PSYCHOLOGY PUBLIC POLICY AND LAW

Scope & Guideline

Advancing Insights at the Intersection of Psychology and Law.

Introduction

Welcome to the PSYCHOLOGY PUBLIC POLICY AND LAW 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 PSYCHOLOGY PUBLIC POLICY AND LAW, 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
ISSN1076-8971
PublisherAMER PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOC
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1995 to 2024
AbbreviationPSYCHOL PUBLIC POL L / Psychol. Public Policy Law
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address750 FIRST ST NE, WASHINGTON, DC 20002-4242

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Psychology, Public Policy, and Law' focuses on the intersection of psychological research and legal systems, emphasizing empirical studies that inform public policy and legal practices. It aims to foster a deeper understanding of how psychological principles can be applied to legal issues, enhancing the effectiveness of the justice system.
  1. Empirical Research in Legal Contexts:
    The journal publishes studies that apply psychological theories and methodologies to understand various aspects of the legal system, including competency evaluations, eyewitness testimony, and jury decision-making.
  2. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    Research often incorporates perspectives from psychology, law, sociology, and public policy, aiming to create a comprehensive understanding of complex legal issues.
  3. Policy Implications:
    Many articles focus on the implications of psychological research for public policy, providing actionable recommendations that can influence legislative changes and improve legal practices.
  4. Cultural and Contextual Sensitivity:
    The journal emphasizes the importance of considering cultural and contextual factors in psychological assessments and legal processes, promoting research that is relevant to diverse populations.
  5. Innovative Methodologies:
    The use of mixed-methods approaches, including qualitative and quantitative research, is encouraged to capture the multifaceted nature of legal and psychological phenomena.
Recent publications in 'Psychology, Public Policy, and Law' reveal emerging themes that reflect contemporary issues in psychology and law. These trends indicate a shift in focus towards pressing societal concerns and innovative research methodologies.
  1. Impact of COVID-19 on the Justice System:
    Research examining the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on court practices, correctional policies, and mental health services has surged, highlighting the need for adaptive strategies in legal contexts.
  2. Cultural Competence in Legal Settings:
    An increasing emphasis on culturally adapted interventions and assessments is evident, particularly in relation to marginalized communities, indicating a growing recognition of the importance of cultural context in psychological evaluations.
  3. Technological Integration in Forensic Practices:
    The adaptation of technology in forensic psychology, including remote evaluations and the use of videoconferencing, is a prominent trend, reflecting changes in how legal assessments are conducted in response to modern challenges.
  4. Youth and Juvenile Justice Innovations:
    There is a notable increase in research focused on juvenile justice reform, particularly interventions aimed at reducing recidivism and improving outcomes for youth involved in the legal system.
  5. Mental Health and Legal Outcomes:
    A growing body of work explores the interplay between mental health issues and legal outcomes, particularly in the context of competency evaluations and the treatment of individuals within the justice system.

Declining or Waning

While the journal covers a broad range of topics, some themes have shown a decline in prominence in recent years. This section highlights areas that appear to be less frequently addressed in newer publications.
  1. Traditional Competency Evaluations:
    Although competency to stand trial remains a relevant topic, there has been a noticeable shift towards more innovative and interdisciplinary approaches, leading to a decline in traditional studies focusing solely on competency evaluations without broader contextual considerations.
  2. General Crime Trends Analysis:
    Research focused on general trends in crime statistics and broad analyses of crime rates has decreased, with a pivot towards more specific, nuanced discussions of individual cases or specific populations.
  3. Static Risk Assessments:
    The focus on static risk assessment tools has waned as newer, dynamic models that consider ongoing behavior and contextual factors gain traction, reflecting a shift towards more holistic approaches.
  4. Broad Public Perception Studies:
    While public perception remains important, studies that do not connect perceptions to specific policies or legal outcomes are less common, indicating a trend towards more targeted research that directly informs policy.

Similar Journals

International Journal of Law in Context

Navigating the Complexities of Law in Context
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 1744-5523Frequency: 4 issues/year

International Journal of Law in Context, published by Cambridge University Press, is a distinguished peer-reviewed journal that explores the intricate relationship between law and its cultural, social, and political contexts. With an ISSN of 1744-5523 and an E-ISSN of 1744-5531, this journal has established itself as a vital resource for legal scholars and practitioners. Operating from the United Kingdom, it has been actively contributing to the field of law since 2005, and is currently indexed in Scopus, ranking 317 out of 1025 in the Social Sciences Law category, placing it in the 69th percentile. Although it does not currently offer open access, the journal aims to provide insightful analyses and critical discussions relevant to contemporary legal issues and challenges. The 2023 Q3 category ranking further underscores its reputation in the legal academic community, making it a significant platform for researchers, professionals, and students interested in the contextual dimensions of law.

Revista Direito GV

Fostering Dialogue, Inspiring Change in Legal Studies
Publisher: FUNDACAO GETULIO VARGAS, ESCOLA DIREITOISSN: 1808-2432Frequency: 2 issues/year

Revista Direito GV is a prominent open-access journal in the field of law, published by Fundação Getulio Vargas, Escola Direito. Since its inception as an open-access publication in 2008, the journal has aimed to disseminate high-quality, peer-reviewed research that addresses contemporary legal issues within Brazil and beyond. With an ISSN of 1808-2432 and an E-ISSN of 2317-6172, it stands out as a valuable resource for researchers, professionals, and students navigating the complexities of legal studies. Positioned in the Q3 category for Law in 2023 and ranked within the 36th percentile in the Scopus database, the journal reflects a commitment to scholarly excellence and engagement with critical legal discourse. As it converges from 2019 to 2024, Revista Direito GV continues to foster a vibrant academic dialogue while contributing to the evolution of legal scholarship in a globalized context.

Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology

Challenging Perspectives, Shaping Psychological Thought
Publisher: EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHING FOUNDATION-AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCISSN: 1068-8471Frequency: 4 issues/year

The Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology, published by the Educational Publishing Foundation in collaboration with the American Psychological Association, is a premier platform for scholarly discourse at the intersection of psychology, philosophy, and theoretical frameworks. With an impressive impact ranking, this journal holds a prestigious Q1 classification in Philosophy and a Q3 classification in Miscellaneous Psychology for 2023, reflecting its significance and authority in the field. Established in 1986 and continuously relevant through 2024, the journal caters to a diverse readership of researchers, professionals, and students who are exploring complex psychological phenomena from a philosophical lens. Although the journal is not open access, it remains a critical avenue for disseminating innovative ideas and rigorous research methodologies, underpinning its role in advancing theoretical conversations and applications within the psychological sciences. By publishing high-quality manuscripts, the Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology contributes to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the philosophical implications of psychological theories, fostering a deeper understanding of the human experience.

Race and Justice

Examining the impact of race on justice and society.
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 2153-3687Frequency: 4 issues/year

Race and Justice is an esteemed academic journal published by SAGE Publications Inc, dedicated to advancing the discourse surrounding race and its complexities within the realms of justice, law, and sociopolitical dynamics. With its ISSN 2153-3687, the journal has positioned itself prominently in the Q1 category across multiple disciplines, including Anthropology, Law, and Sociology and Political Science. Since its inception in 2011, Race and Justice has become a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students, offering rigorous peer-reviewed articles that explore critical issues related to race and systemic justice. It boasts impressive Scopus rankings, placing it in the 96th percentile for Anthropology and the 95th percentile for Law, highlighting its significant impact in the social sciences. This journal not only fosters scholarly inquiry but also encourages critical dialogue on the implications of racial issues in the justice system. Although it is not an open-access journal, its comprehensive scope and high standards make it indispensable for anyone engaged in the study of race and justice.

LAW AND HUMAN BEHAVIOR

Advancing Insights at the Intersection of Law and Human Behavior
Publisher: EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHING FOUNDATION-AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCISSN: 0147-7307Frequency: 6 issues/year

LAW AND HUMAN BEHAVIOR, published by the Educational Publishing Foundation of the American Psychological Association, is a leading interdisciplinary journal that explores the intersection of law and psychology. Established in 1977, this prestigious journal has garnered a reputation for its rigorous scholarly contributions, evidenced by its impressive impact factor and high rankings in various quartiles, including Q1 in both Arts and Humanities and Law in 2023. With its comprehensive scope encompassing critical issues in legal psychology, jury behavior, and the psychological underpinnings of legal decision-making, the journal serves as a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. Although not an open-access publication, it provides invaluable insights relevant to practitioners and academics focusing on the nuances of human behavior within legal contexts. With ongoing commitment to advancing research through its convergence of psychological and legal discourse, LAW AND HUMAN BEHAVIOR is indispensable for those aiming to bridge the gap between these crucial fields.

Psychology and Law

Exploring the nexus of psychological insight and legal practice.
Publisher: MOSCOW STATE PSYCHOLOGICAL & PEDAGOGICAL UNIVISSN: 2222-5196Frequency: 4 issues/year

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.

CRIMINAL LAW JOURNAL

Elevating legal scholarship for a just society.
Publisher: LAWBOOK CO LTDISSN: 0314-1160Frequency: 6 issues/year

CRIMINAL LAW JOURNAL, published by LAWBOOK CO LTD, serves as a critical resource for legal practitioners, scholars, and students in the field of criminal law. With a dedicated focus on advancing the understanding of legal principles, case law, and statutory developments, this journal provides insightful articles, case analyses, and commentary from leading experts. Although it does not currently offer Open Access options, its rigorous peer-review process ensures the publication of high-quality research pertinent to contemporary issues in criminal law. The journal aims to foster academic discourse and promote best practices within the legal community. By maintaining a strong commitment to legal scholarship and education, the CRIMINAL LAW JOURNAL stands as a prominent platform for disseminating vital knowledge that influences policy-making and legal reform.

BUFFALO LAW REVIEW

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Law
Publisher: UNIV BUFFALO STATE UNIV NEW YORKISSN: 0023-9356Frequency: 5 issues/year

BUFFALO LAW REVIEW, published by University at Buffalo State University of New York, stands as a pivotal resource in the field of law, offering a comprehensive platform for scholarly discourse and analysis. With an ISSN of 0023-9356, this journal has been disseminating critical legal research since its inception and is currently recognized in the Q2 category of Law for 2023. Although it operates under traditional access options, its significant contributions to legal scholarship are underscored by its positioning alongside notable peers, as evidenced by its rank of #552 out of 1025 in the Scopus rankings for Social Sciences _ Law, reflecting a 46th percentile placement. The journal spans an extensive timeline of converged years, notably including a continuous publication record from 1973 to 2024. Researchers, professionals, and students alike will find BUFFALO LAW REVIEW an essential repository of legal scholarship, discussing key issues and evolving trends within the domain.

UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH LAW REVIEW

Shaping the Future of Law Through Rigorous Examination.
Publisher: UNIV PITTSBURGH, UNIV LIBRARY SYSTEMISSN: 0041-9915Frequency: 4 issues/year

University of Pittsburgh Law Review is a prestigious academic journal that stands as a cornerstone in the field of legal scholarship. Published by the University of Pittsburgh, University Library System, this journal has been contributing to the discourse of the law since its inception, exemplifying a commitment to advancing scholarly work in various legal domains. Although its open access options are limited, the robust collection of articles and commentaries—spanning from 1973 to the present—provides an invaluable resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. The journal currently ranks in the Q4 quartile within the field of law for 2023, indicating a specialized focus and offering significant opportunities for legal analysis and research. Positioned in a competitive landscape as Rank #784 out of 1025 in Scopus for Social Sciences - Law, it is an essential platform for emerging voices and innovative ideas that shape legal thought and policy. The University of Pittsburgh Law Review continues to foster critical examination and discussion, making it a vital resource for anyone engaged in the study or practice of law.

Oxford Journal of Legal Studies

Exploring the Depths of Contemporary Legal Issues
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESSISSN: 0143-6503Frequency: 4 issues/year

The Oxford Journal of Legal Studies, published by Oxford University Press, stands as a prestigious platform for scholarly discourse within the field of law. Renowned for its impactful contributions to legal scholarship since its inception in 1981, this journal has established itself in the top tier of its category, currently classified as Q1 in Law based on the 2023 category quartiles. With its ISSN 0143-6503 and E-ISSN 1464-3820, the journal provides a comprehensive exploration of contemporary legal issues, theoretical perspectives, and empirical research, attracting contributions from leading academics and practitioners alike. Residing within the Social Sciences arena, it holds an impressive rank of 194/1025, landing it in the 81st percentile according to Scopus rankings. Though not currently an open-access publication, the Oxford Journal of Legal Studies remains vital for researchers, professionals, and students eager to deepen their understanding of legal frameworks and contemporary challenges within the legal landscape. Located in the heart of the United Kingdom, at Great Clarendon St, Oxford OX2 6DP, England, the journal is an indispensable resource for those advancing the study and practice of law.