LEGAL AND CRIMINOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Scope & Guideline

Decoding the Psychological Dimensions of Justice.

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of LEGAL AND CRIMINOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1355-3259
PublisherWILEY
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1996 to 2024
AbbreviationLEGAL CRIMINOL PSYCH / Legal Criminol. Psychol.
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Legal and Criminological Psychology' is dedicated to exploring the intersection of psychology, law, and criminology. It aims to provide a platform for rigorous research that contributes to the understanding of legal processes, criminal behavior, and the psychological aspects of law enforcement and justice.
  1. Investigative Interviewing Techniques:
    Research focuses on the methodologies and effectiveness of various interviewing techniques used in legal settings, particularly with vulnerable populations such as children and adolescents.
  2. Recidivism and Rehabilitation:
    The journal investigates factors influencing recidivism rates among juvenile and adult offenders, emphasizing the role of psychological traits, social dynamics, and rehabilitation practices.
  3. Psychological Assessment in Legal Contexts:
    Studies evaluate how psychological assessments influence legal decisions, including the validity of tools used for risk assessment and their implications for sentencing and rehabilitation.
  4. Impact of Childhood Experiences on Adult Behavior:
    Research examines how adverse childhood experiences and family dynamics affect later criminal behavior and psychological outcomes.
  5. Criminal Justice System Perceptions:
    The journal explores public attitudes toward the penal system, including perceptions of justice, procedural fairness, and the impact of race and ethnicity on legal outcomes.
  6. Cognitive Bias in Legal Contexts:
    Investigations into cognitive biases that affect decision-making processes in legal settings, including biases in police interviews and judicial decision-making.
  7. Cybercrime and Technology:
    Emerging research focuses on the psychological aspects of cybercrime, including the motivations behind online offenses and the effects of technology on criminal behavior.
Recent publications in 'Legal and Criminological Psychology' have highlighted several emerging themes that reflect current societal concerns and advancements in research methodologies. These trends indicate a dynamic evolution of the field, with increasing attention to nuanced aspects of legal psychology.
  1. Child and Adolescent Psychology in Legal Contexts:
    There is a growing emphasis on understanding the psychological needs and vulnerabilities of children and adolescents within the legal system, particularly in investigative interviews and their long-term implications.
  2. Cognitive Load and Memory in Legal Settings:
    Emerging research explores the role of cognitive load on memory recall and decision-making processes during investigative interviews, highlighting the importance of psychological factors in legal contexts.
  3. Online Behavior and Cyberbullying:
    In response to the rise of digital communication, there is an increasing focus on understanding the psychological dynamics of cyberbullying, online radicalization, and the impact of technology on criminal behavior.
  4. Direct Replication and Methodological Rigor:
    A trend towards methodological transparency and the importance of direct replication studies in legal psychology is evident, as researchers seek to validate findings and strengthen the empirical foundation of the field.
  5. Mental Health and Wrongful Convictions:
    Research addressing the mental health implications for individuals who are wrongfully convicted or accused is gaining traction, reflecting a broader societal concern about justice and psychological well-being.
  6. Impact of Social Connections on Criminal Behavior:
    Studies are increasingly exploring the role of social connections and community factors in shaping criminal behavior and recidivism, moving beyond individual traits to consider broader social contexts.

Declining or Waning

While the journal has maintained a strong focus on various aspects of legal and criminological psychology, certain themes appear to be declining in prominence over recent years. This shift reflects changing priorities in research and emerging areas of interest.
  1. Traditional Psychological Theories of Crime:
    Research that heavily relies on classical psychological theories, such as general personality traits, appears to be waning, as newer studies adopt a more interdisciplinary approach incorporating sociology and cultural perspectives.
  2. Focus on Adult Criminal Behavior Alone:
    There is a noticeable decrease in studies exclusively focused on adult criminal behavior, with a shift towards understanding juvenile offenders and the impact of early life experiences.
  3. One-dimensional Approaches to Victimology:
    Research that examines victimology from a purely legal perspective without considering psychological or sociocultural factors seems to be less prevalent, indicating a broader, more integrated approach in recent studies.
  4. Generalized Interrogation Techniques:
    The application of generalized interrogation techniques without specific adaptations to different contexts or populations is becoming less common, as the field recognizes the need for tailored approaches.

Similar Journals

Anuario De Psicologia Juridica

Unlocking Knowledge in Psychology and Legal Practice.
Publisher: COLEGIO OFICIAL PSICOLOGOS MADRIDISSN: 1133-0740Frequency: 1 issue/year

Anuario De Psicologia Juridica is a prestigious academic journal published by the COLEGIO OFICIAL PSICOLOGOS MADRID, specializing in the intersection of psychology and law. Since becoming an Open Access publication in 2013, the journal has made significant strides in expanding access to high-quality research, thereby fostering knowledge dissemination and engagement in the fields of Applied Psychology, Law, and Forensic Medicine. With a notable impact factor and categorized as Q3 in Applied Psychology, Q1 in Law, and Q2 in Pathology and Forensic Medicine, it stands out for its contributions to the evolving nature of forensic psychology and legal assessment. As of 2023, the journal is ranked in the 90th percentile among law journals and in the 58th percentile among pathology and forensic medicine, underscoring its relevance and authority. Researchers, professionals, and students will find Anuario De Psicologia Juridica to be an invaluable resource for cutting-edge research and practical applications that aim to bridge psychological theories with legal practices.

American Journal of Criminal Justice

Pioneering Insights for a Safer Society
Publisher: SPRINGERISSN: 1066-2316Frequency: 4 issues/year

American 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.

Forensische Psychiatrie Psychologie Kriminologie

Transforming Research into Real-World Applications.
Publisher: SPRINGER HEIDELBERGISSN: 1862-7072Frequency: 4 issues/year

Forensische Psychiatrie Psychologie Kriminologie is a leading academic journal published by SPRINGER HEIDELBERG, specializing in the intersection of forensic psychiatry, psychology, and criminology. With an ISSN of 1862-7072 and E-ISSN 1862-7080, this journal has built a reputable place in the academic community, featuring essential research that informs the critical dialogue on legal and psychological practices as they pertain to mental health and criminal behavior. Indexed in Scopus, it holds a diverse range of impact factors across multiple disciplines, including a Q2 ranking in Law and notable placements within Applied Psychology and Psychiatry and Mental Health. The journal's commitment to advancing evidence-based practices and understanding of forensic mental health is evident from its broad editorial scope, making it a vital resource for researchers, clinicians, and students alike. The journal spans a timeline from 2007 to 2024, ensuring that it provides up-to-date insights into evolving methodologies and findings within this critical field.

European Journal of Psychology Applied to Legal Context

Exploring Innovative Intersections of Mind and Justice
Publisher: COLEGIO OFICIAL PSICOLOGOS MADRIDISSN: 1889-1861Frequency: 2 issues/year

The European Journal of Psychology Applied to Legal Context, published by the COLEGIO OFICIAL PSICOLOGOS MADRID, is a premier open-access journal that has been contributing to the interdisciplinary fields of psychology and law since its inception in 2009. With an E-ISSN of 1989-4007, the journal has established itself as a leading outlet for innovative research, boasting impressive Scopus rankings—3rd in Social Sciences (Law) and 9th in Psychology (Applied Psychology), both within the prestigious Q1 quartile category for 2023. This significant impact reflects the journal's commitment to advancing scholarly understanding and application of psychological principles in legal contexts, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students. Distributed globally, the journal offers unrestricted access to its articles since 2013, aligning with the shared goal of enhancing knowledge and fostering collaboration among diverse academic and professional communities. By bridging the gap between psychological research and legal practice, the European Journal of Psychology Applied to Legal Context plays a crucial role in shaping policy, guiding best practices, and informing education in both fields.

International Journal of Cyber Criminology

Pioneering research in the realm of online security.
Publisher: K JAISHANKARISSN: 0974-2891Frequency: 2 issues/year

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.

Revista General de Derecho Penal

Elevating discussions in contemporary criminal justice.
Publisher: IUSTELISSN: 1698-1189Frequency: 2 issues/year

Revista General de Derecho Penal, published by IUSTEL, is a premier academic journal dedicated to the dynamic field of criminal law. With an ISSN of 1698-1189, this journal serves as a crucial platform for researchers, legal professionals, and students to share their insights and findings related to penal law and its evolving applications in contemporary society. Although it is not an open access journal, it maintains high scholarly standards, helping to advance discourse in legal studies. The journal's address is C PRINCESA NO 29, 2A DCHA, MADRID 28008, SPAIN, positioning it within a vibrant academic community. With a focus on current legal challenges and theoretical advancements, Revista General de Derecho Penal plays an essential role in fostering understanding and developing effective legal frameworks in criminal justice, making it an invaluable resource for those engaged in the study and practice of law.

Champ Penal-Penal Field

Contributing to a deeper understanding of legal impacts.
Publisher: ASSOC CHAMP PENAL-PENAL FIELDISSN: 1777-5272Frequency: 1 issue/year

Champ Penal-Penal Field is a premier academic journal dedicated to the interdisciplinary discourse surrounding penal law and its implications in modern society. Published by the Associé Champ Penal-Penal Field, this journal, with ISSN 1777-5272, aims to bridge theoretical and practical aspects of penal studies, fostering a deeper understanding of legal frameworks and their societal impacts. Although it operates under a traditional access model, the journal is committed to providing high-quality research that contributes to the legal field and informs both practitioners and policymakers. Its editorial board comprises esteemed experts who advocate for rigorous analysis and innovative perspectives. The journal plays a vital role in advancing knowledge and dialogue, making it an invaluable resource for researchers, professionals, and students engaged in the complex landscape of penal law.

Journal of Criminal Psychology

Shaping the future of law enforcement with evidence-based research.
Publisher: EMERALD GROUP PUBLISHING LTDISSN: 2009-3829Frequency: 4 issues/year

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.

Annual Review of Criminology

Exploring the Nexus of Crime and Justice.
Publisher: ANNUAL REVIEWSISSN: 2572-4568Frequency: 1 issue/year

The Annual Review of Criminology is a premier academic journal dedicated to advancing the field of criminology through comprehensive reviews of the latest research and emerging trends. Published by Annual Reviews, this journal is highly regarded within the legal realm, boasting a prestigious Q1 ranking in the Law category and an impressive Scopus rank of #13 out of 1025, indicating its significant influence with a 98th percentile standing. The journal focuses on synthesizing key developments from various branches of criminology, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. Although it does not offer open access, readers can engage with high-quality, peer-reviewed articles that not only address contemporary issues but also provide foundational knowledge for future inquiries. With volumes converging from 2018 to 2021 and 2023 to 2024, the Annual Review of Criminology underscores its commitment to scholarly excellence and the dissemination of critical insights in the evolving landscape of criminal justice.

Psychiatry Psychology and Law

Fostering Interdisciplinary Dialogue on Mental Health and Law
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1321-8719Frequency: 6 issues/year

Psychiatry Psychology and Law is a prestigious journal dedicated to advancing the understanding of the interconnections among mental health, psychological conditions, and legal contexts. Published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, this journal plays a pivotal role in the field, evidenced by its impressive Q1 ranking in Law and notable positions in multiple disciplines such as Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine. With a commitment to disseminating high-quality research, it has established itself as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students in psychology and legal studies. While currently not offering Open Access options, the journal thrives on rigorous peer review processes that ensure only the most impactful studies from its inception in 1994 to the present are published. Covering a diverse range of topics, Psychiatry Psychology and Law fosters interdisciplinary dialogue and innovation, making it a vital platform for advancing scholarly discourse in the critical intersection of mental health and law.