Psychological RealmsThe INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY, published by PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD, stands as a pivotal resource in the intersection of legal studies and psychological research. With an ISSN of 0160-2527 and E-ISSN 1873-6386, this journal covers a broad spectrum of topics from the complexities of mental health law to the implications of psychiatric assessments in jurisprudence, making it a valuable asset for researchers and practitioners alike. It enjoys impressive rankings, placing in the top quartiles across multiple categories in the 2023 Scopus index: Q1 in Law and Pathology & Forensic Medicine, and Q2 in Psychiatry and Mental Health, highlighting its significance and impact in these fields. This journal, accessible to scholars globally, fosters important discussions and advancements in understanding the interrelation of law and mental health, providing a forum for innovative research and critical reviews. With publication convergence spanning from 1978 to 2024, it continues to shape the discourse in law and psychiatry and remains essential for anyone seeking to stay informed on contemporary issues and research in these dynamic fields.
LAW AND PHILOSOPHY
Bridging the Gap between Legal Norms and Philosophical IdeasLaw and Philosophy is a distinguished academic journal published by Springer, focusing on the intersection of legal studies and philosophical inquiry. With an esteemed impact factor reflecting its influence in the field, the journal has achieved notable ranks, placing it in Q2 in Law and Q1 in Philosophy as of 2023. Readers can access it through institutional subscriptions, emphasizing its role in enriching debates around law's philosophical underpinnings. This journal, with its inception in 1982 and continuing through 2024, provides a platform for innovative ideas, fostering dialogue among researchers, professionals, and students. It aims to publish cutting-edge articles that challenge existing doctrines and propose new theoretical frameworks, making it essential for anyone engaged in the critical study of law and its philosophical ramifications.
International Journal of Cyber Criminology
Connecting scholars to combat cyber threats effectively.International Journal of Cyber Criminology is a premier open-access journal dedicated to advancing the field of cyber criminology, publishing cutting-edge research that addresses the intricate relationship between technology and crime. Established in 2007 and published under the esteemed guidance of K Jaishankar, this journal serves as a fundamental resource for researchers, professionals, and students engaged in the study of cybercrime, online security, and digital justice. With an impressive ranking in the Q2 quartile in Law and a notable 81st percentile in Scopus Ranks, it reflects its commitment to high-quality scholarship and impact within the academic community. The journal aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and innovative solutions to contemporary cybercrime challenges while supporting free access to knowledge. Hailing from Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Tamil Nadu, India, the International Journal of Cyber Criminology exemplifies a global perspective on issues affecting society in the digital age, making it an essential publication for those seeking to understand and combat cyber threats.
Recht & Psychiatrie
Navigating the Complexities of Legal and Mental Health Frameworks.Recht & Psychiatrie, published by PSYCHIATRIE VERLAG GMBH, is a prominent journal that bridges the critical fields of law and psychiatry. With an ISSN of 0724-2247, this journal has been a vital resource for legal and mental health professionals since its inception in 1999, although its coverage in Scopus was discontinued in 2019. The journal has consistently ranked within the 71st percentile in Social Sciences law and offers valuable insights into the intersection of legal frameworks and psychiatric practice. While it currently does not provide open access options, researchers and professionals can benefit from its rigorous, peer-reviewed articles that address contemporary issues at the nexus of law and mental health. Based in Köln, Germany, Recht & Psychiatrie continues to contribute significantly to the discourse surrounding health policy and mental health jurisprudence, making it an essential resource for anyone engaged in the study or practice of these interconnected domains.
Psychology and Law
Bridging psychology and law for a deeper understanding.Psychology and Law, published by Moscow State Psychological & Pedagogical University, is an open-access journal dedicated to advancing knowledge at the intersection of psychology and legal studies. Since its establishment in 2011, the journal has provided a platform for high-quality research that addresses critical issues in applied, clinical, experimental, cognitive, and social psychology. Despite ranking in the Q4 quartile for various psychology categories in 2023, this journal remains committed to fostering insightful discussions and contributions to the field. Researchers and practitioners from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to explore its accessible content, which aims to enhance our understanding of psychological principles within legal contexts. The journal's ISSN is 2222-5196, and it primarily serves an international audience, promoting scholarly engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration. As the field evolves, Psychology and Law continues to be a vital resource for those seeking to bridge the gap between psychological research and legal practice.
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC PSYCHIATRY & PSYCHOLOGY
Advancing Forensic Insights for a Safer TomorrowJOURNAL OF FORENSIC PSYCHIATRY & PSYCHOLOGY, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a pivotal platform for advancing knowledge at the intersection of psychology, psychiatry, and the legal system. With an ISSN of 1478-9949, this esteemed journal has been providing a critical forum since its inception in 2003, continuing through to 2024, to foster interdisciplinary dialogue among researchers, clinicians, and legal professionals. The journal holds a Q3 category ranking in both Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry and Mental Health, reflecting its important contributions to the field. With a focus on empirical research, theoretical perspectives, and case studies, it aims to enhance the understanding of forensic issues while ensuring ethical considerations in psychological assessments and interventions. Although it currently does not provide open access, the journal's rigorous peer-review process assures high-quality publications. Researchers looking to stay at the forefront of forensic psychology will find this publication indispensable for their scholarly work and practical applications.
International E-Journal of Criminal Sciences
Advancing Understanding Through Innovative ResearchWelcome 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.