CRIMINOLOGY
Scope & Guideline
Leading the Way in Criminology Research and Policy.
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Crime and Social Inequality:
A core focus on how crime intersects with social inequalities, particularly concerning race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. This includes studies on racial disparities in arrests, sentencing, and victimization. - Policing and Community Relations:
Research examining the dynamics between law enforcement and communities, including perceptions of police legitimacy, community policing strategies, and the impacts of police actions on different demographic groups. - Mental Health and Criminal Behavior:
Explorations into the psychological aspects of crime, particularly how mental health issues affect both offenders and victims, and the implications for correctional practices. - Gang Dynamics and Disengagement:
An emphasis on understanding gang culture, the processes of disengagement from gangs, and the social and health impacts of gang involvement on individuals and communities. - Legal and Policy Implications:
Critical evaluations of legal frameworks, policies, and their effects on crime rates and recidivism, including discussions on financial obligations, incarceration, and rehabilitation. - Urban Crime and Environmental Factors:
Investigations into how urban environments, community structures, and public spaces influence crime rates and patterns, emphasizing the role of neighborhood characteristics.
Trending and Emerging
- Racial Disparities and Justice Reform:
An increasing number of publications focus on racial disparities within the criminal justice system, including studies on police interactions, sentencing disparities, and systemic racism, highlighting the need for reform. - Impact of Mental Health on Criminal Justice:
Research on the intersection of mental health and criminal justice is gaining prominence, particularly regarding the treatment of mental health issues among offenders and the implications for policy and practice. - Community Engagement and Crime Prevention:
There is a growing emphasis on community-oriented approaches to crime prevention, exploring how community engagement and local resources can effectively address crime and enhance public safety. - The Role of Technology in Crime:
New themes surrounding the impact of technology on crime, including the use of social media in criminal behavior, cybercrime, and the role of technology in policing, are emerging as significant areas of research. - Effects of Economic Factors on Crime:
The relationship between economic conditions and crime rates, including studies on unemployment, economic inequality, and their roles in shaping criminal behavior, is increasingly being explored.
Declining or Waning
- Traditional Theories of Crime:
There has been a noticeable decrease in research centered around classical criminological theories, such as strain theory and routine activity theory, as newer frameworks and interdisciplinary approaches gain traction. - General Crime Prevention Strategies:
Focus on generic crime prevention strategies has waned, with more emphasis now placed on tailored, community-specific interventions rather than broad, one-size-fits-all approaches. - Rural Crime Studies:
Research specifically addressing crime in rural contexts appears to be declining, possibly overshadowed by the increasing focus on urban crime dynamics and community issues. - Overly Theoretical Discussions:
Papers that are heavily theoretical without empirical backing seem to be less frequent, as the journal trends towards more data-driven and applied research. - Gender-specific Crime Analysis:
While gender remains a relevant factor, the prevalence of studies solely focused on gender differences in crime and victimization has decreased, leading to a broader, more intersectional approach.
Similar Journals
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CRIME LAW AND SOCIAL CHANGE
Bridging Disciplines: Law, Society, and Forensic ExplorationCRIME LAW AND SOCIAL CHANGE, published by SPRINGER, is a distinguished journal that caters to an interdisciplinary audience including researchers, professionals, and students in the fields of law, social sciences, and forensic medicine. With an ISSN of 0925-4994 and an E-ISSN of 1573-0751, this journal is a vital resource for those looking to explore the dynamic interplay between legal frameworks and societal change, particularly in relation to crime and its implications. As of 2023, it holds a commendable Q2 category ranking in Law and Social Sciences and a Q3 ranking in Pathology and Forensic Medicine, showcasing its impact within these vital domains. With its converged publication years from 1991 to 2024, CRIME LAW AND SOCIAL CHANGE is pivotal in advancing scholarly discourse and offering access to high-quality research that informs both policy and practice. Although not an open access journal, it provides valuable insights to its audience through rigorous peer-reviewed articles, making it an indispensable part of the academic literature in its respective fields.
PSYCHOLOGY CRIME & LAW
Innovating Research at the Crossroads of Crime and PsychologyPSYCHOLOGY 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 QUANTITATIVE CRIMINOLOGY
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South African Crime Quarterly-SACQ
Driving evidence-based practices for a more secure future.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.
Trends and Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice
Innovating solutions for a safer society.Trends and Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice is a leading journal in the field of criminology, published by the Australian Institute of Criminology. This esteemed journal, recognized with an H-index that reflects its influence and contribution to the social sciences, particularly law, spans from 2011 to 2024 and is ranked in the Q1 category within its discipline according to the 2023 data. With a Scopus ranking of #123 out of 1025 in the Social Sciences - Law category, placing it in the 88th percentile, it serves as a critical resource for researchers, practitioners, and students alike.
Focused on innovative research and emerging issues within crime and criminal justice, the journal seeks to foster scholarly collaboration and discourse, making it an essential hub for new ideas and evidence-based practices in the field. The journal’s commitment to advancing knowledge and influencing policy ensures that it remains an influential voice in criminological studies, aiming to address pressing issues facing societies globally.
CRIME & DELINQUENCY
Illuminating the path in criminology and justice studies.CRIME & DELINQUENCY, published by SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC, is a premier journal dedicated to advancing the study of criminology and criminal justice. With an esteemed ISSN of 0011-1287 and E-ISSN 1552-387X, this influential journal has been a vital resource since its inception in 1955, continuing to engage in rigorous research and discourse through to 2024. Recognized with a Q1 ranking in both Law and Pathology and Forensic Medicine, CRIME & DELINQUENCY boasts an impressive Scopus ranking, placing it in the top 8% of journals in Social Sciences - Law and the top 31% in Medicine - Pathology and Forensic Medicine. This journal serves as an essential forum for researchers, professionals, and students to explore pressing issues related to crime, delinquency, and their societal implications. Although not an open-access journal, it offers a valuable repository of insightful research and analysis that informs practices and policies within the field. To stay abreast of the latest findings and contribute to the ongoing discourse, CRIME & DELINQUENCY is a must-read for all committed to understanding and addressing criminal behavior in society.
JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN CRIME AND DELINQUENCY
Advancing the understanding of crime and its complexities.JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN CRIME AND DELINQUENCY, published by SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC, stands as a premier outlet for groundbreaking research in the fields of crime and delinquency. With an ISSN of 0022-4278 and an E-ISSN of 1552-731X, this esteemed journal has been disseminating vital knowledge since 1964 and continues to do so with a forward-looking perspective extending to 2024. Renowned for its impactful contributions, the journal ranks in the Q1 quartile of Social Psychology for 2023, reflecting its status among the top-tier publications in the field with a Scopus ranking of 66/310, placing it in the 78th percentile. Though it is not an Open Access journal, it remains a crucial resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to deepen their understanding of criminal behavior and social responses. With articles that address current issues and trends, JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN CRIME AND DELINQUENCY plays an essential role in shaping policies and practices within the criminal justice system and academia.
Crime Science
Innovating solutions for a safer society through research.Crime Science, published by BMC, is a pioneering open access journal that has been at the forefront of interdisciplinary research since its inception in 2012. With its E-ISSN 2193-7680, this journal plays a crucial role in advancing knowledge across several vital domains including Cultural Studies, Law, Safety Research, and Urban Studies, with a remarkable Q1 ranking across all its categories in 2023. Situated in the United Kingdom, the journal boasts impressive Scopus rankings, placing it in the top 99th percentile for Cultural Studies and 95th percentile for Safety Research, among others. This strategic focus provides a platform for researchers, professionals, and students to explore the complexities of crime and its impact on society, aiming to foster informed discussions and innovative solutions. With a commitment to accessibility and a convergence period extending from 2013 to 2024, Crime Science not only promotes scholarly debate but also seeks to bridge theoretical insights and practical applications, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the multifaceted aspects of crime and safety.
International Criminal Justice Review
Fostering innovative solutions for international crime.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.