CRIMINOLOGY
Scope & Guideline
Exploring the Complexities of Law and Forensic Medicine.
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
Trends and Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice
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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.
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.
South African Crime Quarterly-SACQ
Exploring the complexities of crime and justice in South Africa.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.
Crime and Justice-A Review of Research
Transforming knowledge into action in crime studies.Crime and Justice: A Review of Research is a leading scholarly journal published by the University of Chicago Press, dedicated to advancing knowledge in the fields of sociology and political science, specifically through the lens of crime and justice studies. With an ISSN of 0192-3234 and an E-ISSN of 2153-0416, this academic journal offers a distinguished platform for researchers, practitioners, and students to explore contemporary issues, methodologies, and theoretical advancements within the domain. Ranked in the Q2 category for both sociology and political science as of 2023, it has gained recognition with an impressive Scopus rank of #150 out of 1466 in its field, placing it in the 89th percentile. The journal publishes comprehensive reviews and research articles that inform best practices and policies in crime prevention, law enforcement, and social justice, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding crime and societal responses. Though it is not an open-access journal, the insightful research it presents is indispensable for academic discourse and practical application in addressing the multifaceted challenges of crime and justice in contemporary society.
JOURNAL OF QUANTITATIVE CRIMINOLOGY
Bridging Disciplines for a Deeper Understanding of CrimeJOURNAL OF QUANTITATIVE CRIMINOLOGY, published by Springer/Plenum Publishers, serves as a premier outlet for cutting-edge research in the fields of law and forensic medicine. With an impressive impact factor and ranked in the top quartile (Q1) of both Law and Pathology and Forensic Medicine categories in 2023, this journal excels in providing empirical analyses and quantitative assessments that address critical issues in criminological research. Since its inception in 1985, the journal has maintained a reputation for excellence, evidenced by its high standing in Scopus rankings—21st out of 1025 in Social Sciences (Law) and 23rd out of 208 in Medicine (Pathology and Forensic Medicine). Although currently not an open access publication, it offers several subscription-based access options to reach a wide array of academics and professionals dedicated to the advancement of criminological and forensic inquiries. Researchers, professionals, and students will find the JOURNAL OF QUANTITATIVE CRIMINOLOGY an invaluable resource, as it fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and methodological rigor in understanding crime and criminal behavior.
American Journal of Criminal Justice
Illuminating Critical Perspectives in Law and JusticeAmerican Journal of Criminal Justice is an esteemed publication within the realm of law and criminal justice, recognized for its significant contributions to the understanding and advancement of this vital field. Published by Springer, the journal has established itself as a leading platform for rigorous academic research and scholarly discourse since its inception in 1975. With its impressive 2023 Q1 ranking in the Law category and its 98th percentile ranking in Scopus among social sciences, the journal showcases cutting-edge research that addresses pivotal issues in criminal justice. Though it does not offer open access, its wealth of content is accessible to academic institutions and professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge. The journal aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and to provide a forum for innovative methodologies, policy evaluations, and theoretical perspectives, making it a critical resource for researchers, practitioners, and students dedicated to the evolution of criminal justice.
Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice
Shaping the Future of Criminal Justice Scholarship.Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice is a leading academic publication within the field of criminal justice, published by SAGE Publications Inc. This esteemed journal, bearing the ISSN 1043-9862 and E-ISSN 1552-5406, has been contributing significantly to the discourse on contemporary issues in justice systems since its inception in 1978. Renowned for its rigorous peer-reviewed articles, the journal holds an impressive 2023 ranking within the Q1 quartile in Law, further affirmed by its Scopus rank of #110 out of 1025 in the field of Social Sciences - Law, placing it in the 89th percentile. Though not an open access journal, it provides a vital platform for scholars, practitioners, and students seeking to explore and disseminate pioneering research and practical insights into the evolving criminal justice landscape. The journal covers a wide array of topics, from policy analysis to sociological perspectives, ensuring its relevance across multiple disciplines. With a commitment to advancing the understanding of justice in contemporary society, the Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice is an essential resource for anyone engaged in the fields of criminology, criminal law, and social policy.
Monatsschrift fur Kriminologie und Strafrechtsreform
Pioneering Discussions in Crime and Legislation.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.
Journal of Criminological Research Policy and Practice
Fostering Interdisciplinary Dialogue on CriminologyJournal of Criminological Research Policy and Practice is a pioneering platform dedicated to the exploration and dissemination of knowledge in the interdisciplinary field of criminology. Published by Emerald Group Publishing Ltd, this journal features high-quality research that addresses contemporary issues and innovative practices in areas such as law, public administration, and social psychology. With an ISSN of 2056-3841 and an E-ISSN of 2056-385X, the journal has garnered a notable presence in the academic community, showcasing a Q3 ranking in Law and Sociology & Political Science as of 2023. The journal provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners alike, advancing the discourse on criminological policy and its implications for society. It serves as an essential resource for those invested in enhancing social justice, informing policy-making, and understanding the complexities of crime within a broader social context. Encompassing research from 2015 to the present and extending into 2024, the journal stands as a critical reference point for future studies and professional practice in criminology.
Women & Criminal Justice
Highlighting Women's Roles in the Justice SystemWomen & 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.