256 Research Topics on Criminal Justice & Criminology

Are you a law school student studying criminal behavior or forensic science? Or maybe just looking for good criminal justice topics, questions, and hypotheses? Look no further! Custom-writing.org experts offer a load of criminology research topics and titles for every occasion. Criminological theories, types of crime, the role of media in criminology, and more. Our topics will help you prepare for a college-level assignment, debate, or essay writing.

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

  • āš–ļø Criminology vs. Criminal Justice
  • šŸ”¬ 120 Criminology Research Topics
  • šŸ’‚ 116 Criminal Justice Research Topics

šŸ”„ Hot Criminology Research Topics

  • The role of media in criminology.
  • Cultural explanation of crime.
  • Benefits of convict criminology.
  • Main issues of postmodern criminology.
  • Is criminal behavior affected by the politics?
  • How does DAWN collect data?
  • The limitations of crime mapping.
  • Personality traits that trigger criminal behavior.
  • Community deterioration and crime rates.
  • Does experimental criminology affect social policy?

šŸ”¬ 120 Criminology Research Topics & Ideas

Here are 100 criminology research topics ideas organized by themes.

Just in 1 hour! We will write you a plagiarism-free paper in hardly more than 1 hour

General Criminology Research Paper Topics

  • Criminology as a social science.
  • Criminology and its public policies.
  • History of criminology.
  • Crime commission: legal and social perspectives .

Criminal Psychology Research Topics

  • What is the nature of criminal behavior ?
  • How does the lack of education affect the incarceration rates?
  • Childhood aggression and the impact of divorce
  • The effect of the upbringing on antisocial adult behavior
  • How do gender and cultural background affect oneā€™s attitude towards drug abuse ?
  • Forensic psychology and its impact on the legal system
  • What is the role of criminal psychologists?
  • Different types of forensic psychological evaluations
  • Whatā€™s the difference between therapeutic and forensic evaluation?
  • Does socioeconomic status impact oneā€™s criminal behavior ?

Criminology Research Topics: Theories

  • What crimes are typical for what ages?
  • How does the type of crime correspond with the level of exerted aggression ?
  • What is the connection between citizenship (or lack thereof) and law violation?
  • How does education (or lack thereof) correspond with crime level?
  • Does employment (or lack thereof) correspond with law violation?
  • What is the connection between family status and law violation?
  • Does gender affect on the type of law violation?
  • How does ownership of firearms correspond with law violation?
  • Does immigrant status correlate with law violation?

Crime and Victimization in Criminology.

  • Is there a connection between mental health and law violation?
  • What are the causes of violence in the society?
  • Does the crime rate depend on the neighborhood ?
  • How does race correspond with the type of crime?
  • Do religious beliefs correspond with law violation?
  • How does social class correlate with crime rate?
  • What are the reasons for the homelessā€™ improsonment?
  • How does weather correspond with law violation?

Criminology Topics on Victimization

  • Biological theories of crime: how do biological factors correspond with law violation?
  • Classical criminology: the contemporary take on crime, economics, deterrence, and the rational choice perspective.
  • Convict criminology: what do ex-convicts have to say on the subject?
  • Criminal justice theories: punishment as a deterrent to crime.
  • Critical criminology : debunking false ideas about crime and criminal justice.
  • Cultural criminology: criminality as the product of culture.
  • Cultural transmission theory: how criminal norms are transmitted in social interaction.
  • Deterrence theory: how people donā€™t commit crimes out of fear of punishment.
  • Rational choice theory : how crime doing is aligned with personal objectives of the perpetrator.
  • Feminist Criminology: how the dominant crime theories exclude women.
  • Labeling and symbolic interaction theories: how minorities and those deviating from social norms tend to be negatively labeled.
  • Life course criminology : how life events affect the actions that humans perform.
  • Psychological theories of crime: criminal behavior through the lense of an individualā€™s personality.
  • Routine activities theory : how normal everyday activities affect the tendency to commit a crime.
  • The concept of natural legal crime.
  • Self-control theory : how the lack of individual self-control results in criminal behavior.
  • Social construction of crime: crime doing as social response.
  • Social control theory : how positive socialization corresponds with reduction of criminal violation.
  • Social disorganization theory : how neighborhood ecological characteristics correspond with crime rates.
  • Social learning theory : how (non)criminal behavior can be acquired by observing and imitating others.
  • Strain theories : how social structures within society pressure citizens to commit crime.
  • Theoretical integration: how two theories are better than one.

Criminology Research and Measurement Topics

  • Citation content analysis (CCA): a framework for gaining knowledge from a variety of media.
  • Crime classification systems: classification of crime according to the severity of punishment.
  • Crime mapping as a way to map, visualize, and analyze crime incident patterns.
  • Reports and statistics of crime: the estimated rate of crime over time. Public surveys.
  • Drug abuse warning network (DAWN): predicting trends in drug misuse.
  • Arrestee drug abuse monitoring (ADAM): drug use among arrestees.
  • Edge ethnography: collecting data undercover in typically closed research settings and groups through rapport development or covert undercover strategy.
  • Experimental criminology: experimental and quasi-experimental research in the advancement of criminological theory.
  • Fieldwork in criminology: street ethnographers and their dilemmas in the field concerning process and outcomes.
  • Program evaluation: collecting and analyzing information to assess the efficiency of projects, policies and programs.
  • Quantitative criminology: how exploratory research questions, inductive reasoning , and an orientation to social context help recognize human subjectivity.

Criminology Topics on Types of Crime

  • Campus crime: the most common crimes on college campuses and ways of preventing them.
  • Child abuse : types, prevalence, risk groups, ways of detection and prevention.
  • Cybercrime : cyber fraud, defamation, hacking, bullying, phishing.
  • Domestic violence : gender, ways of detection and prevention, activism.
  • Domestic violence with disabilities .
  • Elder abuse : types, prevalence, risk groups, ways of detection and prevention.
  • Environmental crime. Natural resource theft: illegal trade in wildlife and timber, poaching, illegal fishing.
  • Environmental crime. Illegal trade in ozone-depleting substances, hazardous waste; pollution of air, water, and soil.
  • Environmental crime: local, regional, national, and transnational level.
  • Environmental crime: climate change crime and corruption.
  • Environmental crime: wildlife harming and exploitation.
  • Hate crime : how prejudice motivates violence.

Types of crime.

  • Homicide : what motivates one person to kill another.
  • Human trafficking : methods of deception, risk groups, ways of detection and prevention.
  • Identity theft : methods, risk groups, ways of detection and prevention.
  • Gambling in America .
  • Juvenile delinquency : risk groups, prevention policies, prosecution and punishment.
  • Juvenile Delinquency: Causes and Effects
  • Organizational crime: transnational, national, and local levels. Ways of disrupting the activity of a group.
  • Prostitution : risk groups, different takes on prevention policies, activism.
  • Robbery : risk groups, ways of prevention, prosecution and punishment.
  • Sex offenses: risk groups, types, prevalence, ways of detection and prevention.
  • Terrorism: definition, history, countermeasures .
  • Terrorism : individual and group activity, ways of detection and prevention.
  • Theft and shoplifting : risk groups, ways of detection, prevention policies, prosecution and punishment.
  • Counter-terrorism: constitutional and legislative issues .
  • White-collar crime : types, ways of detection, prevention policies, prosecution and punishment.

Criminology Topics on Racism and Discrimination

  • How systemic bias affects criminal justice?
  • How discriminatory portrayal of minority groups in the media affects criminal justice?
  • Racial profiling : targeting minority groups on the basis of race and ethnicity.
  • Racism and discrimination towards African-Americans .
  • Racial profiling : what are the cons? Are there any pros?
  • How discriminatory is the UK Court System?
  • How discriminatory is the US Court System?

Other Criminology Research Topics

  • Corporate crime : the ruling class criminals.
  • Genetics: illegal research and its dangers.
  • Hate crime : the implications in criminal justice.
  • Serial killers : risk groups, ways of detection and prevention.
  • Serial killers: portrayal in media.
  • Organized crime : how does it affect criminal justice?
  • Crime prevention programs.
  • Street lighting: does it reduce crime?
  • Terrorism prevention technology.
  • Identity theft : risk groups, ways of deception, prevention policies.
  • Due process model: procedural and substantive aspects.
  • Crime control in criminal justice administration.
  • Types of drugs: how do they affect the users?
  • Smart handheld devices: their function for security personnel.
  • Social media : its impact on crime rate.
  • Public health: how does criminal justice affect it?
  • Psychometric examinations: what is their role in criminal justice?
  • National defense in the US.
  • National defense in the UK.
  • Sexual harassment : the role of activism, ways of responding, prevention and prosecution.
  • Substance abuse : military.
  • Criminology and criminal justice jobs: a full list.

šŸŒ¶ļø Hot Criminal Justice Topics

  • The history of modern police.
  • Different types of prison systems.
  • Is situational crime prevention effective?
  • How to prevent wrongful convictions.
  • Challenges faced by crime victims.
  • The advantages of community corrections.
  • How do ethics influence criminal justice?
  • Disadvantages of felony disenfranchisement.
  • Does correctional system in the USA really work?
  • Possible problems of prisoner reentry process.

šŸ’‚ 116 Criminal Justice Research Topics & Questions

Here are some of the most typical and interesting criminal justice issues to dazzle your professor.

  • Prison system : the main problems and the hidden pitfalls.
  • The question of gender: why are there more men who receive capital punishment than women?
  • Kidnapping and ransom: common features, motifs, behavior patterns.
  • Crime prevention : key principles.
  • Firing a gun: what helps professionals understand whether it was deliberate or happened by accident?
  • Cybercrime : the legal perspective.
  • Internet vigilantism: revenge leaks.
  • Hate crime on the Internet: revenge leaks, trolling, defamation.
  • Crime and justice in mass media .
  • Parental abduction laws.
  • Sex offender registry: pros and cons.
  • The deterrence theory and the theory of rational choice : are they relevant in the modern world?
  • Sexual assault in schools and workplaces.
  • Jury selection: how is it performed?
  • Experimental criminology: the latest innovations.

Criminal justice system.

  • Wildlife crime: areas of prevalence, ways of prevention.
  • Felony disenfranchisement laws: when do they apply?
  • The relation between organized crime and corruption .
  • Victim services: what help can a victim of a crime get?
  • Prison rape and violence: the psychological aspect, ways of prevention.
  • Juvenile recidivism : what are the risk groups?
  • Forensic science : role and functions in modern criminal justice.
  • Shoplifting: how to prevent theft?
  • Witness Protection Program: who is eligible and how to protect them.
  • Date rape : what are the ways for the victims to seek legal assistance?
  • Substance abuse and crime: correlation or causation?
  • Identity theft: dangers and consequences in the modern world.
  • Online predators: what laws can be introduced to protect kids? Real-life examples.
  • Civil and criminal cases: how to differentiate?
  • Domestic abuse victims: what laws protect them?
  • Elder abuse : what can be done to prevent it?
  • The strain theory : the unachievable American dream.
  • Concepts of law enforcement: pursuing criminal justice .
  • Ethics and criminal justice: the unethical sides of law enforcement.
  • The top problems to be solved by law enforcement today.
  • Information sharing technology: how has it helped in the fight against terrorism ?
  • Terrorism in perspective: characteristics, causes, control .
  • Serial killers : types.
  • Drug use and youth arrests.
  • Aggressive behavior : how does it correlate with criminal tendencies?
  • Community corrections : are they effective?
  • Sentencing: how does it take place?
  • Punishment types and the established terms.
  • Unwarranted arrest: when is it acceptable?
  • Human trafficking in the modern world.
  • Human trafficking: current state and counteracts .
  • The role of technology in modern forensics .
  • Similarities and differences between homicide , murder, and manslaughter.
  • Types of offenders: classification.
  • Effects of gun control measures in the United States .
  • The role of crime mapping in modern criminal justice.
  • Male crimes vs female crimes: are they different?
  • Prisons : the problems of bad living conditions.
  • Victimization : causes and ways of prevention.
  • Victimology and traditional justice system alternatives .
  • Rape victims: what are their rights?
  • Problem-solving courts: what underlying problems do they address?
  • Mandatory sentencing and the three-strike rule.
  • Have ā€œthree-strikesā€ laws been effective and should they be continued?
  • Criminal courts : what can be learned from their history?
  • Hate crimes : what motivates people to commit them?
  • Youth gangs: what is their danger?
  • Fieldwork: how is it done in criminology?
  • Distributive justice : its place in criminal justice.
  • Capital punishment : what can be learned from history?
  • Humanities and justice in Britain during 18th century .
  • Abolition of capital punishment .
  • Criminals and prisonersā€™ rights .
  • Crime prevention programs and criminal rehabilitation .
  • Campus crime: what laws and precautions are there against it?
  • Criminal trial process: how does it go?
  • Crimes committed on a religious basis: how are they punished?
  • The code of ethics in the Texas department of criminal justice .
  • Comparison between Florida and Marylandā€™s legislative frameworks .
  • Fraud in the scientific field: how can copyright protect the discoveries of researchers?
  • Prosecution laws: how are they applied in practice?
  • The classification of crime systems.
  • Cyberbullying and cyberstalking: what can parents do to protect their children?
  • Forgery cases in educational institutions, offices, and governmental organizations.
  • Drug courts : how do they work?

Controversial Topics in Criminal Justice

Want your work to be unconventional? Consider choosing one of the controversial topics. You will need to present a number of opposite points of view. Of course, itā€™s acceptable to choose and promote an opinion that you think stands the best. Just make sure to provide a thorough analysis of all of the viewpoints.

You can also stay impartial and let the reader make up their own mind on the subject. If you decide to support one of the viewpoints, your decision should be objective. Back it up with plenty of evidence, too. Here are some examples of controversial topics that you can explore.

  • Reform vs. punishment: which one offers more benefits?
  • Restorative justice model : is it the best criminal justice tool?
  • The war on drugs : does it really solve the drug problem?
  • Criminal insanity: is it a reason enough for exemption from liability?
  • Juvenile justice system : should it be eliminated?
  • Drug testing on the school ground.
  • Police brutality in the United States .
  • How to better gun control ?Ā 
  • Why Gun Control Laws Should be Scrapped .
  • Pornography: is it a type of sexual violence?
  • Whether death penalty can be applied fairly?
  • Jack the Ripper: who was he?
  • The modern justice system: is it racist?
  • A false accusation: how can one protect themselves from it?
  • Concealed weapons: what are the criminal codes of various states?
  • Race and crime: is there a correlation?
  • Registering sex offenders: should this information be in public records?
  • Juvenile delinquency and bad parenting: is there a relation?
  • Assessing juveniles for psychopathy or conduct disorder .
  • Should all new employees be checked for a criminal background ?
  • Are delinquency cases higher among immigrant children?
  • Restrictive housing: can it help decongest prisons?
  • Homegrown crimes: is there an effective program against them?
  • Prostitution: the controversy around legalization .
  • Eyewitness testimony : is it really helpful in an investigation?
  • Youthful offenders in boot camps: is this strategy effective?
  • Predictive policing : is it effective?
  • Selective incapacitation: is it an effective policy for reducing crime?
  • Social class and crime: is there a relation?
  • Death penalty: is it effective in crime deterrence?
  • Extradition law: is it fair?
  • Devious interrogations: is deceit acceptable during investigations?
  • Supermax prisons: are they effective or just cruel?
  • Zero tolerance: is it the best policy for crime reduction?
  • Marijuana decriminalization: pros and cons.
  • Marijuana legalization in the US .

Now that you have looked through the full list of topics, choose wisely. Remember that sometimes itā€™s best to avoid sensitive topics. Other times, a clever choice of a topic will win you extra points. It doesnā€™t depend on just the tastes of your professor, of course. You should also take into account how much relevant information there is on the subject. Anyway, the choice of the topic of your research is up to you. Try to find the latest materials and conduct an in-depth analysis of them. Donā€™t forget to draw a satisfactory conclusion. Writing may take a lot of your time and energy, so plan ahead. Remember to stay hydrated and good luck!

Now, after we looked through the topic collections on criminology and criminal justice, it is time to turn to the specifics in each of the fields. First, letā€™s talk more extensively about criminology. If you are training to be a criminologist, you will study some things more deeply. They include the behavior patterns of criminals, their backgrounds, and the latest sociological trends in crime.

Receive a plagiarism-free paper tailored to your instructions. Cut 20% off your first order!

In the field of criminology, the specialties are numerous. Thatā€™s why itā€™s difficult to pinpoint one career that represents a typical member of the profession. It all depends on the background of a criminologist, their education, and experience.

Careers possible with a criminology major.

A criminologist may have a number of responsibilities at their position. For example, they might be called forth to investigate a crime scene. Participation in autopsies is unpleasant yet necessary. Interrogation of suspects and subsequent criminal profiling is another essential duty.

Some professionals work solely in research. Others consult government agencies or private security companies. Courts and law firms also cooperate with criminologists. Their job is to provide expert opinion in criminal proceedings. Some of them work in the prison systems in order to oversee the rehabilitation of the convicted.

Regardless of the career specialty , most criminologists are working on profiling and data collection. A criminologist is another word for an analyst. They collect, study, and analyze data on crimes. After conducting the analysis, they provide recommendations and actionable information.

A criminologist seeks to find out the identity of the person who committed the crime. The time point of a crime is also important, as well as the reason for it. There are several areas covered by the analysis of a criminologist. The psychological behavior of the criminal or criminals is closely studied. The socio-economic indicators are taken into account. There are also, of course, the environmental factors that may have facilitated the crime.

Get an originally-written paper according to your instructions!

Some high-profile cases require a criminologist to correspond with media and PR managers extensively. Sometimes criminologists write articles and even books about their findings. However, it should be noted that the daily routine of a professional in the field is not so glamorous. Most criminologists do their work alone, without the attention of the public.

The research a criminologist accumulates during their work is extensive. It doesnā€™t just sit there in a folder on their desk, of course. The collected statistics are used for developing active criminal profiles that are shared with law enforcement agencies. It helps to understand criminal behavior better and to predict it. Thatā€™s why a criminologistā€™s work must be precise and accurate for it to be practical and useful. Also, criminology professionals must have a good grasp of math and statistics.

Thinking of a career in criminology? You will need to, at the very least, graduate from college. There, youā€™ll master mathematics, statistics, and, of course, criminology. An associateā€™s degree may get you an entry-level position. But the minimum entry-level requirement is usually the bachelorā€™s degree. The best positions, though, are left for the professionals with a masterā€™s degree or a PhD.

Just having a degree is not enough. To succeed as a criminologist, you will require all your intelligence, commitment, and the skill of analyzing intricate situations. An aspiration to better the society will go a long way. You will need to exercise your creative, written, and verbal communication skills, too. An analytical mind will land you at an advantage.

Criminology: Research Areas

Times change and the world of crime never ceases to adapt. The nature of criminal transgression is evolving, and so do the ways of prosecution. Criminal detection, investigation, and prevention are constantly advancing. Criminology studies aim to improve the practices implemented in the field.

There are six unified, coordinated, and interrelated areas of expertise. Within each, the professionals are busy turning their mastery into knowledge and action.

Criminology research areas.

The first research area is the newest worry of criminology ā€“ cybercrime. The impact of this type of crime is escalating with every passing day. Thatā€™s why itā€™s crucial for the law enforcement professionals to keep up to date with the evolving technology. Cybercrime research is exploring the growing threat of its subject at all levels of society. Cybercrime may impact people on both personal and governmental levels. Cybercrime research investigates the motivation and methodology behind the offenses and finds new ways to react.

The second research area is counter fraud. Crimes that fall under this category include fraud and corruption. The questions that counter fraud research deals with are many. How widely a crime is spread, what method is best to fight it, and the optimal courses of action to protect people and organizations.

The third research area is that of forensics. The contemporary face of justice has been changed by forensic science beyond recognition. Nowadays, itā€™s much harder for criminals to conceal their activity due to evolved technologies. The research in forensics is utilizing science in the identification of the crime and in its reconstruction. It employs such techniques as DNA recovery, fingerprinting, and forensic interviewing.

What is forensic interviewing? It helps find new ways to gather quality information from witnesses and crime scenes. It also works on developing protocols that ensure the protection of this human data and its correct interpretation by police.

The fourth research area is policing. Police service is facing a lot of pressing issues nowadays due to budget cuts. At the same time, police officers still need to learn, and there are also individual factors that may influence their work.

The fifth research area is penology. Itā€™s tasked with exploring the role of punishment in the criminal justice system. Does punishment aid the rehabilitation of perpetrators, and to what extent? The answer will help link theory to practice and thus shape how criminal justice practitioners work.

The sixth research area is that of missing persons. Before a person goes missing, they may display a certain pattern of behavior. The study of missing persons helps to identify it. The results will determine the handling of such cases.

Now that we know what criminology is, itā€™s time to talk about criminal justice.

While criminology focuses on the analysis of crime, criminal justice concentrates on societal systems. Its primary concern is with the criminal behavior of the perpetrators. For example, in the USA, there are three branches of the criminal justice system. They are police (aka law enforcement), courts, and corrections. These branches all work together to punish and prevent unlawful behavior. If you take up a career in criminal justice, expect to work in one of these fields.

The most well-known branch of criminal justice is law enforcement. The police force is at the forefront of defense against crime and misdemeanor. They stand against the criminal element in many ways. For instance, they patrol the streets, investigate crimes, and detain suspects. Itā€™s not just the police officers who take these responsibilities upon themselves. There are also US Marshals, ICE, FBI Agents, DEA, and border patrol. Only after the arrest has been made, the perpetrator enters the court system.

The court system is less visible to the public, but still crucial to the criminal justice system. Its main purpose is to determine the suspectā€™s innocence or guilt. You can work as an attorney, lawyer, bailiff, judge, or another professional of the field. In the court, if you are a suspect, you are innocent until proven guilty. You are also entitled to a fair trial. However, if they do find you guilty, you will receive a sentence. Your punishment will be the job of the corrections system.

The courts determine the nature of the punishment, and the corrections system enforces it. There are three elements of the corrections system: incarceration, probation, and parole. They either punish or rehabilitate the convicts. Want to uptake a career in corrections? You may work as, including, but not limited to: a parole officer, a prison warden, a probation officer, and a guard.

šŸ“ˆ Criminal Justice: Research Areas

The research areas in criminal justice are similar, if not identical, to those of criminology. After all, those are two very closely related fields. The one difference is that criminal justice research has more practical than theoretical applications. But itā€™s fair to say that theory is the building blocks that practice bases itself on. One is impossible without the other unless the result you want is complete chaos.

So, the question is ā€“ what topic to choose for the research paper? Remember that the world of criminal justice is constantly changing. Choosing a subject for research in criminal justice, consider a relevant topic. There are many pressing issues in the field. Exploring them will undoubtedly win you points from your professor. Just make sure to choose a direction that will give you the opportunity to show off both your knowledge and your analytical skills.

Not sure that your original research direction will be appreciated? Then choose one of the standard topics. Something that is widely discussed in the media. And, of course, make sure that you are truly interested in the subject. Otherwise, your disinterest will translate into your writing, which may negatively affect the overall impression. Also, itā€™s just more enjoyable to work on something that resonates with you.

What can you do with your research paper? Literally anything. Explore the background of the issue. Make predictions. Compare the different takes on the matter. Maybe there are some fresh new discoveries that have been made recently. What does science say about that?

Also, remember to backup all your arguments with quotes and examples from real life. The Internet is the best library and research ground a student could hope for. The main idea of the paper, aka the thesis, must be proven by enough factual material. Otherwise, itā€™s best to change your research direction.

And, of course, donā€™t put it all off till the last minute. Make a plan and stick to it. Consistency and clever distribution of effort will take you a long way. Good luck!

šŸ¤” Criminal Justice Research FAQs

Criminological and criminal justice research are the scientific studies of the causes and consequences, extent and control, nature, management, and prevention of criminal behavior, both on the social and individual levels.

Criminal justice and criminology are sciences that analyze the occurrence and explore the ways of prevention of illegal acts. Any conducted personal research and investigation should be supported by the implemented analytical methods from academic works that describe the given subject.

There are six interrelated areas of criminology research:

  • Cybercrime research makes law enforcement professionals keep up to date with the evolving technology.
  • Counter fraud research investigates cases of fraud and corruption.
  • Forensics research utilizes science: DNA recovery, fingerprinting, and forensic interviewing.
  • Research in policing investigates individual factors that may influence the work of police officers.
  • Penology explores the role of punishment in the criminal justice system.
  • The study of missing persons helps to identify patterns of victimsā€™ behavior.

There are seven research methods in criminology:

  • Quantitative research methods measure criminological and criminal justice reality by assigning numerical values to concepts to find patterns of correlation, cause and effect.
  • Survey research collects information from a number of persons via their responses to questions.
  • Experimental research assesses cause and effect in two comparison groups.
  • Cross-sectional research studies one group at one point in time.
  • Longitudinal research studies the same group over a period of time.
  • Time-series designs study the same group at successive points in time.
  • Meta-analysis employs quantitative analysis of findings from multiple studies.

The basis of criminological theory is criminological research. It influences the development of social policies and defines criminal justice practice.

Criminological research doesnā€™t just enable law students to develop analytical and presentational skills. The works of criminal justice professionals, scholars, and government policymakers dictate the way law enforcement operates. The newest ideas born out of research identify corrections and crime prevention, too.

Here is a step-by-step instruction on how to write a criminal justice research paper:

  • Choose a topic
  • Read the materials and take notes
  • Come up with a thesis
  • Create an outline for your work
  • Draft the body
  • Start with a cover page, an abstract, and an intro
  • List the methods you used, and the results you got
  • Include a discussion
  • Sum it up with a conclusion
  • Donā€™t forget a literature review and appendices
  • Revise, proofread, and edit

The most common types of methodologies in criminal justice research include:

  • Observation of participants.
  • Surveys and interviews.
  • Observation of focus groups.
  • Conducting experiments.
  • Analysis of secondary data and archival study.
  • Mixed (a combination of the above methods).

Learn more on this topic:

  • 280 Good Nursing Research Topics & Questions
  • 204 Research Topics on Technology & Computer Science
  • 178 Best Research Titles about Cookery & Food
  • 497 Interesting History Topics to Research
  • 180 Best Education Research Topics & Ideas
  • 110+ Micro- & Macroeconomics Research Topics
  • 417 Business Research Topics for ABM Students
  • 190+ Research Topics on Psychology & Communication
  • 512 Research Topics on HumSS
  • 281 Best Health & Medical Research Topics
  • 501 Research Questions & Titles about Science
  • A List of Research Topics for Students. Unique and Interesting
  • Good Research Topics, Titles and Ideas for Your Paper
  • The Differences Between Criminal Justice and Criminology: Which Degree Is Right for You? (Concordia St. Paul)
  • Corporate Crime: Britannica
  • The Development of Delinquency: NAP
  • Databases for Research & Education: Gale
  • A CS Research Topic Generator: Purdue University
  • A Introduction To The Federal Court System: US Department of Justice
  • Criminal Justice Research Topics: Broward College
  • Research Topics in Criminology: Cambridge Institute of Criminology
  • CRIMINOLOGY: University of Portsmouth
  • Research: Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice, University of Maryland
  • Criminal Justice: RAND
  • Research Methods in Criminal Justice: Penn State University Libraries
  • Research: School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Arizona State University
  • Criminology – Research Guide: Getting started (Penn Libraries)
  • Criminology Research Papers: Academia
  • The History & Development of the U.S. Criminal Justice System: Study.com
  • CRIMINAL JUSTICE & CRIMINOLOGY: Marshall University
  • Criminal Justice: Temple University
  • Criminal Justice: University of North Georgia
  • Share to Facebook
  • Share to Twitter
  • Share to LinkedIn
  • Share to email

The schools of criminology seems like such a fascinating field ā€” it’s definitely not for the lighthearted though! Here in the Philippines, criminology as a course is highly underrated; hopefully that’ll change!

Custom Writing

I understand. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

Recommended for You

506 Interesting History Topics to Research

506 Interesting History Topics to Research

Did you know that time travel is possible? Researching historical topics allows us to do that. It not only reveals the origins of our existence. It also tells us who we are, and even enables us to glimpse into the future! The process of investigating a topic in history is...

178 Best Research Titles about Cookery & Food

178 Best Research Titles about Cookery & Food

If you think about it carefully, most of our lives are spinning around food. We talk about it all the time: planning what to eat next, recalling the delicious dishes we had before, and even watching culinary shows. The cookery and food industry is the largest one, among others. And...

150 Argumentative Research Paper Topics [2024 Upd.]

150 Argumentative Research Paper Topics [2024 Upd.]

Argumentative research paper topics are a lot easier to find than to come up with. We always try to make your life easier. Thatā€™s why you should feel free to check out this list of the hottest and most controversial argumentative essay topics for 2024. In the article prepared by...

A List of 580 Interesting Research Topics [2024 Edition]

A List of 580 Interesting Research Topics [2024 Edition]

In school and college, you will be required to write research papers. Yes ā€” papers in the plural. And thatā€™s the first reason you may want to turn to Custom Writing and seek help with research projects. When assigned a paper, the very first undertaking is to choose from a...

147 Social Studies Topics for Your Research Project

147 Social Studies Topics for Your Research Project

Social studies is an integrated research field. It includes a range of topics on social science and humanities, such as history, culture, geography, sociology, education, etc. A social studies essay might be assigned to any middle school, high school, or college student. It might seem like a daunting task, but...

Top 100 Research Topics & Titles about Food & TVL

Top 100 Research Topics & Titles about Food & TVL

When you look for a good research paper topic, you can easily become the severest critic of any proposed idea. Some topics do not interest you at the very least, while others might shock your teachers. Where is the golden mean? Check out this list of top 100 research paper...

428 Criminology Research Topics & Questions for Students

428 Criminology Research Topics & Questions for Students

As you might already know, criminology is the study of crime. To be more precise, criminology studies crime as a social trend, including its origin, various manifestations, and its impact on society.

Criminology research influences how the police work, how society treats criminals, and how the community maintains law and order. In this article, youā€™ll find top criminology research topics for your inspiration. Weā€™ll also look into the main criminology theories and research methods and explain the difference between criminology and criminal justice.

šŸ” Top-10 Criminology Research Topics

šŸ”¤ what is criminology.

  • šŸ”Ž Criminology Research Methods
  • šŸ“ Research Topics for Assignments

šŸ¦¹ā€ā™‚ļø Crime Research Topics

  • šŸš” Topics in Law Enforcement
  • šŸ•µļø Criminal Investigation Topics

āš–ļø Criminal Law Research Topics

  • šŸ”’ Topics to Research in Crime Prevention

šŸ§‘ā€āš–ļø Criminal Justice Research Topics

  • šŸ†š Criminology Vs Criminal Justice

ā“ Criminology Topics: FAQ

šŸ”— references.

  • Criminology as a science: criminology theories.
  • The importance of eyewitness evidence.
  • The issue of racial bias in the investigation.
  • Crime propaganda on social media.
  • The leading causes of college violence.
  • The benefits of private prisons.
  • The debate around gun control.
  • The analysis of power abuse among police officers.
  • Drunk driving and how to prevent it.
  • The importance of forensic psychology in the investigation.

Criminology is the study of crime and criminal behavior, supported by the principles of sociology and other sciences, including economics, statistics, and psychology.

Criminologists study a variety of related areas, including:

  • Characteristics of people who commit crimes.
  • Reasons behind committing different crimes.
  • Impact of crime on individuals and communities.
  • Measures for preventing crimes.

Criminology Theories

Criminology theories have appeared as an attempt to answer the question, ā€œWhat is criminal behavior, and what causes it?ā€ The answer to this question affects how society responds to and prevents crime. Proposing new theories and testing existing ones is essential for criminologists to continue working toward understanding the causes of criminal behavior.

Letā€™s consider the most relevant criminology theories.

šŸ”Ž Research Methods Used in Criminology

There are many research methods used within criminology. Usually, they are divided into two groups: primary and secondary research methods.

Primary Research Methods in Criminology

Primary research in criminology is any type of research that you collect yourself rather than based on secondary sources, such as articles or books. Examples of primary research methods in criminology include the following:

  • Surveys and questionnaires. Survey research collects information from individuals through their responses to questions. It is considered one of the most widely used research tools in criminology.
  • Experiments. For experiments , researchers take large samples of people who might become or have already been involved in crimes as victims or offenders. Then, they divide these samples into two groups, each receiving a different treatment.
  • Interviews. An interview requires participants to answer a set of open-ended questions, often on sensitive topics, such as victimization or criminal behaviors. This method allows criminologists to gain more valuable insights into the research topic.
  • Focus groups. A focus group is a small number of demographically similar people gathered to discuss a particular crime-related topic. This method allows criminologists to analyze peopleā€™s views, attitudes, and perceptions concerning crime.
  • Observations. Observations involve a researcher studying groups or individuals in their natural setting without interfering. It is a common research method within the social learning theory.

This image shows primary research methods in criminology.

Secondary Criminology Research Methods

Secondary research methods use information that was collected by someone else so that you can analyze it and identify the trends. Here are the two leading types of secondary research in criminology:

  • Secondary analysis of data. A secondary analysis occurs when a researcher uses data collected by other researchers. You can obtain secondary data from surveys, official crime statistics, or official records.
  • Literature review. A literature review involves reading, analyzing, evaluating, and summarizing literature about a specific criminology topic. It helps scholars identify research gaps and problems that need to be addressed.

šŸ“ Criminology Research Topics for Assignments

To write an outstanding research paper on criminology, choose a topic that will spark your interest. Below youā€™ll find excellent criminology topic ideas for college students.

Criminology Research Paper Topics

  • Criminology theory and its main elements.
  • Criminology discipline and theories .
  • American crime trends and criminological theories.
  • The significance of criminological studies in the US.
  • Criminology: legal rights afforded to the accused .
  • The impact of violence and crime on the tourism industry.
  • How did US crime rates change over the last 20 years?
  • Classical and positivist schools of criminology .
  • Should abortion be treated as a crime?
  • Official and unofficial instruments within the criminal investigation.
  • Criminology: femininity and the upsurge of ladettes .
  • Criminal rehabilitation programs and their significance.
  • Shoplifting and how to prevent it.
  • Emerging technologies in criminology .
  • The effects of illegal immigrants on crime rates.
  • Drug trafficking by organized crime groups.
  • Criminology and victimology: victim stereotypes in criminal justice .
  • Can genetics lead to crime?
  • The procedures of crime scene investigation.
  • Labeling theory and critical criminology: sociological research .
  • Hate crimes in modern society.
  • The phenomenon of white-collar crime and its causes.
  • How to prevent crimes in the workplace?
  • Criminology: the social control theory .
  • Stereotypes that surround serial killers and their crimes.
  • The comparison of organized crime in New York and Chicago.
  • Prevention strategies for small business crimes.
  • Criminology: four types of evidence .
  • Relations between crime, justice, and the media.

Criminology Research Proposal Topics

  • How to prevent intellectual property crimes in cyberspace?
  • Identity theft and cybercrime in modern society.
  • Contemporary theories in criminology .
  • The problem of racial profiling in the US.
  • How has criminology contributed to the study of terrorism ?
  • Possible solutions to the issue of street harassment .
  • Postmodern criminology: the violence of the language .
  • Gender bias in the investigation: pink-collar criminals.
  • The phenomenon of digital terrorism and how to prevent it.
  • How do immigration services help fight against terrorism?
  • Green criminology: environmental harm in the Niger Delta .
  • How has marijuana legalization influenced crime rates?
  • Tools for collecting and analyzing crime evidence.
  • How does international law manage war crimes ?
  • The due process: criminology .
  • What are victimless crimes ?
  • The relation between crime rates and poverty.
  • National system for missing and unidentified persons.
  • Three case briefs in criminology .
  • The impact of mental illness on criminal behavior.
  • The effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in reducing crime rates.
  • The use of AI technology in crime prevention and investigation.
  • Sexual assault: criminology .
  • The role of media coverage in public perception of crime.
  • The impact of community policing on reducing crime rates.
  • The impact of mass shootings on gun control laws.
  • The impact of automation technology on criminology .

Criminology Thesis Topics

  • The role of juvenile justice in preventing future criminal behavior.
  • Feminism and criminology in the modern justice system .
  • The effectiveness of mandatory minimum sentencing in the US.
  • Drug laws : fighting crime or fueling it?
  • Police brutality : a systemic problem in criminal justice.
  • Criminology: USA Patriot Act overview .
  • The impact of hate crimes on marginalized communities.
  • How does organized crime affect the global economy?
  • The significance of DNA evidence for criminal investigations.
  • Use of statistics in criminal justice and criminology .
  • The ethics of plea bargaining in criminal cases.
  • Mental illness and criminal behavior: breaking the stigma.
  • The impact of social media on cyberbullying and harassment.
  • Robert Mertonā€™s strain theory in criminology .
  • Causes and consequences of police corruption .
  • The role of restorative justice in repairing harm caused by crime.
  • The effectiveness of treatment programs in reducing drug-related crimes.
  • Hernando Washington case: criminology .
  • The negative effects of human trafficking on global communities.
  • The role of forensic science in crimes investigation.
  • The effectiveness of community-based alternatives to imprisonment.
  • Integrity as a key value: criminology and war .
  • The relationship between poverty, education, and crime rates.
  • Cybercrime : the dark side of the digital age.
  • Hate crimes: motivations and impact on modern society.
  • Feminist perspectivesā€™ contribution to criminology .
  • The impact of incarceration on families and communities.

Criminology Research Questions for Dissertation

  • Can criminal profiling accurately predict offender behavior?
  • How do hate crimes affect individuals and communities?
  • How were the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights influenced by the classical school of criminology ?
  • What are the psychological effects of cyberbullying on victims?
  • What factors contribute to domestic violence , and how can it be prevented?
  • How have organized crime groups evolved over time?
  • How is statistics used in criminology and criminal justice ?
  • Is the death penalty an effective crime deterrent?
  • What motivates individuals to engage in white-collar crime?
  • What are the consequences of police corruption for society?
  • What is variance analysis in criminal justice and criminology ?
  • How does drug addiction contribute to criminal behavior?
  • How does gender influence criminal behavior and justice outcomes?
  • What drives individuals to commit mass shootings?
  • What is the broken window theory in criminology ?
  • What are the biggest challenges facing criminal justice reform efforts?
  • How do urban gangs perpetuate violence and criminal activity?
  • How do criminal law and procedures protect individual rights and liberties?
  • What is the impact of corporate fraud ?
  • What challenges do individuals with mental health issues face in the criminal justice system?
  • How can society combat human trafficking and exploitation?
  • What measures can be taken to enhance cybersecurity and protect against cybercrime?
  • What is the aboriginal crisis from a criminology perspective ?
  • How can victimology help us better understand the experience of crime victims?
  • What are effective crime prevention strategies for different types of crime?
  • What is legal insanity in criminology ?
  • How does environmental crime impact communities and the environment?
  • How is the peace-making model applied in criminology ?

A significant part of criminology research is dedicated to various types of crimes and their reasons. Consider our crime topic ideas that will spark instant interest in your readers:

  • The psychological impact of kidnapping on victims and their families.
  • The racialization of crime and cultural panic .
  • The ethical considerations surrounding ransom payments in kidnapping cases.
  • The effect of burglary on small businesses and their ability to recover.
  • The impact of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status on homicide rates and patterns.
  • Shoplifting: a crime of convenience .
  • The effectiveness of different types of anti-theft devices in preventing motor vehicle theft.
  • The role of forensic science in investigating arson cases, including the use of accelerant detection dogs.
  • The concept of natural legal crime .
  • The psychological profiles of white-collar criminals and their motivations.
  • The psychological effects of burglary on victims and their sense of security.
  • The concept of juvenile crime .
  • The role of social media in facilitating and preventing kidnappings.
  • The use of forensic evidence in homicide investigations and the challenges of prosecuting homicide cases.
  • Sex crime recidivism rates.
  • Illegal immigrantion and its effects on crime .
  • The effectiveness of international efforts to combat money laundering .
  • The efficacy of community watch programs in reducing burglary rates.
  • The role of corporate culture in facilitating or preventing white-collar crime.
  • Crimes in America: the 9/11/01 terrorist attacks .
  • Technology in motor vehicle theft: GPS tracking and remote disabling systems.
  • Human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable populations.
  • Crime and criminals: general characteristics .
  • The ethical and moral implications of capital punishment as a response to homicide.
  • The effectiveness of fire prevention and education programs in reducing instances of arson.
  • US gun control measures and crime rates reduction .
  • The use of cryptocurrency in money laundering and illegal activities.
  • White-collar crime and the abuse of power in corporate and financial settings.
  • Cargo crimes and threats: government accountability office .
  • The rise of cyberstalking and its impact on victimsā€™ mental health.
  • The effects of pollution on communities and the legal response to environmental crimes.
  • Cyber-bullying and cyber-stalking as crimes .
  • The effects of societyā€™s reaction to crime.
  • The use of technology in financial fraud schemes .
  • Crimes against property and their characteristics .
  • The intersection of racism and hate crimes against Asian Americans.
  • The impact of deforestation on indigenous communities and wildlife.
  • Crime types and their harm to society .
  • The prevalence of domestic violence and the legal response to it.
  • The exploitation of child labor in the fashion industry .
  • Race and crime among minorities in the US .
  • The ethical implications of using artificial intelligence in law enforcement.
  • The psychological effects of hate crimes on victims and their communities.
  • How does local television news viewing relate to fear of crime ?
  • The evolution of cybercrime and its most common types.
  • Parental responsibility for childrenā€™s crimes.
  • The sex crime: influence of childhood experiences .
  • Prostitution : a victimless crime.
  • Sociology and media representation of crime.
  • The profile of a crime victim .
  • A theory of gendered criminology: womenā€™s crime.

šŸš” Research Topics in Law Enforcement

Another exciting area within criminology to investigate is law enforcement and police jobs. Have a look at the list of burning and controversial topics we came up with:

  • The impact of community policing on crime rates and public trust.
  • Law enforcement: online crimes and social media .
  • Do body-worn cameras reduce police misconduct?
  • The effects of implicit bias on the police use of force.
  • Law enforcement cameras as an invasion of privacy .
  • The impact of police militarization on community relations.
  • Why is mental health training essential for police officers in crisis situations?
  • Law enforcement officers’ attitudes regarding body-worn cameras .
  • The role of police in addressing hate crimes and bias incidents.
  • The effectiveness of community-based alternatives to traditional policing.
  • Organizational changes in law enforcement agencies .
  • The efficacy of police-community partnership in addressing gang violence.
  • The impact of police officer diversity on community relations and trust.
  • Local, state, and federal law enforcement in the US .
  • The role of police in addressing cybercrime and online harassment.
  • The effects of police body language and nonverbal cues on public perceptions.
  • Cumulative career traumatic stress in law enforcement .
  • Social media and its role in shaping public perceptions of police behavior.
  • The role of police discretion in enforcing drug laws and addressing addiction.
  • Mindfulness practice in law enforcement .
  • The effectiveness of hot spot policing in reducing crime rates.
  • Organizational culture in the police department.
  • Stress in law enforcement officers and available programs .
  • The role of police leadership in promoting ethical behavior and accountability.
  • The effectiveness of community-based justice programs for juvenile offenders.
  • Law enforcement in colonial America .
  • Police-community partnerships for addressing domestic violence.
  • The role of police in addressing human trafficking and exploitation.
  • Misrepresentation of law enforcement by media .
  • School safety and the police.
  • How does stress affect the performance of law enforcement officers?
  • The law enforcement: verbal communication as the best form of interaction .
  • The significance of federal and state law enforcement mechanisms.
  • The adverse effects of toxic leadership in quality law enforcement.
  • Balance between effective law enforcement and personal liberty .
  • The importance of discipline in public services.
  • The connection between police salary and rates of police brutality.
  • Role of police agencies in law enforcement .
  • Police investigative questioning and techniques.
  • The issue of corruption in law enforcement.
  • Significance of computer forensics to law enforcement .
  • Case study: police response to the Ningbo protest.
  • Police actions to stop school bullying .
  • Law enforcement position in society .
  • New technological advances within the police department.
  • Do law enforcement cameras violate privacy right?
  • Different types of evaluation designs in law enforcement .
  • Recognition of womenā€™s right to work as police officers.
  • The effectiveness of foot and bike patrols of the streets.
  • Firearms types and usage in law enforcement .
  • The competencies of international law enforcement authorities.
  • Comparison of police brutality statistics for different genders.
  • Ethical theories in law enforcement practice .

šŸ•µļø Criminal Investigation Research Topics

The criminal investigation process is another criminology area worth discussing in your research paper. Below youā€™ll find the most intriguing criminal investigation topics:

  • The history and evolution of criminal investigation techniques.
  • Crime scene investigation in media and real life .
  • The role of forensic science in criminal investigations.
  • How does technology impact modern criminal investigations?
  • The importance of preserving crime scenes and evidence.
  • Crime scene investigation effect in the justice system .
  • The ethics of interrogation techniques used in criminal investigations.
  • Eyewitness testimony in criminal investigations.
  • The role of criminal profiling in solving crimes.
  • Organized business crime prosecution and investigation .
  • How does media coverage affect criminal investigations?
  • The use of informants in criminal investigations.
  • The main challenges of investigating white-collar crimes.
  • Undercover police investigations in drug-related crimes .
  • The role of private investigators in criminal investigations.
  • The impact of false confessions on criminal investigations.
  • How is DNA evidence collected in criminal investigations?
  • Importance of toxicology in crime investigation .
  • The role of the FBI in national criminal investigations.
  • The use of undercover operations in criminal investigations.
  • The main challenges of investigating organized crime.
  • Crime level investigation in the United States .
  • Witness protection programs in criminal investigations.
  • The impact of plea bargaining on criminal investigations.
  • Surveillance techniques in criminal investigations.
  • Investigating crime with age and mental illnesses factors .
  • How are cybercrimes investigated?
  • The role of international cooperation in criminal investigations.
  • How do racial biases influence criminal investigations?
  • Drug trafficking: investigation on Frank Lucas .
  • Polygraph tests in criminal investigations.
  • The main challenges of investigating terrorism-related crimes.
  • Homicide investigations and forensic evidence .
  • The role of victim advocacy in criminal investigations.
  • Lie detector tests in criminal investigations.
  • The role of forensic psychology in the investigation .
  • The effects of community involvement on criminal investigations.
  • The problem of false accusations in criminal investigations.
  • Approaches in criminal investigation .
  • The use of forensic accounting in financial crime investigations.
  • How does the media shape public perception of criminal investigations?
  • Key rulings on the conduct of investigators at the scene of a fire .
  • The impact of political pressure on criminal investigations.
  • The main challenges of investigating human trafficking.
  • The Breonna Taylor case and criminal investigation .
  • The role of victim compensation in criminal investigations.
  • Behavioral analysis in criminal investigations.
  • Procedures within crime scene investigation .
  • Crime scene reconstruction in criminal investigations.

Criminology goes hand-in-hand with legal studies. If youā€™re interested in both areas, you should definitely write a research paper on one of the criminal law research topics:

  • The evolution of criminal law in the US .
  • Criminal law: stolen valor .
  • The difference between criminal and civil law.
  • Human trafficking and criminal law.
  • Types of criminal offenses and the elements of crime.
  • International criminal law and measures .
  • The role of the burden of proof in criminal cases.
  • Criminal defenses and their validity.
  • The insanity defense in criminal law.
  • Actus reus in English criminal law .
  • The controversies around the death penalty.
  • Juvenile delinquency and criminal law.
  • Cybercrime and its legal implications.
  • Criminal law ā€“ is graffiti a crime or not ?
  • Domestic violence and criminal law.
  • Hate crimes and their legal consequences.
  • Restitution for victims in criminal law.
  • Civil vs. criminal law and differences between them .
  • Forensic evidence and its admissibility in court.
  • Sexual assault and criminal law.
  • The rights of the accused in criminal cases.
  • Regulatory criminal laws in the criminal justice system .
  • Receiving immunity for testimony in a criminal law case.
  • The legal classification of criminal offenses.
  • Self-defense in criminal law cases.
  • How Canadian criminal law regulates deviant conduct .
  • Sentencing guidelines and their impact on society.
  • The use of DNA evidence in criminal cases.
  • Eyewitness testimony and its reliability in court.
  • Fundamental aspects of Canadian criminal law .
  • The role of the media in criminal trials.
  • The impact of social inequality on criminal justice outcomes.
  • The future of criminal law and its impact on society.
  • Criminal law in India and access to justice .
  • International criminal law and its enforcement.
  • Extradition and its legal implications.
  • The impact of globalization on criminal law.
  • Juvenile vs. adult criminal law .
  • The importance of victim rights in criminal cases.
  • Restorative justice and its benefits for society.
  • Alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders.
  • Automatism as a defence in criminal law .
  • The role of defense attorneys in criminal trials.
  • The role of prosecutors in criminal trials.
  • The right to a public trial in a criminal law case.
  • Civil and criminal law penalties and differences .
  • Car searches in criminal investigations by law enforcement.

šŸ”’ Criminology Topics for Research in Crime Prevention

Researching crime prevention allows you to learn more about the strategies for reducing criminal behavior. Have a look at our outstanding crime prevention topic ideas:

  • Understanding and explaining crime prevention.
  • Theories that explain criminal activities and criminology .
  • The effectiveness of community policing in preventing crime.
  • The benefits and drawbacks of crime prevention in the US.
  • How can education reduce crime rates?
  • Crime prevention programs and criminal rehabilitation .
  • Technological innovations and their impact on crime prevention.
  • The importance of early childhood interventions in preventing criminal behavior.
  • The relationship between poverty and crime prevention strategies.
  • Youth crime prevention and needs assessment .
  • The use of restorative justice in reducing recidivism.
  • The effectiveness of gun control laws in preventing gun-related crimes.
  • The impact of social media on crime prevention and awareness.
  • Crime prevention program in Australia .
  • The use of CCTV cameras in preventing crime.
  • Evidence for crime prevention programs in developing countries.
  • The role of mental health services in preventing criminal behavior.
  • Crime prevention practices: overview .
  • The effectiveness of community-based programs in reducing juvenile delinquency.
  • The use of environmental design in preventing crime by shaping space and behavior.
  • Victim support programs for lowering crime rates.
  • Situational and social crime prevention approaches .
  • The effectiveness of after-school programs in preventing juvenile offenses.
  • Techniques for preventing situational and social crime.
  • The impact of citizen participation in crime prevention.
  • Computer crime prevention measures .
  • The efficacy of community watch programs in preventing neighborhood crimes.
  • The use of community centers for preventing gang-related crimes.
  • The impact of sentencing policies on crime prevention.
  • Biometrics recognition and crime prevention .
  • The relationship between video game violence and youth crime .
  • Social media and cybercrime prevention.
  • The role of social workers in crime prevention.
  • Three-strikes law for preventing violent crimes .
  • Decreasing crime rates through education and medicine.
  • The use of animal-assisted therapy for reducing criminal behavior.
  • The effectiveness of aftercare programs in reducing recidivism.
  • Capital punishment as ineffective crime deterrence .
  • The main strategies for proactive crime prevention.
  • The impact of domestic violence prevention programs on crime rates.
  • The use of probation and parole in preventing criminal behavior.
  • Juvenile weapon crimes and strategies to address .
  • The role of faith-based organizations in crime prevention.
  • The use of diversion programs in juvenile crime prevention.
  • The distinctions between crime prevention and community safety.
  • Preventing crime victimization in international students .
  • The impact of agriculture and rural development on crime prevention.

Criminal justice might be a challenging research topic, but it is worth the time and effort. Consider our unique topic ideas for your successful research:

  • The effectiveness of community policing.
  • The use of statistics in criminal justice and criminology .
  • Rehabilitation programs offered in prisons and their efficacy.
  • The importance of defense attorneys in the criminal justice system.
  • The code of ethics in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice .
  • The significance of restorative justice programs.
  • The impact of mandatory minimum sentencing laws.
  • Criminal justice process: felony criminal charge .
  • The role of judges in the criminal justice system.
  • Probation and parole in the criminal justice system.
  • Veterans in the criminal justice system .
  • The comparison of prison privatization in the US and UK.
  • The main issues women experience in the prison system.
  • US terrorism and criminal justice decision-making model .
  • The prison system in a democratic society.
  • The role of psychologists in the criminal justice system.
  • Transgender offenders in the criminal justice system .
  • The impact of private prisons on crime rates.
  • The effectiveness of victim compensation programs.
  • The successes and failures to reform punishment in the criminal justice system .
  • Community involvement in the criminal justice system.
  • The main challenges of long-term prisoner rehabilitation.
  • Technology application in criminal justice .
  • The role of victim-offender mediation in the criminal justice system.
  • Gender disparity in the criminal justice system.
  • Recidivism in criminal justice: the American prison system .
  • How does solitary confinement impact people in prisons?
  • Legal and ethical issues in international intervention.
  • Racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal justice system .
  • Do mandatory minimum sentences help or hurt?
  • The effects of prison on children of incarcerated individuals.
  • Psychopathy in the criminal justice system .
  • The importance of mental health professionals in the criminal justice system.
  • Techniques for influencing criminal justice system change.
  • Non-inclusiveness of the criminal justice system .
  • The impact of racial profiling on the criminal justice system.
  • The effectiveness of diversion programs for veterans.
  • False confessions in the US criminal justice system .
  • Racism in the criminal justice system of the US.
  • People with disabilities and criminal justice.
  • Ethical dilemmas in the criminal justice system .
  • Forensic psychology guidelines for criminal justice.
  • The impact of technology on jury selection .
  • Effective writing and criminal justice .
  • The effectiveness of mandatory drug testing for probationers and parolees.
  • The effect of wrongful executions on the criminal justice system.
  • Discontinuity of care in the criminal justice system .
  • The influence of media on criminal justice and community.
  • The impact of cybercrime on the global criminal justice system.
  • Criminal justice: coerced confessions .
  • The role of private prisons in the criminal justice system.
  • The effectiveness of diversion programs for people without housing.
  • Criminal justice system and the problem of racism .
  • What can be learned from the history of criminal courts?
  • Comparison between American and British legislative frameworks.
  • Criminal justice case: types of sentences, probation, and final decision .
  • The overview of the modern justice system.
  • The ethical issue of unwarranted arrests.
  • Civil liability in criminal justice .
  • The risk groups of juvenile recidivism .

šŸ†š Difference between Criminology and Criminal Justice

Students often confuse criminology with criminal justice because both areas study crime and criminal behavior. Understanding their main differences is essential before conducting research in any of these areas.

Is Criminology a Science?

Criminology can be considered as a science because it uses the scientific method. The scientific method involves five steps: stating the problem, forming the hypothesis, collecting the data, interpreting these data, and drawing conclusions. Within criminology, scientists use standard research methods, such as surveys, experiments, interviews, etc.

What Does Criminology Study?

Criminology studies crime, including its causes, methods of prevention, and responses from law enforcement. It relies on other non-legal studies, such as sociology, psychology, and statistics, to examine the characteristics of people who commit crimes and the effects of criminality on individuals and society.

What Are the Principal Areas of Criminology Research?

Four significant criminology areas include:

  • The history of criminology . This area focuses on criminology founders and theories of crime and punishment development.
  • Theory of crime causation . This aspect explores if a criminalā€™s behavior is determined by their social environment.
  • Typologies of crime . This field describes different types of crimes and the reasons for committing them.
  • Crime prevention efforts . This area studies crime measures that can curb crimes before they occur.

What Are the Principal Types of Research Methods in Criminology?

Criminology uses quantitative (analyzing measurements and statistics) and qualitative (analyzing non-numerical data) research methods to gain valuable insights. The most common scientific methods in criminology are surveys, experiments, secondary data analysis, interviews, historical/comparative research, and ethnography.

  • Criminology and Criminal Justice: Pick a Topic | Marquette University
  • Criminology Questions & Topics | David H. Kessel
  • Topics | Ghent University
  • Emergent Issues in Crime & Justice | University of Maryland
  • Qualitative Research in Criminal Justice | University of North Texas
  • Criminology, Law & Society | UCI Libraries
  • What the Data Says (and Doesnā€™t Say) about Crime in the United States | Pew Research Center
  • Types of Criminal Offenses | Justia
  • Criminal Justice and Criminology Theses | East Tennessee State University
  • Research Overview | The University of Alabama
  • Criminology Research | University of Portsmouth
  • Research | Arizona State University
  • Research Themes | University of Surrey, Centre for Criminology
  • Advanced Criminology & Criminal Justice Research Guide | Mardigian Library
  • Criminology – Research Guide: Getting Started | PennLibraries
  • Law and Criminology | University of Plymouth
  • Topics for a Criminology Research Paper | Classroom
  • Share to Facebook
  • Share to Twitter X
  • Share to LinkedIn

You might also like

Associate degree: is it worth it types, jobs, & tips for students, 392 proposal essay topics for arguments, projects, and more, 1045 dissertation topics & thesis ideas to research in 2024.

logo

155 Captivating Criminology Research Topics For Students To Consider

Criminology is an interdisciplinary field of social and behavioral sciences. This subject mainly studies crimes and criminal behavior from a scientific perspective. In specific, it examines the causes, costs, and consequences of crime from several aspects of diverse disciplines such as biology, economics, psychology, economics, and so on. As this field predominantly focuses on crimes, it also has a direct association with law and justice. If you are a student who is pursuing a degree in law or criminology, then for your assignments, at least once you will be asked to work on any criminology research topics. Ā 

Currently, would you have to submit a criminology research paper? Well, to write a successful research paper, you must have a good topic. Basically, criminology is a complex field that contains a wide range of research areas and topics to focus on. However, when you have many topics, it might be tedious for you to pull one perfect topic from it.Ā  Ā 

So, in order to make your topic selection easier, here, in this blog post, we have explained how to choose a good criminology research topic and write a brilliant criminology research paper. Also, especially for you, here, we have carefully prepared a list of captivating criminology research topic ideas on various types of crimes. Ā 

Keep on reading this blog post and get gripping ideas for writing a criminology research paper. Ā 

Criminology Research Topics

How to Write a Criminology Research Paper?

A criminology research paper is an academic paper that is prepared on any criminology topic. Are you aware of the steps for writing a criminology research paper? In case, you have no idea, then execute the below-mentioned steps sequentially to come up with an outstanding criminology research paper. Ā 

  • Firstly, get to know the research paper writing guidelines shared by your professor or university. Ā 
  • Secondly, identify a criminology research area you are interested to conduct research. Ā 
  • Thirdly, in the criminology research area of your choice, search and gather numerous criminology topics with a good research scope. Ā 
  • Fourthly, brainstorm all the gathered ideas and from it select one good topic that you feel is right for you to work on. Ā 
  • Fifthly, perform a basic analysis of the chosen criminology research topic and generate a strong thesis statement. Ā 
  • Sixthly, conduct deep research on the selected topic and collect the necessary ideas or major points for discussion. Ā 
  • Next, with the collected ideas, create a neat and clear outline. Ā 
  • Then, as per the research paper writing guidelines, begin writing the criminology research paper by elaborating the outline. The research paper should explain the thesis statement with valid evidence, and it should be well-structured with essential sections such as the introduction, literature review, methodology, findings, discussion, and conclusion. Ā 
  • At the end of the paper, add a bibliography section, and cite all the sources you have used in your work. Ā 

Tips for Identifying a Good Criminology Research Topic Ā 

Generally, for a research paper, a good topic is necessary because most of the time, your professors will evaluate your work based on the topic you have chosen for discussion. In case, you choose a poor topic, then there are high possibilities for you to score low grades. So, to help you in identify an ideal topic and score an A+ grade, below we have shared some important criminology research paper topic selection tips. Be certain to stick to them all during the topic selection stage. Ā 

  • Choose a topic from a criminology research area you have strong knowledge of. Ā 
  • Pick a topic that matches your interest. Ā 
  • Give importance to a topic that allows you to generate a powerful thesis statement. Ā 
  • Select a topic that has a wide research scope, vast information, and credible sources of references. Ā 
  • Never choose a topic with minimum or no research scope. Ā 
  • Go with a topic that is neither too vast nor too specific. Ā 
  • If your topic is wide, narrow it down to a subtopic. Ā 
  • Consider a topic that has valid facts or evidence to prove your thesis statement. Ā 
  • Instead of choosing a popular topic, give preference to a topic from an unexplored research area or any latest criminology research topic. Ā 
  • Avoid choosing a topic that doesnā€™t stand in line with your research paper writing guidelines. Ā 

Following all these tips will help you in spotting a good criminology research topic. If you want to know whether you r academic work is progressing o n th e right track, then before you begin writing your criminology research paper, consult with your professor and get approval for the topic . Because s eeking guidance from your professors in advance will help you to perform well and boost your academic scores. Ā 

List of Criminology Research Paper Topics and Ideas Ā 

Human Resources Topics

As criminology is a broad subject, you need not worry about what topic to choose for writing your criminology research paper. Commonly, the crimes are classified into different types such as white-collar crimes, high-tech crimes, public order crimes, violent crimes, property crimes, and organized crimes. Ā 

For writing a criminology research paper, you can choose a topic related to forensics, frauds, cybercrime, penology, or any other serious crimes such as terrorism, racism, discrimination, domestic violence, and so on. Ā 

If you are struggling to search and find a good topic for writing your criminology research paper, feel free to have a look at the list suggested below. The list will give you 100+ criminology research topic ideas on various crimes and criminal behavior.Ā  Ā 

Explore them all and pick one topic that is convenient for you to conduct research and prepare a great criminology research paper. Ā 

Simple Criminology Research Topics Ā 

The following is a list of a few simple criminology research topics you can take into consideration for writing a top-class criminology research paper. Ā 

  • Research the history of terrorism and its countermeasures. Ā 
  • Discuss the contributing factors for serial killers. Ā 
  • Explain how counterfeiting has evolved with the advent of new technologies. Ā 
  • How does prejudice motivate violence? Ā 
  • Write about Gambling in America. Ā 
  • What is the role of the school and community in preventing child abuse? Ā 
  • Discuss the causes and effects of Juvenile Delinquency. Ā 
  • What motivates one person to kill another? Ā 
  • How to prevent college campus crimes. Ā 
  • What are the various types of white-collar crimes? How to detect and prevent it? Ā 
  • What are the different Stages and methods of criminology research? Ā 
  • Discuss the portrayal of serial killers in media. Ā 
  • Explain how organized crime affects criminal justice. Ā 
  • Characterization of crimes connected with rape. Ā 
  • What is the role of psychometric examinations in criminal justice? Ā 
  • Write about crime prevention programs. Ā 
  • How to prevent child pornography. Ā 
  • Explain the meaning of fingerprints in the investigation. Ā 
  • Analyze the hidden mechanisms and possibilities of prevention in Lust murders. Ā 
  • Explain the use and function of smart handheld devices in enhancing security.
  • Corporate crime: the ruling class criminals.
  • Genetics: illegal research and its dangers.
  • Hate crime: the implications in criminal justice.
  • Serial killers: risk groups, ways of detection and prevention.
  • Serial killers: portrayal in media

Read More: Criminal Justice Research Topics

Criminology Research Ideas on Crime and Victimization Ā 

In the modern world, the crime rates are increasing and because of it, many victims are getting affected across the world. Listed below are some interesting research topics on crime and victimization you can consider for writing your criminology research paper. Ā 

  • Explain the role of gender in law violations . Ā 
  • How does the weather correspond with law violations? Ā 
  • Explain how the ownership of firearms corresponds with law violations. Ā 
  • What are the reasons for homeless imprisonment? Ā 
  • Analyze the major reasons for the increased crime rate across the globe. Ā 
  • Examine the connection between family status and law violations. Ā 
  • Explain how social class correlates with a crime rate. Ā 
  • Analyze the causes of violence in society. Ā 
  • Explain the connection between mental health and law violations. Ā 
  • Discuss the dependency of the crime rate on the neighborhood. Ā 
  • Incarcerated Parents Responsibilities.
  • Criminal Justice Reform Changes.
  • How Can Economic Crimes Be Reduced?
  • Gun Control Debate.
  • Juvenile Detention Criminal Process.

Criminology Research Paper Topics on Racism and Discrimination Ā 

Since ancient times, one of the serious issues that degrade the life of many people is discrimination. Because of racism and discrimination, a lot of controversies arise across the world, and also both these issues spoil the quality of life. Here are a few research topics on racism and discrimination you can take into account for crafting your law assignments. Ā 

  • How does race correspond with the type of crime? Ā 
  • Discuss the pros and cons of racial profiling. Ā 
  • Is religious discrimination the main cause of crime? Ā 
  • How discriminatory is the US and UK Court System? Ā 
  • Is racist abuse towards international students the major reason for crime and violence? Ā 
  • Write about racism and discrimination towards African-Americans. Ā 
  • Explain the relationship between racist stereotyping and crime. Ā 
  • Analyze how the discriminatory portrayal of minority groups in the media affects criminal justice. Ā 
  • Targeting minority groups on the basis of race and ethnicity. Ā 
  • How systemic bias affects criminal justice? Ā 

Criminology Research Topics on Mental Health and Forensic Psychology Ā 

Basically, the crimes have a close association with the mental health and the behavior of the criminals. Mostly, because of the imbalanced mental health, a lot of critical crimes are happening in society. In general, forensic psychology is professional psychology that handles all the activities related to the judicial and legal system from the psychological viewpoint. The following is a list of some outstanding criminology research paper topics on mental health and forensic psychology. Ā 

  • What is the relationship between aggressive behavior and mental disorders? Ā 
  • Examine the possible mental disorders that make teenagers commit crimes. Ā 
  • Analyze the impact of technological advances in forensic psychology. Ā 
  • Discuss how phobias prevent or trigger people about crime. Ā 
  • Examine the connection between mental illness and crime. Ā 
  • Discuss the different approaches to forensic psychology in criminology. Ā 
  • Analyze the factors that affect eyewitness identification performance. Ā 
  • Explain the possible mental disorders that make teenagers commit crimes. Ā 
  • How to investigate a crime using forensic psychology. Ā 
  • What is the role of a mental check-up in a criminal investigation? Ā 

Criminology Research Ideas on Terrorism Ā 

One of the deadly crimes committed in the world is Terrorism. In order to achieve an ideological aim, a certain group of people uses violence and fear of the people as a weapon. This act to achieve an aim is referred to as Terrorism. In our world, several terrorist groups with different aims are involved in certain terrorist activities. If you are more interested in exploring terrorism and terrorist activities, then for writing your criminology research paper, you can consider any of the below-mentioned research topic ideas on terrorism. Ā 

  • Explain how terrorism creeps into conflict zones. Ā 
  • Suggest effective ways to prevent young men from joining terrorist groups. Ā 
  • What is the role of surveillance in countering terrorism activities? Ā 
  • Explain how technology has helped advance terrorist activities in the country. Ā 
  • Why do terrorists take hostages and threaten to detonate bombs? Ā 
  • Discuss the role of the UN Mission in keeping terrorists at bay. Ā 
  • How to detect terrorist plans before they come of age. Ā 
  • Explain the psychological implications of terrorism activities. Ā 
  • How to cut off funding for terrorist activities. Ā 
  • Explain the role of community anti-terrorism awareness programs. Ā 
  • Assess the effect of terrorism on religious profiling of people. Ā 
  • What is the role of intelligence services in combating terrorism? Ā 
  • Discuss the link between radicalization and terrorism. Ā 
  • Explain how to empower minors against terrorism. Ā 
  • Discuss the breeding of local terrorism in countries. Ā 

Criminology Research Topics on Prisons and Knife Crimes Ā 

In our society, daily a variety of crimes are happening with different weapons. Knife crime is one of the popular crimes that are committed by using a knife as a weapon. Generally, when a person commits a crime, the law will punish the criminal by putting them in prison. A prison is a place of confinement for lawbreakers or those who have committed horrific crimes. The following is a list of some amazing research topics on prisons and knife crimes you can take into account for preparing a criminology thesis. Ā 

  • Review knife crime trends in the 21st century. Ā 
  • Analyze the cases of convicts killed in prisons. Ā 
  • Explain the effectiveness of the pocket knife rules & laws. Ā 
  • Compare the knife rules of the United States and the UK. Ā 
  • Describe the role of prison wardens in shaping the conduct of prisoners. Ā 
  • Discuss the motivating factors for knife criminals. Ā 
  • Compare knife crimes in Europe and Asia. Ā 
  • Investigate reports of sexual abuse in prisons. Ā 
  • Compare and contrast crime in female and male prisons. Ā 
  • Explain how prison wardens contribute to crime in prisons. Ā 

Criminology Research Paper Topics on Drugs Ā 

Another serious crime that is being committed across the world is drugs. In our society, certain gangs are involved in performing organized drug-related crimes such as drug trafficking, illegal drug production, and distribution. Also, as a result of illegal drug distribution and consumption, a lot of college students are spoiling their life and are committing other critical crimes such as murder and rape. Here is a list of a few criminology research ideas on drugs you can consider for writing your criminology research paper. Ā 

  • Explain the influence of drugs on sexual assaults. Ā 
  • Analyze the effectiveness of drug courts. Ā 
  • Explain how to curb drug and substance abuse among college students. Ā 
  • How does the club culture enhance drug abuse in society? Ā 
  • Write about the different types of crimes resulting from drug abuse. Ā 
  • What is the effect of legalizing marijuana on criminal behavior? Ā 
  • Evaluate heroin and cocaine users. Ā 
  • Discuss the post-traumatic drug disorders that lead to criminal activities. Ā 
  • Review the harm done by drugs to society. Ā 
  • Explain how doping technology helps to curb drug and substance abuse. Ā 

Criminology Research Topics on Domestic Violence Ā 

Domestic violence is referred to as the violence committed by family members or relatives in the domestic circle of the victim. In domestic violence, women are the primary victims. If a woman is abused mentally, physically, and sexually in the domestic setting because of something related to a marriage, then it is treated as a crime. Listed below are a few powerful criminology research topics on domestic violence. Ā 

  • Research and write about the various forms of domestic violence in the 21st century. Ā 
  • Review domestic violence within military families. Ā 
  • Discuss the economic impacts of domestic violence. Ā 
  • What are the acts that lead to psychological intimidation in domestic violence? Ā 
  • Analyze the trends of domestic violence in your country. Ā 
  • Explain the social structures that reinforce the suppression of women. Ā 
  • How to look out for warning signs in domestic violence cases. Ā 
  • Analyze the main legal issues faced by women who are victims of domestic violence. Ā 
  • Explain how postpartum depression and domestic violence are associated. Ā 
  • Discuss the implications of the Domestic Abuse Bill in the UK. Ā 

Excellent Criminology Research Topics Ā 

The following is a list of excellent criminology research topics that will help you in scoring an A+ grade. Ā 

  • Explore the unknown world of male rape in the current society. Ā 
  • How does the environment motivate a person towards criminal behavior? Ā 
  • Explore the recent innovation of experimental criminology. Ā 
  • Discuss the predisposing factors behind the activities of serial killers. Ā 
  • Describe the application of the social learning theory in reducing crime. Ā 
  • Explain how to combat crimes committed by gangs. Ā 
  • What is the relationship between crime and unemployment? Ā 
  • Discuss why men are more prone to commit crimes than women. Ā 
  • Analyze the psychology behind human trafficking. Ā 
  • Discuss the relationship between crime and LGBT groups. Ā 
  • How significant is the role of parental supervision in curtailing the rate of crime committed by teenagers? Ā 
  • Discuss the inspection tactics of the crime scene. Ā 
  • Explain how attitudes and emotions compel people to criminal behavior. Ā 
  • Why the majority of the crimes are committed by the youths? Ā 
  • What is the role of music in enhancing crime? Ā 
  • Explain how to regulate prostitution and reduce crime. Ā 
  • What is the effect of parental separation on future violence? Ā 
  • Describe the parental abduction laws. Ā 
  • Analyze how social class correlates with the crime rate. Ā 
  • Explain the efficiency of predictive policing. Ā 

Unique Criminology Research Paper Topics Ā 

Here is a list of unique criminology research topic ideas that will be helpful to you in preparing an informative academic paper. Ā 

  • How to investigate a serial crime in a society. Ā 
  • Explain how developed economies handle corruption-related cases. Ā 
  • Discuss the role of street lighting in reducing crime. Ā 
  • Explain the link between social media and crimes against children. Ā 
  • How to effectively monitor people with suspect criminal behavior. Ā 
  • Explain how illegal immigration contributes to crime within a state. Ā 
  • What is the effect of genocidal acts on community cohesiveness? Ā 
  • Explain the motivation of women to join ISIS. Ā 
  • What is the role of specialized police units in preventing crime? Ā 
  • Analyze the current trends and practices in crime related to psychology. Ā 
  • Discuss the Mental health of the sex offenders from a global perspective. Ā 
  • What is the role of private detectives in solving societal crimes? Ā 
  • Explain how the latest internet technologies induce the frequency of suicides? Ā 
  • Analyze the possible causes of rape and other indecent sexual behavior. Ā 
  • What are the pros and cons of the sex offender registry? Ā 
  • Explain the legal perspective of cybercrime. Ā 
  • How does sentencing take place? Ā 
  • Write about gun control law and its mitigation. Ā 
  • Explain how a person should protect themselves from false accusations. Ā 

Trending Criminology Research Paper Topics

  • Describe how a region’s topography and season affect crime.
  • Crime control and UK immigration policy are key topics.
  • Analyze both the immediate and long-term benefits of crime prevention.
  • Crime lowers poverty: a qualitative analysis.
  • The use of biotechnology and the internet environment to handle crime in the UK
  • How are those who are caught in a trap condemned to a life of crime? mixed-method data.
  • In the US, criminologists are obliged to complete training and academic requirements.
  • Influence of urban environment on criminal behavior
  • Describe how using alcohol and other addictive substances (such heroin, cocaine, and LSD) causes young people to commit crimes.
  • Nature, psychology, and treatment of serial murderers

Get Research Paper Writing Help Online Ā 

We hope you have identified a perfect criminology research topic for your law assignments. In case, you still havenā€™t found a good topic or need help with criminology research paper topic selection, writing, and editing, then reach out to us quickly. We have well-experienced thesis writers who are experts in the field of criminology, law, and criminal justice to assist you in completing your criminology dissertation or thesis.Ā  Ā 

Our ultimate aim is to provide valid solutions for all the academic paper writing issues you experience. So, without any hesitation, try to earn more benefits by availing of our affordable research paper writing services online . We not only offer help for criminology but also provide high-quality assistance with other subject assignments as well. Ā 

To use our academic paper writing services, simply share your requirements with us. Based on what you have shared with us, we will prepare and deliver you a plagiarism-free, top-notch research paper, dissertation, or thesis, without skipping the submission date. Additionally, we will also help you by offering 24/7 customer chat support and endless paper edits. Ā 

Instead of stressing yourself too much, make your assignment writing process simple by hiring our talented assignment helpers at a cheaper price. Ā 

topics for research paper in criminology

Related Post

topics for research paper in criminology

  • List of Engaging Ceremonial Speech Topics and Ideas To Get Started

Architecture thesis topics

  • 165 Creative Architecture Thesis Topics and Ideas For Students

Human Resources Research Topics

  • 175 Excellent Human Resources Research Topics For Students

About Author

' src=

writepaperadmin

https://www.writemypaperpro.com/blog

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

  • Featured Posts

230 Best Psychology Research Topics and Ideas For Students

110+ excellent marketing research topics for students to deal with, 120 most interesting film research paper topics and ideas, 140 amazing economics research topics and ideas for students to deal with, 140 compelling anthropology research topics and ideas for students, top 140 inspirational entrepreneurship research paper topics, 155 engineering research topics for academic writing, get help instantly.

Raise Your Grades with Write My Paper Pro

Recent Posts

  • 260 Amazing Biology Research Topics and Ideas For Students
  • 195 Interesting Social Media Research Topics and Ideas To Focus On

Recent Comments

  • Paper writing help
  • Buy an Essay
  • Pay for essay
  • Buy Research Paper
  • Write My Research Paper
  • Research Paper Help
  • Custom Research Paper
  • Custom Dissertation
  • Dissertation Help
  • Buy Dissertation
  • Dissertation Writer
  • Write my Dissertation
  • How it works

130 Criminology and Criminal Justice Research Topics for Students

Do criminology and criminal justice sound the same to you? Itā€™s quite alright if you arenā€™t related to this field. But if you are going to make a career in law, you should know the difference between these terms.

So, criminology deals with the crimeā€™s anatomy and explores its reasons and consequences. Criminal justice fights crime: ways to solve crimes, detain, prosecute, and punish criminals. Criminal justice is part of the law enforcement system.

Choosing the Criminal Law Topics for Research Paper

  • Make sure you understand the task and your topic meets the requirements. Donā€™t hesitate to ask your advisor if you arenā€™t sure about your paper content.
  • Pick up the topic you are interested in and it makes the writing process easier.
  • Estimate the scope of your criminal justice paper topic. If your topic is broad, it could be hard to stay concentrated on the relevant information. In case when your topic is narrow, you might not find enough data.
  • Think in advance what question your paperwork will help to solve and if itā€™s important today.

Criminological Research Paper Structure

If you want your audience to get the research paper's main point, you need to follow a certain structure.

  • The introductory part. Make an introduction to inform why your research is important and what goals you set.
  • Methods. Highlight the main methods you drew on researching and how they helped you to get accurate data.
  • Sum up the results. You have to mention the main finding you while studying the criminology topic. Did you manage to fill the gaps in this field? Feel free to share your point of view.
  • Discussion. Here you have complete freedom and can discuss and convince the audience why your work is so important for forensic science.
  • The list of sources. Your reasoning is based on past investigations, and you moved forward from your forerunnersā€™ points of view.

130 Interesting Criminology and Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics to Speculate About

Contradictory topics criminal justice to research.

  • Murder vs. Homicide. Whatā€™s the Difference?
  • Should Justice System Have the Death Penalty?
  • Concealed Weapon as a Way to Feel Protected
  • Harassment on the Workplaces
  • Cases When Police Need to Be Brutal
  • Gun Control
  • Government Lawyer Should protect all Criminals
  • Rights of the Victim Suffered From Raping
  • The Presence of Racial Prejudice in the Justice System
  • Mental Illness Is the Only Explanation of Why People Commit Crimes
  • Ex-Prisoners Should Have the Rights to Start a New Life
  • Does Being Insane Means Innocent?
  • The Legalization of Sex Work
  • Cases That Demonstrate Costs and Benefits of the Criminal Justice System
  • The Witness Testimony Isnā€™t Effective in the Current Justice System

Criminal justice controversial topics require well-reasoned arguments that can provide your desired result at the end. Be ready to prepare strong examples to support your opinion and provide both sides of the argument.

Basic Criminology Research Paper Topics

  • Resonance Criminal Cases in Criminology
  • Criminology as a Science
  • Crime and Its Types
  • Crime and Mentally Unstable People
  • Law Dealing With Young Gangs
  • Criminal Psychology
  • Influence of Writing Cybercrimes Essays at College Can Prevent From Committing Crimes in Real Life
  • Countries With Low Crime
  • Victims of Domestic Violence
  • The Government Actions to Prevent Crime
  • Theories of Classical Criminology
  • Nature of Crimes
  • Scotland Yard: History and Popularity
  • Terrorism in Different Countries
  • Juvenile Delinquency: Statistics and the Real Picture

These catchy topics can help you get a rough idea about your criminal research paper. If you havenā€™t any experience in writing such papers, it could be a good start.

Racial and Discrimination Issues in Criminal Justice Topics

  • Racism and Criminology
  • Race and Its Correspondence With Crime
  • Stereotypes of Racial Crimes
  • What Is Racial Profiling?
  • Typical Racial Profiles of Criminals
  • How Discriminatory is Justice System in Different Countries
  • Race Affects Criminal Justice: True or False?
  • Gender Discrimination in the Court System
  • Theory of Racial Discrimination
  • Hate Crime as a Reason for Racial Discrimination

Today, racial issues are discussed more than ever and, thus, they are reflected in criminological research topics. Do you like struggling with bias? Then, you need to try one of the suggested topics.

Scientific Paper in Criminology

  • International Programs to Prevent Crimes
  • Famous Serial Killers
  • Psychology of Serial Murders
  • Street Lighting Can Reduce the Rate of Crimes
  • The Hidden Pitfalls of the Prison System
  • Graffiti: Crime or Art?
  • The Role and Relevance of Lawyer Business Ethics in the Judicial Process
  • The Working Principles of Jury Trial
  • Innovation in Experimental Criminology
  • The Cases When Crimes Are Beneficial

Criminology remains one of the mysterious and interesting sciences with lots of peculiarities. Want to check? Try to research and provide your outcomes in a criminology research topic.

Student Papers in Criminal Law

  • Reasons for False Confession
  • Criminal Law in the United States
  • When Do Criminals Get Double Jeopardy?
  • College Crimes: Under-Age Alcohol Drinking
  • Students in Law: Fake Documents
  • Breach of Intellectual Property
  • The International Criminal Courts: Competent or Not?
  • Prominent Examples of Social Offenses
  • Punishment in Criminal Law
  • Presumption of Innocence. How Does It Work in the Real World?
  • Law That Guarantees the Employee Privacy Rights on Packet Sniffers
  • Reliability and Availability of Cloud Computing Security for Regular Users. How Does It Affect the Cyber and Criminal Law?
  • The Working Principles of Police Interrogation

Criminal law regulates the deviant behavior that can harm society. Murders, thefts, and violence are some examples of such behavior. The person committed one of these crimes could be imprisoned or should pay a fine.

Topics on International Criminal Law

  • Crimes in the War Period
  • Justice and Peace in the World
  • Female International Criminal Law
  • Male International Law
  • Cases of International Crimes
  • The Role of Enterprise Bargaining in the Australian Employment System in International Law
  • Gender View of the International Criminal Law

International crime law represents a set of norms that regulates court cases between countries. This topic selection will help you understand the working principle of the international law system better.

Society and Criminal Justice Research Topics

  • Feminine Harassment
  • Shoplifters Among Students
  • Life After Prison
  • Programs to Control Crimes in Society
  • Punishment for Movies and Music Piracy
  • Ways to Avoid Social Offenses
  • How Society Impacts on Juvenile Delinquency
  • Juvenile Delinquency in History
  • Behavior of Witnesses
  • Theory of Crimeā€™s Control in Society
  • What Are Social Justice Research Topics Highlighted at School to Prevent Crimes?
  • Prominent Social Criminal Cases in History
  • Male Criminal Activity in Society

Crimes happen around us every day, but not everyone knows how to react to them and how to protect themselves. Researching any topic can help to find a solution to some acute cases in society.

Criminal Justice System

  • Current Challenges in the Justice System
  • The Attitude of the Justice System to People With Mental Illnesses
  • Violations in the Criminal Justice System
  • Reform of the Justice System
  • Does the Justice System Work Effectively?
  • Services to Protect Victims
  • Labor Ethics in the Prison System
  • Criminal Cases When the Justice System Was Unfair
  • Criminal Justice System in the United States

The criminal justice system is a set of government agencies that rehabilitate criminals, prevent crimes, and support victims. If you want to understand its workflow, you might pick up a criminal justice essay topic with an argumentative perspective.

Criminology and Measurement Papers

  • The System of Crime Classification
  • How We can Measure the Effectiveness of Police Work
  • Honesty Attorneys: Myth or Reality?
  • Crimes Closure Rate: Statistics vs. Real Picture
  • Evaluation of Cyber Police Work
  • Capital Punishment Discussions
  • Who Can Be on Jury?
  • False Accusation Cases
  • Public Surveys on the Justice System Effectiveness
  • Rate of Corruption in the Justice System
  • Lawyerā€™s Viewpoint: Customer in Court Is Always Right (Essay Example)

These types of research papers involve not only collecting existing data but also making comparative analysis and conducting interviews. The more analytical work you do, the more useful your paper is.

Research Works About Types of Crime

  • Common Crimes on Campus
  • Domestic Violence
  • Corruption in Medicine
  • Accepting Bribes in Politics
  • Environmental Crimes
  • Blackmailing and Its Consequences
  • Fraudulent Practices
  • Forgery in College
  • Religious Offences in Different Countries
  • Bribes in Education
  • Punishment for Drunken Driving
  • Drug Trafficking
  • Illegal Possession of Weapons

A criminal justice thesis topic from the following category highlights different types of crimes and penalties for the offence. Studying crimes might be helpful to find ways to fight with violations.

Court Cases Topics

  • Raucous Court Cases in History
  • Case of Jeffrey Dahmer
  • The Story of John Wayne Gacy
  • Ted Bundy and His Crimes
  • The Manson Family Case
  • Harrowing Case of The Plainfield Ghoul
  • The Dating Game Killerā€™s Confession
  • Disappointing Court Cases
  • Famous Court Cases in the United States
  • Riot Trials in Court
  • Victims of Gary Ridgway
  • Case of Zodiac Killer

If you are interested in illustrative examples in court cases, picking up an unusual policy paper topic proves that criminal papers are not just plain facts. You could see how criminology works in practice.

As soon as you select the topic, itā€™s time to start working on it. Below youā€™ll find simple and practical tips on how to write papers in criminology and criminal law.

Paper Writing Flow

  • Study and extract the information about the criminal justice research proposal topic you picked up.
  • Divide the data into several categories: introductory part, methods used, final results, and discussions.
  • Start writing your paper from the methods you consumed while researching. Think about what methods could be considered as the most effective ones and why.
  • Describe the outcomes. Did you get the desired results? Could you find an answer to all the questions? If no, what prevented you from achieving better results.
  • Discussions. The discussion part is written in free form and contains your remarks on your study's strong and weak points.
  • Write an introduction. Although this is the first part of your research paper, you need to write it when you can see your paper's general picture, and the information is already well-organized. It helps you make a brief paper review in the introduction.
  • Collect all the references you used to create your paper. Make sure you know how to list it right.
  • Donā€™t forget to proofread your paper to avoid mistakes.

Arenā€™t you ready for such a long paper-writing process? Then, itā€™s better to order ready-made scientific work from PaperCoach experts rather than wasting precious time in attempts to succeed in the writing area. We have a simple algorithm to cooperate with us: choose a research or criminal justice essay topic, place your order on our website providing all requirements and the deadline, make a payment, and relax. We will get the best writer to complete your unique paper,Ā  pay for an essay Ā  and our editors will polish it for you.

References:

  • Structure of a Research Paper
  • Crime and Psychology Paper Example
  • Academic Writing in Law
  • Guide: How to Write a Research Paper
  • Battered Women Who Kill Their Abusers (Paper Example)
  • Research Paper Based on the Experiment
  • How to Write a Research Paper
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Criminal Justice

IResearchNet

Academic Writing Services

Criminal justice research topics.

This collection provides overviews of Ā  nearly 100 key criminal justice research topics comprising traditional criminology and its more modern interdisciplinary outgrowths. These topics are divided into six thematic parts:

  • Criminology
  • Correlates of Crime
  • Criminology Theories
  • Crime Research
  • Types of Crime
  • Criminal Justice System

Criminology and Criminal Justice Research Topics

Research topics in criminology:.

  • Criminology as Social Science .
  • Criminology and Public Policy .
  • History of Criminology .

Research Topics in Crime and Victimization:

  • Age and Crime .
  • Aggression and Crime .
  • Citizenship and Crime .
  • Education and Crime .
  • Employment and Crime .
  • Families and Crime .
  • Gender and Crime .
  • Guns and Crime .
  • Immigration and Crime .
  • Intelligence and Crime .
  • Mental Illness and Crime .
  • Neighborhoods and Crime .
  • Peers and Crime .
  • Race and Crime .
  • Religion and Crime .
  • Social Class and Crime .
  • Victimization .
  • Weather and Crime .

Research Topics in Criminology Theories:

  • Biological Theori es.
  • Classical Criminology .
  • Convict Criminology .
  • Criminal Justice Theories .
  • Critical Criminology .
  • Cultural Criminology .
  • Cultural Transmission Theory .
  • Deterrence and Rational Choice Theory .
  • Feminist Criminology .
  • Labeling and Symbolic Interaction Theories .
  • Life Course Criminology .
  • Psychological Theories of Crime .
  • Routine ActivitiesĀ Theory .
  • Self-Control Theory .
  • Social Construction of Crime .
  • Social Control Theory .
  • Social Disorganization Theory .
  • Social Learning Theory .
  • Strain Theories .
  • Theoretical Integration.

Research Topics in Criminology Research and Measurement:

  • Citation and Content Analysis .
  • Crime Classification Systems .
  • Crime Mapping .
  • Crime Reports and Statistics .
  • Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) and Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring (ADAM) .
  • Edge Ethnography .
  • Experimental Criminology .
  • Fieldwork in Criminology .
  • Program Evaluation .
  • Quantitative Criminology .

Research Topics in Types of Crime:

  • Campus Crime .
  • Child Abuse .
  • Cybercrime .
  • Domestic Violence .
  • Elder Abuse .
  • Environmental Crime .
  • Hate Crime .
  • Human Trafficking .
  • Identity Theft .
  • Juvenile Delinquency .
  • Organizational Crime .
  • Prostitution .
  • Sex Offenses .
  • Terrorism .
  • Theft and Shoplifting .
  • White-Collar Crime .
  • Wildlife Crime .

Research Topics in Criminal Justice System:

  • Capital Punishment .
  • Community Corrections .
  • Crime Prevention .
  • Criminal Courts .
  • Criminal Justice Ethics .
  • Criminal Law .
  • Criminal Specialization .
  • Drug Courts .
  • Drugs and the Criminal Justice System .
  • Felon Disenfranchisement .
  • Forensic Science .
  • Juvenile Court .
  • Juvenile Justice .
  • Mass Media, Crime, and Justice .
  • Offender Classification .
  • Offender Reentry .
  • Policeā€“Community Relations .
  • PrisonĀ System .
  • Problem-Solving Courts .
  • Public Health and Criminal Justice .
  • Racial Profiling .
  • Restorative Justice .
  • Sentencing .
  • The Police .
  • Victim Services .
  • Wrongful Convictions .
  • Youth Gangs .

Because just listing suggestions for criminal justice research topics will be of limited value we have included short topical overviews and suggestions for narrowing those topics and divided them into 6 parts as in the list above. If youā€™re interested in some topic in the list follow the links below for more information.

Example Ā  criminal justice research papers Ā  on these topics have been designed to serve as sources of model papers for most criminological topics. These research papers were written by several well-known discipline figures and emerging younger scholars who provide authoritative overviews coupled with insightful discussion that will quickly familiarize researchers and students alike with fundamental and detailed information for each criminal justice topic.

This collection begins by defining the discipline of criminology and observing its historical development (Part I: Criminology ). The various social (e.g., poverty, neighborhood, and peer/family influences), personal (e.g., intelligence, mental illness), and demographic (e.g., age, race, gender, and immigration) realities that cause, confound, and mitigate crime and crime control are featured in Ā  Part II: Correlates of Crime . The research papers in this section consider each correlateā€™s impact, both independently and in a broader social ecological context. The sociological origins of theoretical criminology are observed across several research papers that stress classical, environmental, and cultural influences on crime and highlight peer group, social support, and learning processes. Examination of these criminological theory research papers quickly confirms the aforementioned interdisciplinary nature of the field, with research papers presenting biological, psychological, and biosocial explanations and solutions for crime (Part III: Criminology Theories ).

Part IV: Criminology Research provides example research papers on various quantitative and qualitative designs and techniques employed in criminology research. Comparison of the purposes and application of these research methods across various criminal justice topics illustrates the role of criminologists as social scientists engaged in research enterprises wherein single studies fluctuate in focus along a pureā€“applied research continuum. This section also addresses the measurement of crimes with attention to major crime reporting and recording systems.

Having established a theoreticalā€“methodological symmetry as the scientific foundation of criminology, and increasingly the field of criminal justice, Ā  Part V: Types of Crime Ā  considers a wide range of criminal offenses. Each research paper in this section thoroughly defines its focal offense and considers the related theories that frame practices and policies used to address various leading violent, property, and morality crimes. These research papers also present and critically evaluate the varying level of empirical evidence, that is, research confirmation, for competing theoretical explanations and criminal justice system response alternatives that are conventionally identified as best practices.

Ostensibly, an accurate and thorough social science knowledge base stands to render social betterment in terms of reduced crime and victimization through the development of researchā€“based practices. This scienceā€“practitioner relationship is featured, advocated, and critiqued in the research papers of the final section, Ā  Part VI: Criminal Justice System . Here, the central components of criminal justice research paper topics (law enforcement, courts, and corrections) are presented from a criminologyā€“criminal justice outlook that increasingly purports to leverage theory and research (in particular, program evaluation results) toward realizing criminal justice and related social policy objectives. Beyond the main system, several research papers consider the role and effectiveness of several popular justice system and wrap-around component initiatives (e.g., specialty courts, restorative justice, and victim services).

See also: Domestic Violence Research Topics and School Violence Research Topics .

topics for research paper in criminology

60+ Criminal Justice Research Topics

topics for research paper in criminology

Criminal Justice Research Paper: Definition

Whether you've been assigned crime research topics by your professor or you simply enjoy exploring exciting topics in criminology, we guarantee you'll read through this article in one fell swoop. Not only will you find out some intriguing criminal justice research topics, but you will also learn the meaning behind the criminal justice system, the purpose of writing about the concept, and, finally, learn some tricks and tips for creating such a paper.

First, let's ease your understanding of criminal justice which primarily attempts to ensure the peaceful coexistence of the civil population through law regulations and judicial studies. Basically, criminal justice is often thought of as a discipline that teaches people how to stop, examine, and evaluate criminal behavior. With this in mind, most college students studying criminal law and justice have to deal with a pile of assignments on criminal cases.

Our expert essay writers suggest that you may be required to study specific situations or even provide your own solutions for a criminology research paper. Additionally, your writing should be based on applicable laws to back up your claims. So, the process of writing a criminal justice research paper usually involves a thorough understanding of the selected problem.

With that said, let's move to our next point, clarifying the purpose of writing about criminal justice issues and finding out more together!

Purpose of Writing Criminal Justice Topics

You might be asking yourself - 'why should I write about criminal justice topics?'; and that's a fair point. Out of myriads of research paper topics, especially if you're not studying law or civil and criminal cases, what's the purpose of conducting criminal investigations? Well, we've got some valid points in response to your inquiry below.

Why Write about Criminal Justice

  • It's fun and interesting - Criminal justice is an ever-changing discipline with many fascinating areas to research. During the writing process, you get to come across some interesting cases. For example, you can identify the correlation between mental health and violent activities, research crime prevention methods, examine how the international criminal court has helped reduce crimes globally, etc. Such topics are enjoyable to write about since you are prompted to use your imagination and come up with answers.
  • You get to explore and solve a mystery - There are several unresolved issues in criminal justice. When you write a research paper, you get to unravel these puzzles. Put another way, you want to address questions that you and others, including law enforcement, have about various topics. ā€
  • It reveals your deeper intelligence - You create research papers to inform the rest of the world about what you've uncovered about a criminal justice topic. While doing so, it promotes critical and creative thinking. So, you're encouraged to think out of the box and unleash your true intelligence. For example, you may need to communicate your opinions and comments with important lawmakers on the problem of the death sentence or child abuse to help them in their decision-making process. So, writing on criminology topics is a great way to show others how intelligent you really are.

Want to Advance Your Criminal Justice Assignment?

For unique custom-written papers, take a look at our special features.

How to Write Criminal Justice Thesis Papers?

It takes careful consideration of several factors to transform your brainstormed collection of notes into a finished research paper. Even though not every criminology topic is the same, the writing structure more or less follows similar techniques. So here we prepared a few key aspects to remember while crafting your criminology topics for research:

Criminal Justice

  • Select a Criminal Justice Topic

First things first, the universal answer to your question - ' how to start a research paper ?' is this: you must carefully select a research topic. Given our limited scope and discipline, picking the criminal justice research paper topics becomes even more vital. Your research goal is to find an issue, analyze it, and provide solutions. This suggests that your topic must be related to your study objectives. Also, while choosing a topic, don't set any restrictions. Create a classification system for your research question that will enable you to group it into a wider range of subtopics.

  • Explore Existing Theories on Criminology Topics

Like any social science conception, criminal justice theories offer helpful resources for explaining social processes and human behavior. Moreover, they provide crucial insights that influence real-world applications and guide policy. However, in terms of the origins and effects of crime and criminal conduct, criminal justice comprises a number of unique theoretical interpretations. So, get familiar with different existing theories for carefully developing your research topics criminology.

  • Conduct Research on Criminal Justice Topics

While exploring your criminal justice topic for research paper, you'll probably combine primary and secondary sources. Books, journals, periodicals, news pieces, and interviews are a few examples. Make sure you only choose those that are reliable and knowledgeable. In contrast to essays or term papers, a research paper needs concrete proof. You must be aware that your viewpoint will only be considered relevant if it is backed up by evidence.

  • Organize Research Findings on Criminology Topics

Your task is not complete until you have arranged and structured the results in your article. Then, you may choose to revise your criminal justice paper topics or conduct more research to obtain proof that validates your stance, depending on what you believe to be appropriate. Additionally, you will need to assess the data you have gathered to see if it supports your theory.

  • Develop Your Criminal Justice Research Paper

After completing the steps above for your criminal justice research paper, you are now prepared to combine the research findings and thoughtful evaluation in your first draft. Develop your criminology paper topics using the facts and justifications presented by academics in earlier research. Never fail to give due credit to all sources from which you have drawn inspiration. And always remember to use a correct citation format for research paper by following the accepted guidelines.

Criminal Justice Paper Outline

Let's briefly explain the criminal justice paper outline for you to stay on the right writing track:

  • The Introduction - After defining criminology research topics, the introduction is the very first section. It covers the broad context of the issue, the research question, objectives, the study's aim, and the thesis statement.
  • The Body - The main body is the most important part of your paper as it combines your critical examination and discussion on the topics for criminal justice paper. You must summarize and explain the results of several prior empirical research in the literature review section. Try to demonstrate how academics debate and counter-dispute the research problem. The techniques for data collecting and the participants in the research design are described in the methodology section. The results of your study are included in the findings sections. Be sure to mention any findings you made from both primary sources and the literature review. Finally, the discussion covers an analysis of the findings as well as their implications.
  • The conclusion - Along with the conclusion, incorporate a recommendation section that reviews the study problem and the thesis statement and highlights the findings before suggesting the next step.

Topics for Criminal Justice Paper

After going through the fundamentals of drafting a solid paper, let's explore some fascinating criminal justice topics for research paper. The list prepared by our coursework writing service is limitless, and we promise you'll find inspiration for your upcoming writing assignment right off the bat.

List of Criminology Research Topics

Let's start with the general research topics in criminology that sparks instant interest in your reader's mind:

  • Investigating and evaluating crime theories
  • How IQ influences crime rates
  • Does the death penalty prevent crime?
  • American police brutality
  • Cyberstalking and cyberbullying: how technology may act as a mediator
  • The relationship between terrorism and organized crime
  • When does exercising professional judgment go beyond the bounds of ethics?
  • Effects of drunk driving on growing accident rates
  • The significance of identifying stalking characteristics
  • Techniques for lowering economic crimes
  • Gender prejudice in investigations
  • Procedures for detaining children
  • The difficulties with the jail system
  • Important guidelines for preventing crime
  • Investigation procedures at crime scenes
  • Long-term implications of school suspensions on adult crime
  • Crime effects of domestic violence
  • The function of media in preventing crime
  • New developments in experimental criminology
  • Wildlife crimes and the role of forensic science

List of Realistic Crime Research Topics

Continuing with our criminological research topics, here you'll find some more realistic research topics for criminology that are relatable to current global issues in our society.

  • Why are homeless people's crime rates high?
  • Social standing and criminal activity
  • History of criminology
  • The relationship between criminal conduct and immigration status
  • The connection between age and criminality
  • Crimes against humanity
  • International laws and cross-border crimes
  • Human rights abuse during armed conflict
  • The connection between mental illness and criminal behavior
  • Global efforts to combat corruption and socio economic crimes

List of Basic Criminal Justice Topics

Moving on, here is a list of basic criminal justice topics. Consider how much information there is about the pertinent issue. In any case, it is entirely up to you to select your study topics in criminal justice. Therefore, look for the most recent materials and analyze them thoroughly.

  • Abduction and ransom: recurring traits, motifs, and behaviors
  • Media coverage of crime and justice
  • How is jury selection carried out?
  • The function of forensic science in contemporary criminal justice
  • Who is eligible for the witness protection program, and how may they be protected?
  • Identity theft in the current world: risks and repercussions
  • Criminal justice ethics: the unethical aspects of law enforcement
  • The main issues that law enforcement must address today
  • Are community corrections successful?
  • Crime mapping function in contemporary criminal justice
  • Issues with poor living conditions in prisons
  • What fundamental issues are resolved by problem-solving courts?
  • What can be learned about criminal courts from their past?
  • The role of distributive justice in criminal justice
  • What happens during a criminal trial?
  • How are prosecution laws used in reality?
  • Incidents of forgery in workplaces, government agencies, and educational institutions.
  • The mechanisms for categorizing crimes
  • How are crimes committed with a religious motive punished?
  • What regulations and security measures are in place to combat campus crime?

List of Criminal Justice Topics on Racial Discrimination

Now let's get more specific with the criminal justice topics for research papers. Here we'll distinguish the prompts by racial discrimination aspects:

  • What are the drawbacks of racial profiling? Are there any advantages?
  • Using racial and ethnic profiling to target minority communities
  • How can institutional prejudice impact criminal justice?
  • How does the unfair representation of minority groups in the media impact the criminal justice system?
  • How biased is the US legal system?
  • Racism and prejudice against African-Americans
  • Conflicts of Race on College Campuses
  • History of Punishment and Slavery

List of Crime Research Topics (Crime Types)

Last but not least, look at the topics for criminal justice research paper broken down by distinct sorts of crime:

  • White-collar offenses in the workplace
  • Worldwide organized crime
  • How people and drug trafficking are made easier by the internet
  • The centers of human trafficking
  • The reasons for property crimes
  • Public order offenses
  • Blue-collar offenses
  • Indian and Chinese human trafficking
  • Violence-related robberies: causes and effects
  • Recognizing and defending against terrorism
  • High-tech crimes in the digital age

Final Thoughts on Criminal Justice Research Papers

Now that we've reached the finish, we'd like to remind you that research topics for criminal justice should always adhere to ethical standards. So do your best to be sensitive and courteous while writing, even when discussing touchy subjects.

Meanwhile, you can always buy essays online handled by a native English speaker. Our writing service is the finest if you need a custom research paper . Let us compose your piece from the beginning and make it the highest-rated paper this semester!

Want to Impress Your Professor With a Flawless Paper?

We always have experienced essay writers on hand creating an outstanding paper depending on your specifications.

Related Articles

Narrative Essay Topics: 200 Best Ideas

Interesting 201 Criminal Justice Research Topics

Brown wooden gavel on white surface

Writing a good criminal justice research paper depends on your ability to target relevant, original, and feasible criminal justice research topics.

For example, you may start thinking along the lines of criminal ethics, organized crimes, crime prevention initiatives, or prison labor ethics as the direction you want your criminal justice research paper to take.

However, coming up with topics and ideas for your research paper is not always easy. It requires taking the time to consider your passions, curiosities, and areas of expertise, as well as conducting a literature review or gathering external opinions before making a decision.

In this blog post, we provide a guide on selecting and developing compelling research topics in criminal justice and explain how we can help through our professional  essay writing services . We hope our input will help you write the best criminal justice research papers in the field of criminology.

What Makes a Strong Criminal Justice Research Topic?

The best criminal justice topics should be:

  • Significant

We cover these below and in detail.

Relevance and Significance

The significance of a criminal justice topic lies in its ability to offer invaluable insight into the complex dynamics that drive criminal behavior and shape law enforcement practices.

By exploring these contemporary issues, researchers can discover hidden gaps in existing knowledge, providing opportunities to develop innovative strategies and policies for mitigating crime. Such findings have far-reaching implications on policy-making, rehabilitation programs, victims' rights movements, and more ā€“ ultimately helping to create a safer society for all.

Criminology research can also empower communities by offering ways to better understand current challenges related to the criminal justice system while advocating for change through meaningful discourse.

Originality and Uniqueness

Researchers must seek original and unique perspectives in order to better understand criminal behavior and its consequences for society.

Originality in criminology research involves exploring untested paths that offer novel perspectives on existing theories, thus providing fresh insights to further develop or disprove them. It also means challenging accepted notions about specific issues related to law enforcement practices or justice systems.

Uniqueness is achieved by identifying gaps in current literature while introducing questions with unorthodox angles in your criminal justice paper. This broadens people's knowledge by revealing hidden nuances within criminal behavior dynamics.

Feasibility and Scope

In criminology research, broad topics bring complexity and resource constraints, while narrow topics often lack applicable data or generalizability.

This means that striking a balance is essential: researchers must evaluate the availability of data sources and resources for their chosen topic to maximize potential impact.

Defining an appropriate scope allows researchers to hone in on specific areas for investigation, enabling them to explore depth without sacrificing breadth. This ensures that criminology studies can be executed effectively with available resources while yielding meaningful data.

How to Choose Good Research Topics

The ability to select appropriate research subjects is a vital skill for students. It can make you craft a strong paper and ensure a seamless research process, especially when you encounter difficulties.

In the following sections, we explore the four main approaches to selecting criminology research paper topics for your project.

Self-Reflection and Interest

Considering your passions, curiosities, and areas of expertise can significantly inform what you decide to explore in your study. When you choose a topic that aligns with these interests, it not only boosts engagement but also yields more comprehensive results.

The catch here is that passionate researchers are more likely to stay dedicated even when faced with obstacles throughout their work. Personal interest also increases the chances of uncovering practical implications within the field, thus providing valuable insights into real-world applications of criminology theories and practices.

Literature Review

A literature review involves delving into existing sources to identify trends, developments, and prevailing theories within the field. Analyzing recent publications reveals gaps in current knowledge, thereby providing potential avenues for exploration.

The process is critical when selecting meaningful research topics and criminal justice research questions as it ensures they align with ongoing discussions and emerging issues within criminology.

It also allows researchers to build upon or challenge existing theories and findings, synthesizing information from various sources to uncover contradictions or unanswered questions that warrant further investigation.

Brainstorming and Idea Generation

Brainstorming and idea generation are potent tools for selecting criminology research topics and inspiring originality and innovation.

Organizing brainstorming sessions alone or with colleagues encourages researchers to think from a broader perspective. Through open conversations where thoughts are shared, participants can employ their collective knowledge and unique points of view that may have gone unnoticed. 

Idea generation techniques such as mind mapping give an organized structure for conceptualization. This visual technique allows scholars to recognize the relation between concepts, which could lead them toward unexplored areas within criminology.

Exploring related fields while using idea generation also helps spotlight certain criminalistic subjects that interconnect other disciplines, offering more possibilities for study.

Consultation and Feedback

Lastly, gathering external opinions can help refine ideas to ensure their practicality and relevancy. Connecting with peers, mentors, and professors provides an opportunity to get different perspectives that may unlock valuable insights.

Experienced professionals such as mentors and teachers bring essential knowledge of current trends within the field so researchers can choose topics relevant to them personally yet still valued by those in academia or the criminology industry.

Feedback improves your research proposal's quality, allowing you to identify strengths and weaknesses. This input serves as a reality checker, ensuring that projects have realistic goals according to your ability.

Now let us look at criminology research paper topics related to:

  • Criminal behavior analysis
  • Juvenile justice system evaluation
  • Cybercrime and digital forensics
  • Restorative justice implementation
  • Policing strategies and community relations
  • Incarceration and rehabilitation programs
  • International law

Woman in a white black striped shirt holding a pile of books

Criminal Behavior Analysis Research Topics

  • Criminal deterrence through modern justice system innovation
  • Organized crime impact on international criminal justice organizations
  • Hate crimes: Challenges for criminal justice practitioners and agencies
  • Forensic science advancements in criminal investigation techniques
  • Capital punishment: Ethics in the criminal justice system debate
  • Household conflict intervention within criminal justice reform efforts
  • Substance abuse treatment in criminal justice administration
  • Policing hate crimes: Law enforcement officers' role and practices
  • Criminal justice ethics in addressing international crimes
  • Community policing's impact on crime rates and prevention initiatives
  • Juvenile justice reforms and youth offender rehabilitation
  • Wrongful convictions: Improving victim services and legal processes
  • Enhancing civil rights protection in criminal justice management
  • Identity theft challenges within the modern criminal justice field
  • Mental health considerations in criminal conduct analysis
  • College students' involvement in recovery justice programs and justice interventions
  • Distributive justice approaches to organized crime prosecutions
  • Child abuse prevention strategies and criminal justice collaboration
  • Racial profiling impact on law enforcement practices and society
  • Criminal justice agencies' response to international human rights violations
  • Advancements in crime mapping for effective law enforcement strategies
  • Ethical concerns in prison labor practices and criminal justice systems
  • Serial killers: Psychological profiling and criminal behavior analysis
  • Role of educational institutions in experimental criminology research
  • Addressing civil crimes: Legal perspectives and criminal justice actions
  • International criminal tribunals' influence on justice system development
  • Mental illness impact on criminal behavior and justice system response
  • Felony disenfranchisement laws: Societal pressure and citizens' rights
  • Art fraud cooperation between criminal justice agencies and experts
  • Modern criminal codes: Aligning with evolving societal values
  • Enhancing victim services in cases of sexual violence
  • Law violation patterns and criminal justice field adaptations
  • Organized crime's influence on modern justice system reform
  • The suitability of the ICC as a crime prevention initiative
  • Contemporary perspectives on dominant crime theories and analysis

Juvenile Justice System Evaluation

  • Juvenile justice system reform: Evaluating criminal deterrence initiatives
  • Analyzing criminal behavior patterns in youth within justice systems
  • Effectiveness of recovery justice programs for juvenile offenders' rehabilitation
  • Impact of organized crime on juvenile justice practices and outcomes
  • Bigotry-related incidents among youth: Juvenile justice response and prevention
  • Modernizing forensic science for accurate juvenile crime investigation
  • Ethical considerations in capital punishment for young offenders
  • Household conflict interventions in juvenile justice system evaluation
  • International criminal tribunals' influence on youth justice approaches
  • Substance abuse programs' role in juvenile justice reform effectiveness
  • Legal rights and criminal conduct of youth offenders in courts
  • Police officers' interaction with juveniles in justice system evaluation
  • Role of criminal justice agencies in managing youth offenders' cases
  • Crime mapping techniques for enhancing juvenile justice administration
  • Youth crime rates: Analysis and implications for justice interventions
  • Balancing criminal law enforcement with juvenile justice ethics
  • Criminal justice practitioners' impact on youth rehabilitation and reform
  • Evaluating community policing strategies for juvenile crime prevention
  • Distributive justice in cases involving youth offenders and victims
  • Addressing child abuse within the context of juvenile justice systems
  • Evaluating the influence of college environments on youth crime
  • Human rights violations and their relevance in juvenile justice evaluation
  • Enhancing victim services for young survivors of sexual violence
  • Identity theft challenges within the juvenile justice context
  • Ethics of involving youth in prison labor programs: Analysis and reform
  • Dominant crime theories' applicability to understanding juvenile offenses
  • Role of educational institutions in juvenile crime prevention efforts
  • Juvenile justice response to civil crimes and societal pressures
  • Examining racial profiling in the treatment of youth within justice systems
  • Mental health considerations in juvenile criminal conduct analysis
  • Evaluating the impact of experimental criminology on youth justice
  • Wrongful convictions and their consequences in the youth justice system
  • Juvenile justice's role in preventing and addressing youth mental illness
  • Effectiveness of restorative justice programs for youth offenders
  • Youth involvement in organized crime: Juvenile justice system challenges

Cybercrime, Digital Forensics, and Crime Prevention Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

  • Youth offenders and cybercrime: Rehabilitation and legal consequences
  • Capital punishment for cybercrimes: Legal and ethical perspectives
  • College students' involvement in cybercrime: Prevention and education
  • Criminal behavior in the realm of cybercrime: Profiling and analysis
  • Criminal liability and justice system response to hacking and data breaches
  • Ethical considerations in digital forensic science and criminal justice
  • Racial profiling in cybercrime investigations: Implications and safeguards
  • Digital forensics in modern criminal justice: Investigative techniques and challenges
  • Cybercrime prevention: Role of criminal justice agencies and organizations
  • Household conflict and harassment in the digital age: Legal responses
  • Emerging technologies in cybercrime and their legal challenges
  • Legal aspects of surveillance technologies in cybercrime investigation
  • Impact of cybercrimes on mental health and society's well-being
  • Evaluating the role of AI in enhancing digital forensic investigations
  • Online child abuse: Legal frameworks and international cooperation
  • Hate-motivated acts in online spaces: Legal implications and enforcement strategies
  • Data privacy and civil rights in digital forensic practices
  • Analyzing digital footprints: Crime mapping and tracking cyber offenders
  • Cybersecurity breaches: Legal responsibilities of organizations and individuals
  • Digital evidence admissibility and standards in criminal courts
  • Dark web investigations and law enforcement strategies
  • Community policing strategies for online safety and cybercrime prevention
  • Addressing international cybercrimes: Role of justice system and tribunals
  • Cybersecurity and crime prevention initiatives within criminal justice systems
  • Ethical concerns in the use of artificial intelligence for digital forensics
  • Cyberbullying and online harassment: Criminal justice interventions
  • Legal frameworks for combating cybercrime and digital fraud internationally
  • Impact of organized cybercrime networks: Law enforcement practices
  • Digital identity theft: Legal measures and victim services
  • Cybercrime legislation reform and modernizing criminal codes
  • International legal frameworks for combating cybercrime and digital fraud
  • Forensic analysis of digital evidence in criminal court cases
  • Digital forensics in cases of human rights violations and war crimes
  • Blockchain technology and its role in digital forensics and crime prevention
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of international cybercrime laws and treaties

Gray pillars of justice

Restorative Justice Implementation Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

  • College students' involvement in restorative justice initiatives and awareness
  • Evaluating the role of restorative justice in society's pressure on citizens
  • Restorative justice in cases of mental illness: Compassion and rehabilitation
  • Substance abuse rehabilitation within restorative justice frameworks
  • Restorative justice's potential in combating human rights violations and reconciliation
  • Ethical considerations in restorative justice within criminal justice agencies
  • Integrating restorative justice in the modern justice system: Challenges and benefits
  • Restorative justice's influence on wrongful convictions and exoneration efforts
  • Civil and criminal case resolution through restorative justice practices
  • Restorative justice in organized crime cases: Collective responsibility and reparation
  • Crime prevention through restorative justice programs and strategies
  • Restorative justice and distributive justice models for equitable resolutions
  • Restorative justice as an alternative to felony disenfranchisement laws
  • Restorative justice in the criminal justice system: Principles and implementation
  • International criminal tribunals and their alignment with restorative justice principles
  • Art fraud cooperation and restitution within restorative justice frameworks
  • Restorative justice in cases of sexual violence: Empowerment and healing
  • Addressing criminal behavior through victim-offender mediation in restorative justice
  • Community policing and restorative justice: Collaborative crime prevention strategies
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of restorative justice in reducing recidivism rates
  • Restorative justice's role in addressing identity theft and cybercrimes
  • Death penalty and restorative justice: Alternatives and ethical perspectives
  • Victim services enhancement through restorative justice initiatives
  • Restorative justice's contribution to addressing child abuse and trauma
  • Modern legal framework reform: Integrating restorative justice practices
  • Restorative justice's role in educational institutions and youth engagement
  • Restorative justice in juvenile justice: Positive outcomes and challenges
  • Drug courts and restorative justice: Collaborative rehabilitation approaches
  • Restorative justice implementation in cases of hate crimes and social reconciliation
  • Restorative justice and law enforcement practices for community healing
  • Restorative justice in combating hate-motivated acts and social reconciliation
  • Household conflict cases: Restorative justice approaches for resolution

Policing Strategies and Community Relations Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

  • Policing strategies for hate crimes prevention and inclusive community relations
  • Restorative justice's impact on wrongful convictions and police practices
  • Enhancing modern legal frameworks through community-oriented law enforcement
  • Collaborative crime prevention initiatives between police agencies and communities
  • Cultural competence in law enforcement: Reducing international hate-motivated acts
  • Restorative justice in police efforts to combat identity theft and fraud
  • Building trust in law enforcement through transparency and accountability measures
  • Ethical considerations in police officers' use of force: Training and accountability
  • Policing targeted violence: Building trust and addressing bias incidents
  • Restorative justice approaches to building relationships between police and youth
  • Effective community policing in cases of sexual violence: Empowering survivors
  • Policing strategies and forensic techniques in international criminal courts
  • Community policing for crime prevention: Strategies and effectiveness
  • Enhancing law enforcement ethics and distributive justice through community engagement
  • Policing strategies for addressing mental health challenges in modern society
  • Addressing substance abuse: Police officers as community advocates and resources
  • Civil rights protection in law enforcement practices: Balancing security and liberties
  • Policing strategies to address mental health crises: Training and interventions
  • Restorative justice and community relations in cases of domestic violence
  • Cybercrime investigations and law enforcement's role in digital forensics
  • Policing strategies for juvenile offenders: Rehabilitation and prevention
  • Crime prevention in educational institutions: Role of police officers and educators
  • Policing strategies to address mental health challenges in modern society
  • Restorative justice's role in building trust and reforming police agencies
  • Ethical considerations in law enforcement's involvement in civil and criminal cases
  • Community policing's influence on criminal behavior and recidivism rates
  • Evaluating the impact of community policing on crime rates and perceptions
  • Domestic violence prevention strategies: Police-community collaboration and support
  • Organized crime's impact on local policing strategies and responses

Incarceration and Rehabilitation Programs Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

  • Evaluating the impact of rehabilitation on recidivism rates.
  • Enhancing victim services within criminal justice organizations and incarceration.
  • Incorporating modern criminal justice ethics in rehabilitation programs.
  • Identity theft prevention education within inmate rehabilitation initiatives.
  • Restorative justice's role in domestic violence offender rehabilitation.
  • Addressing mental health in prison: Rehabilitation and crime prevention.
  • Rehabilitation programs for hate crime offenders: Challenges and outcomes.
  • Promoting civil rights and social reintegration through incarceration programs.
  • Integrating distributive justice principles into rehabilitation and incarceration.
  • Innovative technological solutions for prisoner education and rehabilitation.
  • Community policing's influence on youth offender rehabilitation programs.
  • Effectiveness of drug courts in rehabilitation and crime prevention.
  • Exploring the ethics of prison labor within criminal justice reform.

Criminal Justice System Assignment Topics Related to International Law

  • Comparative study of community policing models in global law enforcement.
  • Transnational implications of juvenile justice practices and international law.
  • Examining the status of the death penalty in modern international criminal law.
  • International perspectives on restorative justice for sexual violence cases.
  • Addressing mental health in international criminal justice and prisoner rights.
  • Role of international criminal tribunals in addressing organized crime.
  • International legal frameworks for addressing identity theft and fraud.
  • Restorative justice's application in cases of domestic violence across cultures.
  • Human rights violations and international criminal justice system responses.
  • Forensic science collaboration in cross-border criminal investigations.
  • Cultural considerations in drug courts and international criminal justice.
  • Comparative analysis of hate crime laws across different countries.
  • Role of an international criminal tribunal in combating genocide.
  • The role of the International Criminal Court in ending impunity.

Lady Justice on white background

We Can Help You Write Your Criminal Justice Research Paper

Although we have provided these criminal justice research paper topics for your perusal, we understand that coming up with an idea and writing actual criminal justice research papers are two different things.

At  My Custom Essays , we pride ourselves on being the go-to platform for those seeking help with their criminal justice research papers. We can help you brainstorm criminal justice topics,  create outlines , undertake criminal law research, and write research papers (including  MBA Essays ).

Contact us today to receive a customized quotation, or check out our  team of writers .

What are the trending topics in criminal justice?

Recent challenges to target for a criminal justice research paper include but are not limited to racism, social justice reform, matters related to sexuality, gender equality concerns, and instances of LGBTQ+ violence.

What is a good research question in criminal justice?

A good criminal justice research topic should be relevant, original, and feasible in relation to the criminal justice system.

What are the most controversial topics in criminal justice?

Examples of contentious issues in the American criminal justice system include contradictions within its prison system, disparities in justice related to race and ethnicity, opposing viewpoints on justice, and a series of conflicting perspectives. These are all ideal viewpoints from where to develop a criminal justice research topic.

Recent Posts

topics for research paper in criminology

28 Oct, 2023

19 Oct, 2023

05 Oct, 2023

20 Sep, 2023

topics for research paper in criminology

18 Sep, 2023

topics for research paper in criminology

13 Sep, 2023

topics for research paper in criminology

12 Sep, 2023

11 Sep, 2023

21 Aug, 2023

29 Jul, 2023

28 Jul, 2023

25 Jul, 2023

topics for research paper in criminology

21 Jun, 2023

topics for research paper in criminology

15 Jun, 2023

topics for research paper in criminology

02 May, 2023

topics for research paper in criminology

24 Apr, 2023

topics for research paper in criminology

18 Apr, 2023

topics for research paper in criminology

12 Apr, 2023

topics for research paper in criminology

26 Mar, 2023

topics for research paper in criminology

24 Mar, 2023

topics for research paper in criminology

22 Feb, 2023

topics for research paper in criminology

17 Feb, 2023

topics for research paper in criminology

16 Feb, 2023

topics for research paper in criminology

24 Oct, 2022

topics for research paper in criminology

26 Sep, 2022

topics for research paper in criminology

25 Sep, 2022

  • #1 Nursing dissertation helpers
  • Marketing Dissertation Helpers
  • Buy Expository Essay
  • Buy Book Reports
  • Best MBA Essay Editing Service Providers
  • Essay Outline Writing Service
  • Chemical Engineering Assignment Help
  • Mechanical Engineering Assignment Helpers
  • Extended essay writing service
  • Buy case study
  • Buy personal statement online
  • Financial Report Writing Services
  • Buy Annotated Bibliography
  • Buy dissertation proposal
  • Professional Biology Essay Writers
  • Buy Response Essay
  • Write My Philosophy Paper for Me
  • Psychology Essay Writing Service
  • Buy Lab Report Online
  • Professional Article Review Writing Service
  • Need Graduate School Homework Help?
  • Buy High-Quality Reflective Essays
  • Buy Dissertation Chapters Online
  • Buy Movie Reviews
  • History Essay Writer
  • Buy a Persuasive Essay
  • Can I pay someone to do my chemistry homework?
  • Buy Critical Essay
  • Buy Coursework Online
  • Buy Narrative Essays Online
  • Buy Cheap Argumentative Essay
  • Do my final exam for me
  • Pay someone to take my ProctorU Exam
  • Hire someone to take GRE for me
  • Pay Someone to Take my Physics Exam
  • MBA Essay Writing Service

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing weā€™ll assume youā€™re on board with our cookie policy

Logo

  • A Research Guide
  • Research Paper Topics

120 Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

How to choose a topic for criminal justice research paper:, criminal psychology research paper topics:.

  • The role of childhood trauma in the development of criminal behavior
  • The impact of psychopathy on criminal behavior and recidivism rates
  • The relationship between substance abuse and criminal activity
  • The influence of media violence on aggressive behavior and criminal tendencies
  • The effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in reducing criminal recidivism
  • The psychological factors contributing to white-collar crime
  • The role of mental illness in criminal behavior and its implications for the criminal justice system
  • The psychological profiling of serial killers and its application in criminal investigations
  • The influence of social media on cybercrime and online predatory behavior
  • The psychological effects of solitary confinement on prisoners and its potential contribution to criminal behavior
  • The impact of witness testimony reliability on the accuracy of criminal investigations and court proceedings
  • The psychological factors contributing to juvenile delinquency and strategies for prevention
  • The role of cognitive biases in eyewitness identification and its implications for wrongful convictions
  • The psychological motivations behind hate crimes and strategies for prevention
  • The influence of cultural and societal factors on criminal behavior and its implications for criminal justice policies

Criminal Law Research Paper Topics:

  • The impact of mandatory minimum sentencing laws on the criminal justice system
  • The role of forensic evidence in criminal investigations and trials
  • The effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in reducing recidivism rates
  • The ethical implications of using plea bargains in criminal cases
  • The relationship between mental illness and criminal behavior
  • The use of technology in preventing and investigating cybercrimes
  • The impact of racial profiling on the criminal justice system
  • The legal and ethical considerations of the death penalty
  • The role of eyewitness testimony in criminal trials
  • The impact of drug policies on crime rates and public health
  • The legal and ethical implications of using surveillance technologies in law enforcement
  • The effectiveness of community policing in reducing crime rates
  • The role of criminal profiling in solving and preventing crimes
  • The impact of hate crime legislation on the criminal justice system
  • The legal and ethical considerations of juvenile justice policies

Criminal Profiling Research Paper Topics:

  • The effectiveness of criminal profiling in solving serial murder cases
  • The role of psychological profiling in identifying and apprehending sexual offenders
  • Racial profiling and its impact on the criminal justice system
  • The use of geographic profiling in predicting the behavior of serial arsonists
  • Profiling techniques for identifying cybercriminals and hackers
  • The ethical implications of using criminal profiling in law enforcement
  • The accuracy and reliability of criminal profiling in identifying terrorist threats
  • Profiling techniques for identifying and apprehending white-collar criminals
  • The influence of media portrayals on public perception of criminal profiling
  • The role of criminal profiling in identifying and preventing school shootings
  • The impact of gender on criminal profiling and offender characteristics
  • The use of forensic linguistics in criminal profiling and suspect identification
  • Profiling techniques for identifying and apprehending organized crime members
  • The role of criminal profiling in identifying and preventing domestic violence cases
  • The future of criminal profiling: advancements in technology and methodology

Criminal Justice System Research Paper Topics:

  • The impact of mandatory minimum sentencing on the criminal justice system
  • Racial disparities in sentencing and their effects on the criminal justice system
  • The role of mental health courts in the criminal justice system
  • The use of technology in improving the efficiency of the criminal justice system
  • The relationship between poverty and crime within the criminal justice system
  • The impact of community policing on crime rates and public trust in the criminal justice system
  • The role of restorative justice in the criminal justice system
  • The influence of media portrayal on public perception of the criminal justice system
  • The effectiveness of drug courts in addressing substance abuse within the criminal justice system
  • The impact of the war on drugs on the criminal justice system
  • The role of forensic science in the criminal justice system
  • The use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement and their impact on the criminal justice system
  • The relationship between immigration policies and the criminal justice system
  • The role of private prisons in the criminal justice system and their implications

Criminology Serial Killers Research Paper Topics:

  • Psychological profiling of serial killers: Understanding the mind behind the crimes
  • The role of childhood trauma in the development of serial killers
  • Serial killers and their choice of victims: Patterns and motivations
  • Investigating the influence of media on the behavior of serial killers
  • Serial killers and the use of signature behaviors: Unraveling the hidden messages
  • The role of social factors in the creation of serial killers
  • Serial killers and their relationship with law enforcement: Challenges and strategies
  • Serial killers and the role of forensic science in criminal investigations
  • The impact of serial killers on society: Fear, fascination, and media sensationalism
  • Serial killers and the connection to organized crime: Examining the links
  • Serial killers and the role of gender: Comparing male and female offenders
  • Serial killers and the influence of popular culture: From books to movies
  • Serial killers and the use of technology: Analyzing the evolution of crime methods
  • Serial killers and the role of mental illness: Understanding the connection
  • Serial killers and the death penalty: Evaluating the effectiveness of punishment measures

Criminology Homelessness Research Paper Topics:

  • The relationship between homelessness and criminal behavior
  • The impact of homelessness on the mental health of individuals
  • Exploring the causes of homelessness and its connection to criminal activity
  • The effectiveness of criminal justice interventions in addressing homelessness
  • The role of substance abuse in contributing to homelessness and criminal behavior
  • Examining the experiences of homeless youth and their involvement in criminal activities
  • The influence of social and economic factors on homelessness and crime rates
  • Analyzing the criminalization of homelessness and its consequences
  • Understanding the victimization of homeless individuals and its implications for crime prevention
  • The role of community-based programs in reducing homelessness and criminal involvement
  • Exploring the relationship between homelessness, mental illness, and criminal justice system involvement
  • The impact of housing policies on homelessness and crime rates
  • Investigating the experiences of homeless women and their vulnerability to victimization
  • The role of social support networks in preventing homelessness and criminal behavior
  • Examining the effectiveness of reentry programs in reducing recidivism among homeless individuals

Criminal Investigation Research Paper Topics:

  • The impact of forensic technology on criminal investigations
  • The role of DNA evidence in solving cold cases
  • Investigating the use of artificial intelligence in criminal profiling
  • The effectiveness of eyewitness testimony in criminal investigations
  • Analyzing the challenges of investigating cybercrimes
  • The role of forensic psychology in criminal investigations
  • Investigating the use of surveillance technology in solving crimes
  • The impact of social media on criminal investigations
  • Analyzing the role of forensic anthropology in identifying human remains
  • Investigating the use of forensic entomology in determining time of death
  • The challenges of investigating white-collar crimes
  • Analyzing the role of criminal profiling in serial murder investigations
  • Investigating the use of forensic linguistics in solving crimes
  • The impact of body-worn cameras on police investigations
  • Analyzing the role of forensic odontology in identifying human remains

Criminal Behaviour Research Paper Topics:

  • The impact of childhood trauma on criminal behavior
  • The role of genetics in criminal behavior
  • The relationship between substance abuse and criminal behavior
  • The influence of social media on criminal behavior
  • The connection between mental illness and criminal behavior
  • The role of peer pressure in juvenile delinquency
  • The impact of socioeconomic factors on criminal behavior
  • The relationship between domestic violence and criminal behavior
  • The influence of media violence on aggressive behavior
  • The correlation between gang involvement and criminal behavior
  • The role of parenting styles in shaping criminal behavior
  • The impact of unemployment on criminal behavior
  • The connection between educational attainment and criminal behavior
  • The effectiveness of deterrence strategies in preventing criminal behavior

aside icon

  • Writing a Research Paper
  • Research Paper Title
  • Research Paper Sources
  • Research Paper Problem Statement
  • Research Paper Thesis Statement
  • Hypothesis for a Research Paper
  • Research Question
  • Research Paper Outline
  • Research Paper Summary
  • Research Paper Prospectus
  • Research Paper Proposal
  • Research Paper Format
  • Research Paper Styles
  • AMA Style Research Paper
  • MLA Style Research Paper
  • Chicago Style Research Paper
  • APA Style Research Paper
  • Research Paper Structure
  • Research Paper Cover Page
  • Research Paper Abstract
  • Research Paper Introduction
  • Research Paper Body Paragraph
  • Research Paper Literature Review
  • Research Paper Background
  • Research Paper Methods Section
  • Research Paper Results Section
  • Research Paper Discussion Section
  • Research Paper Conclusion
  • Research Paper Appendix
  • Research Paper Bibliography
  • APA Reference Page
  • Annotated Bibliography
  • Bibliography vs Works Cited vs References Page
  • Research Paper Types
  • What is Qualitative Research

service-1

Receive paper in 3 Hours!

  • Choose the number of pages.
  • Select your deadline.
  • Complete your order.

Number of Pages

550 words (double spaced)

Deadline: 10 days left

By clicking "Log In", you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We'll occasionally send you account related and promo emails.

Sign Up for your FREE account

topics for research paper in criminology

Explore your training options in 10 minutes Get Started

  • Graduate Stories
  • Partner Spotlights
  • Bootcamp Prep
  • Bootcamp Admissions
  • University Bootcamps
  • Coding Tools
  • Software Engineering
  • Web Development
  • Data Science
  • Tech Guides
  • Tech Resources
  • Career Advice
  • Online Learning
  • Internships
  • Apprenticeships
  • Tech Salaries
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • University Admissions
  • Best Schools
  • Certifications
  • Bootcamp Financing
  • Higher Ed Financing
  • Scholarships
  • Financial Aid
  • Best Coding Bootcamps
  • Best Online Bootcamps
  • Best Web Design Bootcamps
  • Best Data Science Bootcamps
  • Best Technology Sales Bootcamps
  • Best Data Analytics Bootcamps
  • Best Cybersecurity Bootcamps
  • Best Digital Marketing Bootcamps
  • Los Angeles
  • San Francisco
  • Browse All Locations
  • Digital Marketing
  • Machine Learning
  • See All Subjects
  • Bootcamps 101
  • Full-Stack Development
  • Career Changes
  • View all Career Discussions
  • Mobile App Development
  • Cybersecurity
  • Product Management
  • UX/UI Design
  • What is a Coding Bootcamp?
  • Are Coding Bootcamps Worth It?
  • How to Choose a Coding Bootcamp
  • Best Online Coding Bootcamps and Courses
  • Best Free Bootcamps and Coding Training
  • Coding Bootcamp vs. Community College
  • Coding Bootcamp vs. Self-Learning
  • Bootcamps vs. Certifications: Compared
  • What Is a Coding Bootcamp Job Guarantee?
  • How to Pay for Coding Bootcamp
  • Ultimate Guide to Coding Bootcamp Loans
  • Best Coding Bootcamp Scholarships and Grants
  • Education Stipends for Coding Bootcamps
  • Get Your Coding Bootcamp Sponsored by Your Employer
  • GI Bill and Coding Bootcamps
  • Tech Intevriews
  • Our Enterprise Solution
  • Connect With Us
  • Publication
  • Reskill America
  • Partner With Us

Career Karma

  • Resource Center
  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Master’s Degree

The Top 10 Most Interesting Criminal Justice Research Topics

Are you writing a research paper and having a hard time finding good criminal justice research topics? Thankfully, we have compiled a list of 10 of the best criminal justice research paper topic ideas. We’ve also included several criminal justice research questions and examples of criminal justice research topics to help you write your best paper.

Criminal justice is a great field for both those wanting a greater understanding of the US justice system and those who want to know what it is like to be a lawyer . If you want to write the best criminal justice paper you can, this article is for you.

Find your bootcamp match

What makes a strong criminal justice research topic.

Strong criminal justice research papers consist of a focused question to answer and a specific area of criminal justice like forensic science, serial killers, substance abuse, sexual offenders, cyber criminology, corporate crime, juvenile justice, or criminal behavior. Most educational institutions have guidelines that must be followed for picking criminal justice topics for your criminology research paper, and this list will give you a great place to start researching.

Tips for Choosing a Criminal Justice Research Topic

  • Follow the guidelines of your institution. If you are studying criminal justice at any university like Loyola University, Cornell University, Walden University, or even Harvard University, your professor has probably given you guidelines to stick to.
  • Keep it focused. When you’re writing a criminal justice research paper it is best to keep a tight focus on your topic. Keep your research focused and remember to stay on task by using study tips, taking breaks, and improving on and practicing your writing skills daily.
  • Choose a narrow topic. When choosing your topic the scope of your criminal justice research paper mustn’t be too broad. Ask and answer one question or use one thesis statement that is clear and well-defined.
  • Choose a topic that is well-researched. When writing a paper on criminal justice, many topics are too new to have solid research. Pick a topic that has many cases related to it, or is focused on a common issue.
  • Choose a topic you are passionate about. There is nothing worse than being stuck writing about a topic you have no interest in. That’s why you should make sure your topic is something that you want to write about. If it ignites your passion, write about it.

What’s the Difference Between a Research Topic and a Research Question?

The difference between a research topic and a research question is that research topics are the broad area of study and research that is used to answer the research question. Research questions are what you are attempting to answer by researching your criminal justice topic.

Criminology topics can encompass areas of study like crime mapping, crime rates, crime prevention, female crimes, experimental criminology, homegrown crimes, or even criminal psychology. Research questions should be very narrow and like do certain criminal justice laws reduce crime? Do criminal justice practitioners engage in critical criminology? Does education in prison reduce reincarnation?

How to Create Strong Criminal Justice Research Questions

When writing a strong criminal justice research question you should ask three questions. Does this question have sufficient research to reference? Is the question narrow and focused? Am I passionate about this topic? If you ask these questions and use our guide to help you get started, you’ll be well on your way to writing a great criminal justice research paper.

Top 10 Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

1. bad living conditions and access to justice.

In the criminal justice system, sometimes where you live may have an impact on your access to justice. In 2011, the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against the City of Chicago alleging that the Chicago police department had slower response times in areas of the city with poor living conditions. The case was settled in 2021 with a plan to improve.

2. White-Collar Crimes Compared to Working-Class Criminals Punishments

White-collar crimes are generally finance-related crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, or money laundering. According to Cornell University School of Law, white-collar crime costs over $300 billion annually in the US. However, white-collar criminals are prosecuted less severely than their working-class counterparts.

3. False Accusation, False Confessions, and Plea Bargaining

This area of criminal behavior is interesting, as our justice system actually allows for admissions of guilt even if the party did not commit the crime. Sometimes sentences can be reduced if a guilty plea is entered even if the party did not commit the crime.

4. Restorative Justice Efforts on Youthful Offenders

Juvenile and youth offenders have many different rules and avenues for justice. One of these unique approaches to keeping young people from their delinquent behavior employed by problem-solving courts is the concept of restorative justice. Restorative justice is a process that helps offenders make amends with the person or community they hurt with their deviant behaviors.

5. Criminal Justice Reform in Hate Crimes

Hate crimes are crimes that are motivated by hatred of someone or a group of people’s immutable characteristics. In recent years, many states have adopted the federal bias categories as outlined by the Department of Justice. These categories are not adopted by every state, which creates several directions for research questions.

6. Organized Crime and the Social Class Criminal Behavior of Members

Organized crime has been around for centuries, but can be prevalent in communities that see crime as a way of life and family. It can be a robust topic to try and understand the influences that family and community have on organized crime.

7. Criminal Justice Agencies and International Crime Investigation Efforts

One thing that is not often talked about is the relationship between criminal justice agencies that work together across countries. Many agencies work together, and many are made jointly. The most notable agency that does this is Interpol which, in 2021, arrested 1,003 alleged criminals and closed 1,660 cases in just one investigation .

8. Impacts of Wildlife Crime and Environmental Crime

Two little written about criminal justice topics in this scientific field are the topics of environmental and wildlife crime. Pollution, littering, dumping, poaching, and wildfire started by humans are all areas that could be a great place to use your analytical skills and nab a decent grade.

9. Relationship Between Crime and Eyewitness Testimony

Eyewitness testimonies are a staple of modern justice. Many violent crime convictions hinge on the ability of eyewitness testimony to convince a jury of what occurred. Sometimes eyewitness testimony can be unreliable, or the multiple witnesses can testify something different from one another resulting in a wrongful conviction. Many crimes like drunk driving or theft can rest on this method of testimony.

10. Relationship Between Law Enforcement and Racial Profiling

Racial profiling is a topic that has received a lot of coverage and is one of the major criminal justice issues of today. Human rights careers deal with the impact of racial and social issues in the US. There are many areas in which law enforcement has to improve in the area of social science. This is a broad topic with many implications for criminal justice ethics and the area of distributive justice.

Other Examples of Criminal Justice Research Topics & Questions

Criminal justice research topics.

  • Jury nullification
  • Online predators
  • Drunk drivers
  • Gun control
  • Campus crime

Criminal Justice Research Questions

  • Does restorative justice reduce incarceration rates in juveniles?
  • Do drug courts engage with racial profiling in the criminal justice system?
  • Are environmental crimes underreported in the criminal justice field?
  • Can organized criminal behavior be reduced by new crime control measures?
  • Does mental illness cause more false confessions?

Choosing the Right Criminal Justice Research Topic

If you take these criminal justice research topic ideas and start researching, you’ll find a topic that strikes your creativity and deals with current justice issues. If college courses seem like they may not be for you, you can always use your knowledge to get a job in criminal justice without a degree .

As we stated earlier, two important parts to finding a great topic for criminology studies or criminal justice is to follow your institution’s guidelines and find a topic that you’re passionate about. Difficult topics like child abuse, victim services, jury selection, sexual violence, or any other of the wide range of topics are important and you can do them real justice and care in your paper.

Criminal Justice Research Topics FAQ

A good criminal research topic should be a broad area with lots of research and case studies behind it. It follows your institutional guidelines and that you are passionate about.

Controversial topics in criminal justice include issues that the court is not settled on or ones that disrupt long-standing positions in the courts. Issues like private prisons, gun control, reproductive rights, and criminal court reform could all be considered controversial.

Feminist criminology started in the late 60s and early 70s to bring attention to both female criminals and victims. The movement started because of the male-focused approach to criminal psychology with little to no regard for how a woman may be psychologically different.

Current issues in the criminal justice system include topics like racial justice, social justice, police reform, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ discrimination. Many of these topics are being discussed in both state and federal courts.

About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication .

What's Next?

icon_10

Get matched with top bootcamps

Ask a question to our community, take our careers quiz.

Joseph Taglavore

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Apply to top tech training programs in one click

Penn State University Libraries

Crim 480: research topics in crime, law and justice.

  • Articles and Databases
  • Statistics & Data
  • Dissertations & Theses
  • Working Papers & Public Policy
  • Reference & Research Services

Social Science Librarian

Profile Photo

General Interdisciplinary Resources

  • Academic Search Complete (Ebsco) This link opens in a new window Academic Search Complete allows you to search over 40 subject indexes at one time. It can be a useful interdisciplinary tool for finding criminal justice articles in resources that focus on: race relations, peace research, LGBT, women studies, business and a host of other fields. more... less... Academic Search Complete is a comprehensive scholarly, multi-disciplinary full-text database, with more than 5,300 full-text periodicals, including 4,400 peer-reviewed journals. In addition to full text, this database offers indexing and abstracts for more than 9,300 journals and a total of 10,900 publications including monographs, reports, conference proceedings, etc. The database features PDF content going back as far as 1865, with the majority of full text titles in native (searchable) PDF format.
  • Google Scholar This link opens in a new window Google Scholar is an amazing inter-disciplinary resource for criminal justice research. You are encourage to explore the advanced research options, citation alerts and Google's Metrics. It can be a powerful tool for known item searching particularly combined with the "Cited by" features. more... less... Google Scholar enables you to search specifically for scholarly literature, including peer-reviewed papers, theses, books, preprints, abstracts and technical reports from all broad areas of research. Use Google Scholar to find articles from a wide variety of academic publishers, professional societies, preprint repositories and universities, as well as scholarly articles available across the web. Once you set your institutional preferences, links to full-text, if available at Penn State, should appear.
  • LionSearch This link opens in a new window an integrated search of books, e-books, research articles, newspaper articles, and other publications

Ranking Scholarly Criminal Justice Journals

  • SAGE Research Methods Core This link opens in a new window SAGE Research Methods focuses on methodology rather than disciplines so it is useful across the social sciences, health sciences. Contains content from more than 640 books, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and handbooks, the entire Little Green Book, and Little Blue Book series more... less... SAGE Research Methods is a research methods tool created to help researchers, faculty and students with their research projects. SAGE Research Methods links over 100,000 pages of SAGE's renowned book, journal and reference content with truly advanced search and discovery tools. Researchers can explore methods concepts to help them design research projects, understand particular methods or identify a new method, conduct their research, and write up their findings. Since SAGE Research Methods focuses on methodology rather than disciplines, it can be used across the social sciences, health sciences, and more. SAGE Research Methods contains content from more than 640 books, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and handbooks, the entire Little Green Book, and Little Blue Book series, two Major Works collating a selection of journal articles, and newly commissioned videos. Our access is to: SRM Core Update 2020-2025; SRM Cases (includes updates through 2025); SRM Cases 2.
  • Journal Citation Reports This link opens in a new window Provides a more robust ranking of criminal justice journals more... less... Journal performance metrics offer a systematic, objective means to critically evaluate the world's leading journals by delivering quantifiable statistical information based on citation data, which helps determine a publication's impact and influence in the global research community. It includes journal and category data.
  • Google's Top publications - Criminology, Criminal Law & Policing Metric of journals provided by Google
  • How to Read (and Understand) a Social Science Journal Article This is an excellent 3 page article written by Frederique Laubepin for the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research.

Subject Resources for Scholarly Research

  • Criminal Justice Abstracts This link opens in a new window The journal articles described in this resource are from the premier journals in the field as well as from trade publications in the profession. more... less... Provides abstracts of articles from the major journals in criminology and related disciplines, as well as books and reports from government and nongovernmental agencies. For each document, an informative summary of the findings, methodology, and conclusions is provided. Topics include crime trends, prevention projects, corrections, juvenile delinquency, police, courts, offenders, victims, and sentencing.
  • Criminology Collection (Proquest) databases covering criminology, criminal justice, and security includes Criminal Justice Database and NCJRS
  • Sociological Abstracts This link opens in a new window A premier resource for interdisciplinary research on subjects impacting society and the single most important database in the Social Sciences. This resource can be useful for any number of topics including: family violence, gangs, violence, drug issues, schools, and media. more... less... CSA Sociological Abstracts abstracts and indexes the international literature in sociology and related disciplines in the social and behavioral sciences. The database provides abstracts of journal articles and citations to book reviews drawn from over 1,700 serials publications, and also provides abstracts of books, book chapters, dissertations, and conference papers. Records added after 1974 contain in-depth and nonevaluative abstracts of journal articles.
  • National Criminal Justice Reference Service Abstracts This link opens in a new window This resource is published by the US Department of Justice. It functions as a clearinghouse of information from government agencies at all levels of government. It is particularly useful for finding reports and scholarly research funded through tax dollars. It is equally a wealth of information on current policy topics and events. more... less... The National Criminal Justice Reference Service Abstracts Database contains summaries of more than 150,000 publications on criminal justice, including Federal, state, and local government reports, books, research reports, journal articles, and unpublished research. Subject areas include corrections, courts, drugs and crime, law enforcement, juvenile justice, crime statistics, and victims of crime. Coverage: The time period covered is from the early 1970's to the present.
  • PsycINFO (via ProQuest) This link opens in a new window A great resource for scholarly articles that focus on victimization, behavior and crime, Primary database for international literature in psychology and related disciplines. It is published by the American Psychological Association and provides coverage from 1840 to the present. more... less... PsycINFO provides access to international literature in psychology and related disciplines. Unrivaled in its depth of psychological coverage and respected worldwide for its high quality, the database is enriched with literature from an array of disciplines related to psychology such as psychiatry, education, business, medicine, nursing, pharmacology, law, linguistics, and social work. Nearly all records contain nonevaluative summaries, and all records from 1967 to the present are indexed using the Thesaurus of Psychological Index Terms.
  • ERIC (ProQuest) This link opens in a new window An education resource sponsored by the US Department of Education. It is useful for topics such as: juvenile delinquency, school violence, rehabilitation programs, counseling. more... less... ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) is the major database for education literature, sponsored by the U.S. Department. of Education. The same database content is available on many platforms.

Law Reviews & Legal News

  • Law: Research Effectively with Secondary Sources This research guide identifies resource that will provide you access to law reviews, scholarly articles and media sources.
  • Next: Statistics & Data >>
  • Last Updated: Feb 21, 2024 11:53 AM
  • URL: https://guides.libraries.psu.edu/UPCRIM480

topics for research paper in criminology

Catch 60 Interesting Criminology Research Topics - Make Your Paper Flawless

Are you studying in law school? Then you've most likely had to come to grips with different criminology research topics on more than one occasion throughout your study course. Such assignments are meant to help students learn their r rights, provide them with information on how to defend themselves in various dangerous situations and teach them how to investigate different types of crimes.

The primary question to answer before you embark on the criminology research paper is: "What is a criminology research paper?" According to the standard definition, this is a type of college academic assignment which aims to assess the student's research and writing skills as well as their knowledge of various criminology research topics. The process of research is a must: even if a student knows the topic perfectly, they need to support every argument with credible and up-to-date sources, such as class textbooks, academic journals, scholarly articles, and trustworthy websites. Make sure to include information from the recently published sources which are no older than 5 years, unless otherwise specified in your teacher's requirements.

Structure-wise, your criminology research paper should comprise the following sections: a cover page, abstract, intro, methods, results, discussion, conclusion, literature review, and appendices. It is also a good idea to prepare a research paper outline based on your criminology research paper topics and follow it to keep track of your writing progress.

Writing about criminology is a challenging task, and not all students succeed in accomplishing it on the first try. Therefore, to guarantee the highest possible score, you'd be better off contacting our professional online writers who can handle assignments of any type and on any topic. If you have problems picking the best criminology project ideas, leave it to our writers by checking the Writer's Choice in the corresponding field.

Now that we have considered the basics, let's check out the list of research topics in criminology and criminal justice that we have prepared for you.

How about Exploring Some Criminology Research Topics?

To keep things simple and straightforward, we divided the criminology research paper topics into several different categories of the criminology course. Brainstorm them with your friends or tutor to come up with the most interesting question that will be relevant to your community. We recommend that you focus only on the hottest issues to grab your reader's attention and make your essay worth reading.

10 Drug Research Topics

  • Health consequences of the misuse of medicine.
  • College-age and young adults in criminology.
  • Measures to prevent drug use and sales.
  • Substance abuse in the military.
  • Women & drugs.
  • Factors that motivate teens to start taking drugs.
  • What the right punishment for drug dealers should be like.
  • Ways in which police can control the drug situation.
  • Public authorities help individuals selling drugs.
  • Different types of drugs & how they affect the users.

10 Terrorism Questions

  • Encouraging public resilience to terrorism.
  • Counter-terrorism and the human rights concept.
  • National terrorism prevention programs in the United States.
  • National arrest & conviction records.
  • The effect of an economic crisis on global terrorism.
  • Terrorist audiences & feedback.
  • Civil society and counter-terrorism.
  • International prosecution of terrorists.
  • Effective approaches to defining and countering terrorist movements on the web.
  • Freedom of speech & terrorism: the correlation.

10 Sex Crimes Essay Ideas

  • Reasons for the increase in sex crimes.
  • The role of pornography in the growth of violent crimes.
  • Pornography & sex crime issues.
  • The problem of sexual abuse in the United States.
  • Breaking the cycle of sexual abuse.
  • The ways to prosecute sexual abusers.
  • The causes of female and child trafficking.
  • Domestic violence and its consequences.
  • The prevalence and analysis of sex crimes.
  • Different types of sex crimes.

10 Good Criminology Research Topics

  • Neighborhoods & crime.
  • Different criminal justice theories.
  • The impact of social status on offense.
  • Labeling and symbolic interaction theories.
  • Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN).
  • Quantitative Criminology.
  • Drugs & the criminal justice system.
  • The impact of the social media on the rise of crime rate.
  • The role of criminal justice in public health.
  • Jobs in the field of criminal justice.

10 Popular Crimes Essay Problems

  • At-risk population in the US.
  • The correlation between age and sex crimes.
  • The impact of alcohol on sex crimes.
  • Ways of responding to sexual harassment.
  • Sexual harassment in the workplace.
  • Victims of sexual harassment.
  • Factors that contribute to sex crimes in Canada.
  • Mental and physical help for crime victims.
  • The role of government in the prevention of sex crimes.
  • Sex crimes and murders.

10 Police Research Topics

  • Functions of Smart Held Devices for security personnel.
  • Policy frameworks for construction - industry reform.
  • National defense in the United States.
  • Ways of proving your innocence to the judge in particular cases.
  • Duties of a personal lawyer.
  • Comparing the working hours of police officers and teachers.
  • Data required to validate psychometric examinations.
  • Stress prevention in police work.
  • Law interception & cloud communications.
  • Evaluation of the capacity development plan for police.

Now that you have a full list of criminology research topics, it is up to you to decide what to discuss. Keep in mind, though, that it is better to avoid sensitive topics or such that lack relevant information. Also, try to analyze the issue in-depth using the latest materials found on the web or, if it's too difficult for you, seek professional help. Whatever your choice may be, remember - our writers have access to all kinds of sources, so you will not have to worry about the quality of citations and references.

topics for research paper in criminology

Sociology of Crime Research Paper Topics

Academic Writing Service

The sociology of crime (criminology) is the study of the making, breaking, and enforcing of criminal laws. Its aim is to understand empirically and to develop and test theories explaining criminal behavior, the formation and enforcement of laws, and the operation ofĀ  criminal justice Ā system.

60 Sociology of Crime Research Paper Topics

  • Age and crime
  • Alcohol and crime
  • Biosocial theories of crime
  • Broken windows theory of crime
  • Childhood sexual abuse
  • Class and crime
  • Collective efficacy and crime
  • Conflict theory and crime and delinquency
  • Corporate crime
  • Corrections
  • Court systems and law
  • Crime and masculinities
  • Crime hotspots
  • Criminal and delinquent subcultures
  • Criminal justice system
  • Criminal sanctions
  • Criminology research methods
  • Cultural criminology
  • Delinquent gangs
  • Drugs and the law
  • Environmental criminology
  • Hate crimes
  • Index Crime
  • Juvenile delinquency and juvenile crime
  • Life course theory of crime
  • Measuring crime
  • Organized crime
  • Political crime
  • Probation and parole
  • Property crime
  • Psychological theories of crime
  • Public order crime
  • Race and crime
  • Race and the criminal justice system
  • Radical/Marxist theories of crime
  • Rape/sexual assault as crime
  • Rational choice theory: a crime related perspective
  • Schools and crime
  • Sex and crime
  • Sexual violence and exploitation
  • Sexual violence and rape
  • Social control theory of crime
  • Social learning theory of crime
  • Social support and crime
  • Theories of juvenile delinquency
  • Urban crime and violence
  • Victimization
  • Violent crime
  • What is crime?
  • White collar crime
  • Zimbardo prison experiment

The roots of modern criminology can be found in the writings of social philosophers, who addressed Hobbesā€™s question: ā€œHow is society possible?ā€ Locke and Rousseau believed that humans are endowed with free will and are self-interested. If this is so, the very existence of society is problematic. If we are all free to maximize our own self-interest we cannot live together. Those who want more and are powerful can simply take from the less powerful. The question then, as now, focuses on how is it possible for us to live together. Criminologists are concerned with discovering answers to this basic question.

Academic Writing, Editing, Proofreading, And Problem Solving Services

Get 10% off with 24start discount code.

Locke and Rousseau, philosophers who are not considered criminologists, argued that society is possible because we all enter into a ā€œsocial contractā€ in which we choose to give up some of our freedom to act in our own self-interest for the privilege of living in society. What happens though to those who do not make, or choose to break, this covenant? Societies enforce the contract by punishing those who violate it. Early societies punished violations of the social contract by removing the privilege of living in society through banishment or death. In the event of minor violations, sanctions such as ostracism or limited participation in the community for a time were administered. The history of sanctions clearly demonstrates the extreme and frequently arbitrary and capricious nature of sanctions (Foucault 1979).

The Classical School of criminology (Beccaria 1764; Bentham 1765) began as an attempt to bring order and reasonableness to the enforcement of the social contract. Beccaria in On Crimes and Punishments (1768) made an appeal for a system of ā€justiceā€ that would define the appropriate amount of punishment for a violation as just that much that was needed to counter the pleasure and benefit from the wrong. In contemporary terms, this would shift the balance in a cost/benefit calculation, and would perhaps deter some crime. Benthamā€™s writings (1765) provided the philosophical foundation for the penitentiary movement that introduced a new and divisible form of sanction: incarceration. With the capacity to finally decide which punishment fits which crime, classical school criminologists believed that deterrence could be maximized and the cost to societal legitimacy of harsh, capricious, and excessive punishment could be avoided. In their tracts calling for reforms in how society sanctions rule-violators, we see the earliest attempts to explain two focal questions of criminology: Why do people commit crimes? How do societies try to control crime? The ā€œclassical schoolā€ of criminologyā€™s answer to the first question is that individuals act rationally, and when the benefits to violating the laws outweigh the cost then they are likely to choose to violate those laws. Their answer to the second question is deterrence. The use of sanctions was meant to discourage criminals from committing future crimes and at the same time send the message to noncriminals that crime does not pay. Beccaria and Bentham believed that a ā€œjust dessertsā€ model of criminal justice would fix specific punishments for specific crimes.

In the mid-nineteenth century the early ā€œscientific studyā€ of human behavior turned to the question of why some people violate theĀ  law . The positivists, those who believed that the scientific means was the preeminent method of answering this and other questions, also believed that human behavior was not a product of choice nor individual free will. Instead they argued that human behavior was ā€œdetermined behavior,ā€ that is, the product of forces simply not in the control of the individual. The earliest positivistic criminologists believed that much crime could be traced to biological sources. Gall (Leek 1970), referred to by some as the ā€œfather of the bumps and grunts school of criminology,ā€ studied convicts and concluded that observable physical features, such as cranial deformities and protuberances, could be used to identify ā€œborn criminals.ā€ Lombroso (1876) and his students, Ferri and Garofalo, also embraced the notion that some were born with criminal constitutions, but they also advanced the idea that social forces were an additional source of criminal causation. These early positivists were critics of the Classical School. They did not go so far as to argue that punishment should not be used to respond to crime, but they did advance the notion that punishment was insufficient to prevent crime. Simply raising the cost of crime will not prevent violations if individuals are not freely choosing their behavior. The early positivists believed that effective crime control would have to confront the root causes of violations, be they biological or social in nature.

Around 1900, Ferri gave a series of lectures critiquing social control policies derived from classical and neo-classical theory. What is most remarkable about those lectures is that, considered from the vantage point of scholars at the end of the twentieth century, the arguments then were little different from public debates today about what are the most effective means of controlling crime.

Then, as now, the main alternatives were ā€get toughā€ deterrence strategies that assumed that potential criminals could be frightened into compliance with the law, versus strategies that would reduce the number of offenses by addressing the root causes of crime. We know far more about crime and criminals today than criminologists of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century knew, yet we continue the same debate, little changed from the one in which Ferri participated in.

The debates today pit those espousing rational choice theories of crime (control and deterrence theories being the most popular versions) against what still might best be called positivistic theories. To be sure, contemporary positivistic criminology is considerably different from the theories of Gall and Lombroso. Modern criminologists do not explain law-violating behavior using the shapes of heads and body forms. Yet there are still those who argue that biological traits can explain criminal behavior (Wilson and Herrenstein 1985; Mednick 1977), and still others who focus on psychological characteristics. But most modern criminologists are sociologists who focus on how social structures andĀ  culture Ā explain criminal behavior. What all of these modern positivists have in common with their predecessors Gall, Lombroso, and company, is that they share a belief that human behavior, including crime, is not simply a consequence of individual choices. Behavior, they argue, is ā€determinedā€ at least in part by biological, psychological, or social forces. The goal of modern positivist criminologists is to unravel the combination of forces that make some people more likely than others to commit crimes.

Today the research of sociological criminologists focuses on three questions: What is the nature of crime? How do we explain crime? What are the effects of societiesā€™ attempts to control crime? Approaches to answering these questions vary greatly, as do the answers offered by criminologists. For example the first question, what is the nature of crime, can be answered by detailing the characteristics of people who commit crimes. Alternatively, one can challenge the very definition of what crime, and consequently criminals, are. In an attempt to answer this question, some criminologists focus on how much crime there is. But of course, even this is a difficult question to answer because there are many ways to count crime, with each type offering different and sometimes seemingly conflicting answers.

Theories of Crime

Most accounts of the rise of criminological inquiry indicate that it had its beginnings in mid-nineteenth- century developments in Europe, including the work of Cesare Lombroso, an Italian prison physician, who argued that many criminals are atavists, that is, biological throwbacks to a human type, homo delinquens , that allegedly existed prior to the appearance of homo sapiens. Since the time of Lombroso and other early figures in criminology, the field has grown markedly, both in terms of the variety of scholars who have tried to uncover the causes of crime and also in terms of the diverse theories that have been produced by these persons (Gibbons 1994). Currently legal theorists, psychologists, economists, geographers, and representatives of other scholarly fields engage in criminological theorizing and research. There has also been renewed interest in sociobiological theorizing and investigation regarding criminality. Even so, the largest share of work has been and continues to be carried on by sociologists. Thus, criminology is frequently identified as a subfield of sociology (Gibbons 1979, 1994).

Although a few scholars have argued that crime should be defined as consisting of violations of basic human rights or for some other ā€˜ā€˜socialā€™ā€™ conception, most criminologists opt for the legalistic view that crime and criminal behavior are identified by the criminal laws of nations, states, and local jurisdictions. Acts that are not prohibited or required by the criminal law are not crimes, however much they may offend some members of the community. Also, the reach of the criminal law in modern societies is very broad, involving a wide range of behavioral acts that vary not only in form but in severity as well. The criminal laws of various states and nations prohibit morally repugnant acts such as murder or incest, but they also prohibit less serious offenses such as vandalism, petty theft, and myriad other acts. Parenthetically, there is considerable controversy in modern America, both among criminologists and among members of the general public, as to whether certain kinds of behavior, such as marijuana use, various consensual sex acts between adults, or abortion, ought to be expunged from or brought into the criminal codes.

Persons of all ages violate criminal laws, although a number of forms of criminality are most frequent among persons in their teens or early twenties. Except for ā€˜ā€˜status offenseā€™ā€™ violations such as running away, truancy, and the like, which apply only to juveniles (usually defined as persons under eighteen years of age), juvenile delinquency and adult criminality are defined by the same body of criminal statutes. However, criminologists have often constructed theories about delinquency separate from explanations of adult criminality. Although many theories of delinquency closely resemble those dealing with adult crime, some of the former are not paralleled by theories of adult criminality. In the discussion to follow, most attention is upon explanatory arguments about adult lawbreaking, but some mention is also made of causal arguments about juvenile crime.

Criminological Questions and Causal Theories

Given the broad compass of the criminal law, and given the variety of different perspectives from which the phenomenon of crime has been addressed, it is little wonder that there are many theories of crime. Most of these theories center on the explanation of crime patterns and crime rates, or what might be termed ā€˜ā€˜crime in the aggregate,ā€™ā€™ or are pitched at the individual level and endeavor to identify factors that account for the involvement of specific individuals in lawbreaking conduct (Cressey 1951; Gibbons 1992, pp. 35ā€“39)

These are related but analytically separate questions about the causes of crime. As Donald Cressey (1951) argued many years ago, an adequate account of criminality should contain two distinct but consistent aspects: First, a statement that explains the statistical distribution of criminal behavior in time and space (epidemiology), and second, a statement that identifies the process or processes by which persons come to engage in criminal behavior. Statistical distributions of criminal behavior in time and space are usually presented in the form of crime rates of one kind or another. One of the most familiar of these is the index crime rate reported annually for cities, states, and other jurisdictions by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The index crime rate is comprised of the number of reported cases of murder, non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, aggravated assault, robbery, burglary, larceny, auto theft, and arson per jurisdiction, expressed as a rate per 100,000 persons in that jurisdictionā€™s population.

Many crime rate patterns are well known, including relatively high rates of violence in the United States as compared to other nations, state-by-state variations in forcible rape rates, regional variations in homicide and other crimes within the United States, and so forth. However, criminological scholars continue to be hampered in their efforts to account for variations in crime across various nations in the world by the lack of detailed data about lawbreaking in nations and regions other than the United States (although see van Dijk, Mayhew, and Killias 1990).

Criminologists have developed a number of theories or explanations for many crime rate variations. One case in point is Larry Baron and Murray Strausā€™s (1987) investigation of rape rates for the fifty American states, in which they hypothesized that state-to-state variations in gender inequality, social disorganization (high divorce rates, low church attendance, and the like), pornography readership, and ā€˜ā€˜cultural spilloverā€™ā€™ (authorized paddling of school children, etc.) are major influences on forcible rape. Steven Messner and Richard Rosenfeldā€™s (1994) institutional anomie theory is another example of theorizing that focuses on crime rate variations. They argued that in present-day America, cultural pressures to accumulate money and other forms of wealth are joined to weak social controls arising from noneconomic elements of the social structure, principally the political system, along with religion, education, and family patterns. According to Messner and Rosenfeld, this pronounced emphasis on the accumulation of wealth and weak social restraints promotes high rates of instrumental criminal activity such as robbery, burglary, larceny, and auto theft.

Crime rates are important social indicators that reflect the quality of life in different regions, states, or areas. Additionally, theories that link various social factors to those rates provide considerable insight into the causes of lawbreaking. But, it is well to keep in mind that crime rates are the summary expression of illegal acts of individuals. Much of the time, the precise number of offenders who have carried out the reported offenses is unknown because individual law violators engage in varying numbers of crimes per year. Even so, crime rates summarize the illegal actions of individuals. Accordingly, theories of crime must ultimately deal with the processes by which these specific persons come to exhibit criminal behavior.

In practice, criminological theories that focus on crime rates and patterns often have had relatively little to say about the causes of individual behavior. For example, variations in income inequality from one place to another have been identified by criminologists as being related to rates of predatory property crime such as burglary, automobile theft, and larceny. Many of the studies that have reported this finding have had little to say about how income inequality, defined as the unequal distribution of income among an entire population of an area or locale, affects individuals. In short, explanations of crime rate variations often have failed to indicate how the explanatory variables they identify ā€˜ā€˜get inside the heads of offenders,ā€™ā€™ so to speak.

Although criminological theories about crime rates and crime patterns have often been developed independently of theories related to the processes by which specific persons come to exhibit criminal conduct, valid theories of these processes ought to have implications for the task of understanding the realities of individual criminal conduct. For example, if variations in gender inequality and levels of pornography are related to rates of forcible rape, it may be that males who carry out sexual assaults are also the individuals who most strongly approve of discrimination against women and who are avid consumers of pornography. In the same way, if income inequality bears a consistent relationship to rates of predatory crime, it may be that individual predators express strong feelings of ā€˜ā€˜relative deprivation,ā€™ā€™ that is, perceptions that they are economically disadvantaged and distressed about their situation. However, some additional factors may also have to be identified that determine which of the persons who oppose womenā€™s rights or who feel relatively deprived become involved in illegal conduct and which do not.

Perspectives, Theories, and Hypotheses

A number of arguments about crime patterns and the processes through which individuals get involved in lawbreaking are examined below. Before moving to these specific theories, however, two other general observations are in order. First, in criminology, as in sociology more generally, there is considerable disagreement regarding the nature of perspectives, theories, and hypotheses (as well as paradigms, frameworks, and other theoretical constructions). Even so, perspectives are often identified as broad and relatively unsystematic arguments; while theories are often described as sets of concepts, along with interconnected propositions that link the concepts together into an ā€˜ā€˜explanatory packageā€™ā€™; and hypotheses are specific research propositions derived from theories. In practice, however, many causal explanations that have been described as theories have been incomplete and also conceptually imprecise. Jack Gibbs (1985) has labeled such ā€˜ā€˜theoriesā€™ā€™ as being in ā€˜ā€˜the discursive modeā€™ā€™ rather than as formal theories. Discursive arguments are stated in everyday language and their underlying logic is often difficult to identify. According to Gibbs, because many criminological theories are discursive, precise predictions cannot be deduced from them, nor is it possible to subject predictions to empirical test, that is, to validation through research.

Many criminological theories involve relatively vague concepts, faulty underlying logic, and other problems. At the same time, it is possible to identify a number of general theoretical perspectives in criminology and to differentiate these from relatively formalized and precise theories. For example, many criminologists contend that American society is criminogenic because it involves social and economic features that appear to contribute heavily to criminality. However, this is a general perspective rather than a theory of crime in that it does not identify the full range of factors that contribute to lawbreaking, and it also lacks a set of explicit and interrelated propositions. By contrast, the income inequality argument more clearly qualifies as a causal theory, as does the formulation that links gender inequality, pornography readership, and certain other influences to forcible rape.

A few other comments are in order on theoretical perspectives in criminology. During most of the developmental history of criminology in the United States, from the early 1900s to the present, sociological criminologists voiced support for the criminogenic culture thesis that directs attention to social-structural factors thought to be responsible for criminality. Thus, this view might also be referred to as ā€˜ā€˜mainstream criminology.ā€™ā€™ Most criminologists have linked lawbreaking to major ā€˜ā€˜rents and tearsā€™ā€™ in societal structure at the same time that most of them have assumed that these crime-producing features can be remedied or lessened through social and economic reforms of one kind or another (Gibbons 1992, 1994; Currie 1985).

In the 1970s, a markedly different perspective competed for attention. Often referred to as ā€˜ā€˜radical- Marxistā€™ā€™ or ā€˜ā€˜criticalā€™ā€™ criminology, it asserted that the causes of crime arise out of societal characteristics that are inherent in corporate capitalism (Gibbons 1992, pp.122ā€“130; Chambliss 1975; Quinney 1974, 1977). According to radical-Marxist criminologists, criminal laws serve the interests of the capitalist ruling class. In turn, the system of corporate capitalism over which the ruling class presides depends for its survival on the exploitation of the resources and people of other countries and the economic oppression of citizens within capitalist nations. These conditions create economic strains for many persons, contribute to the deterioration of family life, and drive many individuals into desperate acts of lawbreaking.

The radical-Marxist perspective received considerable attention in the 1970s. Those who criticized it claimed that it presented a one-dimensional, oversimplified account of the social sources of criminality. For example, while some criminal laws favor the interests of the owners of capital, many others serve broader social interests. Similarly, while some forms of crime may be related to economic problems, others are not.

A number of other alternative perspectives began to appear in criminology in the 1980s and 1990s, so that theorizing about crime and criminality has become even more diversified. These ā€˜ā€˜new criminologiesā€™ā€™ (Gibbons 1994, pp. 151ā€“175) include postmodernist viewpoints, feminist arguments, and a number of other strains of thought, all of which differ in a number of ways from ā€˜ā€˜mainstreamā€™ā€™ criminology.

Although broad theorizing has continued to proliferate in criminology, another major trend in recent years has taken criminology in a different direction, toward relatively detailed theories specific to one or another form of crime and toward research investigations of those theories. Baron and Strausā€™s (1987) formulation that links gender inequality, pornography, and specific flaws in the social control system is a case in point, as is Kenneth Polkā€™s (1994) theorizing and research regarding the various ā€˜ā€˜scenariosā€™ā€™ of social interaction that culminate in lethal violence. Indeed, contemporary criminology has a rich accumulation of empirical evidence that can be drawn upon by those who seek to understand the nature and causes of criminality in modern societies.

Forms of Crime and Types of Offenders

The legal codes of the various states and of the federal government include hundreds of specific offenses, but the explanatory task is to develop a relatively small set of theories that make sense of this diverse collection of illegal activities.

In their response to this task, Michael Gottfredson and Travis Hirschi (1990) have argued that virtually all forms of criminal activity, and many kinds of deviant behavior as well, share certain features in common: they are spontaneous, unplanned actions requiring little or no skill for their commission. Further, Gottfredson and Hirschi have claimed that lawbreakers rarely specialize in specific acts of criminality. They concluded that virtually all of these varying criminal and deviant acts can be accounted for by a single, general theory that asserts they are the work of persons who are characterized by low self-control. Accordingly, in their view, there is no need for schemes that classify types of crime or kinds of offenders or for separate theories to account for them.

However, many criminologists contend that there are relatively distinct forms of crime that differ from each other and also that the behavior of many criminals is relatively patterned. For example, some offenders concentrate their efforts upon larcenous acts while others of them are mainly involved in acts of violence.

A number of criminologists have tried to sort the diverse collection of illegal activities into a smaller number of sociologically meaningful groupings or crime forms (Farr and Gibbons 1990; Gibbons 1994). Some have singled out crude property crime, consisting of larceny, burglary, robbery, and kindred offenses, as one type of crime; others have placed homicide and assaultive acts into another crime type; while still others have treated forcible rape and other sexual offenses as yet another broad form of lawbreaking. Then, too, ā€˜ā€˜white-collarā€™ā€™ or organizational crime has often been singled out as a crime pattern (Sutherland 1949; Schrager and Short 1978; Coleman 1987), consisting in large part of criminal acts such as antitrust violations, financial fraud, and the like, carried on by corporations and other large organizations. ā€˜ā€˜Organized crimeā€™ā€™ is still another type that has received a good deal of criminological attention. Some persons have also pointed to a collection of offenses that receive little visibility in the mass media and elsewhere and have termed these ā€˜ā€˜folk crimesā€™ā€™ (Ross 1960ā€“1961, 1973) or ā€˜ā€˜mundane crimesā€™ā€™ (Gibbons 1983). Finally, ā€˜ā€˜political crimeā€™ā€™ has been identified as a major pattern of lawbreaking (Turk 1982).

Although these groupings identify forms of lawbreaking that may differ from each other in important ways, it is also true that they are relatively crude in form in that the underlying dimensions or variables on which they are based have not been spelled out. Further, there is disagreement among criminologists as to the specific crimes that should be identified as instances of white-collar crime, mundane crime, or some other category.

Criminologists have also developed systems for sorting individual offenders into behavioral types (Gibbons 1965). Although related to crime classification efforts, categorization of lawbreakers into types is a separate activity. While it may be possible to identify groupings such as predatory property crime, it many not be true that individual offenders specialize in that form of crime, hence it may be incorrect to speak of ā€˜ā€˜predatory offendersā€™ā€™ as a type of criminal. Most offender classification systems have been deficient in one respect or another (Gibbons 1985), but the most serious flaw is that they are oversimplified. Researchers have discovered that many offenders engage in a fairly diverse collection of offenses over their criminal ā€˜ā€˜careersā€™ā€™ rather than being crime specialists such as ā€˜ā€˜burglars,ā€™ā€™ ā€˜ā€˜robbers,ā€™ā€™ or ā€˜ā€˜drug dealersā€™ā€™ (Chaiken and Chaiken 1982).

The number of theories regarding particular forms of crime is extensive, thus they cannot all be reviewed here (for a review of many of them, see Gibbons 1994). Additional to those theories mentioned previously, a sampling of the more important ones would include the routine activities explanation of predatory property crime. Lawrence Cohen and Marcus Felson (1979) contend that predatory property crime involves three major elements: the supply of motivated offenders, the supply of suitable targets, and the absence of capable guardians. In other words, these crimes are carried out by persons with criminal motives, but the incidence of such offenses also depends upon the number of opportunities to burglarize homes or to rob persons. Also, the number of burglaries from one community to another is influenced by the degree to which residents in local areas act as guardians by maintaining surveillance over homes in their neighborhoods or by taking other crime-control steps. This theory takes note of the fact that criminal opportunities have increased in the United States in recent decades at the same time that capable guardianship has declined, due principally to changes in employment patterns. In particular, the number of families in which both adult members work during the day has grown markedly, as has the number of employed, single-parent families. Research evidence lends considerable support to this theory (Cohen and Felson 1979).

Research evidence also indicates that income inequality is related to predatory property crime (Braithwaite 1979; Carroll and Jackson 1983). Further, Leo Carroll and Pamela Jackson (1983) argue that the routine activities and income inequality arguments are interrelated. They suggest that the labor market trends identified in the former have led to increased crime opportunities, declines in guardianship, and heightened levels of income inequality.

Theories of Criminal Behavior

While theories about crime patterns and rates have been developed principally by sociological criminologists, representatives of a number of disciplines have endeavored to identify factors and processes that explain the involvement or noninvolvement of specific individuals in lawbreaking. Three basic approaches can be noted: the biogenicsociobiogenic, psychogenic, and sociogenic orientations. Biogenic-sociobiogenic views attribute the genesis or causes of lawbreaking, entirely or in part, to constitutional and hereditary factors, while psychogenic perspectives often contend that lawbreakers exhibit personality problems to which their illegal conduct is a response. By contrast, sociologists have most often advanced sociological theories, arguing that criminal behavior is learned in a socialization process by individuals who are neither biologically nor psychologically flawed. Also, some persons have constructed theories that combine or integrate elements of these three approaches, one case being James Wilson and Richard Herrnsteinā€™s (1985) argument that the behavior of criminals has genetic and constitutional roots and that offenders tend to be more mesomorphic in body build, less intelligent, and more burdened with personality defects than their noncriminal peers. Wilson and Herrnstein also contend that various social factors such as unemployment, community influences, and the like play some part in criminality.

Three generalizations can be made about biological theories: First, conclusive evidence supporting these arguments has not yet been produced; second, biological factors cannot be ruled out on the basis of the empirical evidence currently on hand; and third, if biological factors are involved in criminality, they are probably intertwined with social and psychological influences (Trasler 1987; Fishbein 1990).

In the first half of the twentieth century, psychological arguments about criminals centered on claims that these persons were feebleminded, or somewhat later, that many of them were suffering from serious mental pathology of one sort or another. However, a number of reviews of the evidence, particularly that having to do with the alleged role of low intelligence or personality defects in criminality, turned up little or no support for such claims (Schuessler and Cressey 1950; Waldo and Dinitz 1967; Tennenbaum 1977).

Even so, there is a lingering suspicion among a number of criminologists that the criminal acts of at least some lawbreakers, including certain kinds of sexual offenders, can be attributed to faulty socialization and abberant personality patterns (Gibbons 1994). Additionally, some psychologists have argued that even though the broad theory that criminality is due to marked personality defects on the part of lawbreakers lacks support, it is nonetheless true that individual differences in the form of personality patterns must be incorporated into criminological theories (Andrews and Wormith 1989; Blackburn 1993; Andrews and Bonta 1998). Moreover, in the opinion of a number of sociological criminologists, the argument that individual differences make a difference, both in accounting for criminality and for conformity, is persuasive (Gibbons 1989, 1994). Personality dynamics play a part in the behavior patterns that individuals exhibit, thus such concepts as role and status are often not entirely adequate to account for the behavior of individuals. Lawbreaking is quite probably related to the psychic needs of individuals as well as social and economic influences that play upon them. On this point, Jack Katz (1988) has explored the personal meanings of homicidal acts, shoplifting, and a number of other kinds of criminality to the persons who have engaged in these acts.

Sutherlandā€™s theory of differential association (Sutherland, Cressey, and Luckenbill 1992, pp.88ā€“ 90) has been one of the most influential sociological theories about the processes through which persons come to engage in criminality. Sutherland maintained that criminal behavior, including techniques of committing crime and conduct definitions favorable to lawbreaking activity, is learned in association with other persons. Many of the associations of persons involve face-to-face contact, but conduct definitions favoring criminality can be acquired indirectly from reference groups, that is, from persons who are important to individuals but with whom they do not directly associate. Sutherland also contended that associations vary in frequency, duration, priority, and intensity (the personal meaning or significance to individuals of particular social ties).

A very different theory, directed mainly at the explanation of juvenile delinquency, is that if, through faulty socialization, individuals fail to become bonded or connected to others (that is, if they do not develop positive attachments to adult persons such as parents or teachers), they will then be unlikely to refrain from misbehavior (Hirschi 1969). The emphasis in this argument is on the failure to acquire prosocial, nondelinquent sentiments rather than on the learning of antisocial ones. In this view, delinquency is the result of defective socialization rather than of socialization patterns through which criminal attitudes are learned. A more recent but related version of this argument, noted earlier in this essay, is that of Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990), who have claimed that criminality and other forms of deviance are most often engaged in by persons who are low on self-control.

Theoretical Integration

Clearly, there is a wealth of differing arguments about the causes of crime and individual lawbreaking now in existence. Not surprisingly, then, a number of scholars have begun to ask whether it might be possible to amalgamate some or all of these varied lines of explanation into an integrated theory and thereby to develop a more powerful causal argument. Some criminologists have suggested that biological, psychological, and sociological contentions about crime all have some part to play in explaining crime and that, therefore, they should be integrated (Barak 1998). Others have proposed more limited forms of integration in which, for example, several sociological arguments might be merged into a single formulation (e.g., Tittle 1995; Braithwaite 1989) or in which psychological claims about lawbreaking might be linked or integrated with sociological ones. But to date, criminological investigators have not moved very far in the direction of sophisticated theoretical integrations. Further research on the interconnections between biological, psychological, and social factors in crime and criminal conduct will probably be required if integrative efforts are to bear fruit.

References:

  • Andrews, D.A., and James Bonta 1998 The Psychology of Criminal Conduct, 2d ed. Cincinnati: Anderson.
  • Andrews, D.A., and J. Stephen Wormith 1989 ā€˜ā€˜Personality and Crime: Knowledge Destruction and Construction.ā€™ā€™ Justice Quarterly 6:289ā€“309.
  • Barak, Gregg 1998 Integrating Criminologies. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
  • Baron, Larry, and Murray A. Straus 1987 ā€˜ā€˜Four Theories of Rape: A Macrosociological Analysis.ā€™ā€™ Social Problems 34:467ā€“489.
  • Blackburn, Ronald 1993 The Psychology of Criminal Conduct. New York: Wiley.
  • Braithwaite, John 1979 Inequality, Crime and Public Policy. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul.
  • Braithwaite, John 1989 Crime, Shame, and Reintegration. Cambridge, Eng.: Cambridge University Press.
  • Carroll, Leo, and Pamela Irving Jackson 1983 ā€˜ā€˜Inequality, Opportunity, and Crime Rates in Central Cities.ā€™ā€™ Criminology 21:178ā€“194.
  • Chaiken, Jan, and Marcia Chaiken 1982 Varieties of Criminal Behavior. Santa Monica, Calif.: Rand.
  • Chambliss, William 1975 ā€˜ā€˜Toward a Political Economy of Crime.ā€™ā€™ Theory and Society 2:148ā€“155.
  • Cohen, Lawrence E., and Marcus Felson 1979 ā€˜ā€˜Social Change and Crime Rate Trends: A Routine Activities Approach.ā€™ā€™ American Sociological Review 44:588ā€“607.
  • Coleman, James W. 1987 ā€˜ā€˜Toward an Integrated Theory of White-Collar Crime.ā€™ā€™American Journal of Sociology 93:406ā€“439.
  • Cressey, Donald R. 1951 ā€˜ā€˜Epidemiology and Individual Conduct: A Case From Criminology.ā€™ā€™ Pacific Sociological Review 3:47ā€“58.
  • Currie, Elliott 1985 Confronting Crime. New York: Pantheon.
  • Farr, Kathryn Ann, and Don C. Gibbons 1990 ā€˜ā€˜Observations on the Development of Crime Categories.ā€™ā€™ International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology 34:223ā€“237.
  • Fishbein, Diana H. 1990 ā€˜ā€˜Biological Perspectives in Criminology.ā€™ā€™ Criminology 28:27ā€“72.
  • Gibbons, Don C. 1965 Changing the Lawbreaker. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall.
  • Gibbons, Don C. 1979 The Criminological Enterprise. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall.
  • Gibbons, Don C. 1983 ā€˜ā€˜Mundane Crime.ā€™ā€™ Crime and Delinquency 29:213ā€“227.
  • Gibbons, Don C. 1985 ā€˜ā€˜The Assumption of the Efficacy of Middle- Range Explanations: Typologies.ā€™ā€™ In R.F. Meier, ed., Theoretical Methods in Criminology .Beverly Hills, Calif.: Sage.
  • Gibbons, Don C. 1989 ā€˜ā€˜Comment-Personality and Crime: Non- Issues, Real Issues, and a Theory and Research Agenda.ā€™ā€™ Justice Quarterly 6:311ā€“323.
  • Gibbons, Don C. 1992 Society, Crime, and Criminal Behavior, 6th ed. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall.
  • Gibbons, Don C. 1994 Talking About Crime and Criminals. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall.
  • Gibbs, Jack P. 1985 ā€˜ā€˜The Methodology of Theory Construction in Criminology,ā€™ā€™ In R.F. Meier, ed., Theoretical Methods in Criminology. Beverly Hills, Calif.: Sage.
  • Gottfredson, Michael R., and Travis Hirschi 1990 A General Theory of Crime. Stanford, Calif.: Stanford University Press.
  • Hirschi, Travis 1969 Causes of Delinquency. Berkeley: University of California Press.
  • Katz, Jack 1988 Seductions of Crime. New York: Basic Books.
  • Messner, Steven F., and Richard Rosenfeld 1994 Crime and the American Dream. Belmont, Calif.: Wadsworth.
  • Polk, Kenneth 1994 When Men Kill. Cambridge, Eng.: Cambridge University Press.
  • Quinney, Richard 1974 Critique of Legal Order. Boston: Little, Brown.
  • Quinney, Richard 1977 Class, State, and Crime. New York: McKay.
  • Ross, H. Laurence 1960-61 ā€˜ā€˜Traffic Law Violation: A Folk Crime.ā€™ā€™ Social Problems 9:231ā€“241.
  • Ross, H. Laurence 1973 ā€˜ā€˜Folk Crime Revisited.ā€™ā€™ Criminology 11:41ā€“85.
  • Schrager, Laura Shill, and James F. Short, Jr. 1978 ā€˜ā€˜Toward a Sociology of Organizational Crime.ā€™ā€™ Social Problems 25:407ā€“419.
  • Schuessler, Karl F., and Donald R. Cressey 1950 ā€˜ā€˜Personality Characteristicsof Criminals.ā€™ā€™ American Journal of Sociology 55:476ā€“484.
  • Sutherland, Edwin H. 1949 White Collar Crime. New York: Dryden.
  • Sutherland, Edwin H., Donald R. Cressey, and David F. Luckenbill 1992 Principles of Criminology, 11th ed. Dix Hills, N.Y.: General Hall.
  • Tennenbaum, D. J. 1977 ā€˜ā€˜Personality and Criminality: A Summary and Implications of the Literature.ā€™ā€™ Journal of Criminal Justice 5:225ā€“235.
  • Tittle, Charles R. 1995 Control Balance. Boulder, Colo.: Westview.
  • Trasler, Gordon 1987 ā€˜ā€˜Biogenetic Factors.ā€™ā€™ In Herbert C. Quay, ed., Handbook of Juvenile Delinquency. New York: Wiley.
  • Turk, Austin T. 1982 Political Criminality. Beverly Hills, Calif.: Sage.
  • van Dijk, Jan J., Pat Mayhew, and Martin Killias 1990 Experiences of Crime Across the World. Deventer, The Netherlands: Kluwer Law and Taxation Publishers.

Browse other Sociology Research Paper Topics .

ORDER HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM PAPER

topics for research paper in criminology

Illustration

  • Research Paper Guides
  • Research Paper Topics

Criminal Justice Research Topics: 250+ Ideas to Write About

  • Speech Topics
  • Basics of Essay Writing
  • Essay Topics
  • Other Essays
  • Main Academic Essays
  • Basics of Research Paper Writing
  • Miscellaneous
  • Chicago/ Turabian
  • Data & Statistics
  • Methodology
  • Admission Writing Tips
  • Admission Advice
  • Other Guides
  • Student Life
  • Studying Tips
  • Understanding Plagiarism
  • Academic Writing Tips
  • Basics of Dissertation & Thesis Writing

Illustration

  • Essay Guides
  • Formatting Guides
  • Basics of Research Process
  • Admission Guides
  • Dissertation & Thesis Guides

Criminal justice research paper topics

Table of contents

Illustration

Use our free Readability checker

If you landed on this blog, chances are you are looking for engaging criminal justice research paper topics. This intricate field is brimming with potential subjects, yet not all of them lend themselves to effective research. So, how to navigate this sea of possibilities, you would ask. Fear not, as our dedicated online essay writer team has done all the heavy lifting for you. Check out these criminal justice topics for a research paper, each providing a different perspective.

What Are Criminal Justice Research Topics?

Criminal justice is the branch of law that focuses on punishing those who break the law and preventing others from doing so. It consists of criminal and civil justice systems, which are responsible for investigating, prosecuting, and resolving legal disputes.

With this in mind, criminal justice research topics can include a wide variety of both theoretical and empirical aspects ranging from crime prevention strategies to prison reform. Some other examples of criminal justice topics include types of crime, corrections and rehabilitation, law enforcement and policing, social control theories, sentencing policies, and more.

Characteristics of Good Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

Beginning your study without a properly selected criminal justice topic can steer you off course. For this reason, you should consider topics that satisfy the following criteria:

  • Relevance Do some research to determine if your topic is timely and relevant to the field of criminal justice.
  • Engagement You should select not only easy research paper topics for criminal justice, but also those that you find interesting.
  • Scope Make sure your topic is not too broad or narrow for the scope of your project.
  • Accessibility Ensure you can find enough reliable sources for research and support your thesis.
  • Debate Is the criminal justice topic for research papers controversial or open for discussion? This can make a paper much more meaningful.

How to Choose a Criminal Justice Research Topic?

Once you understand the criteria for great criminology topics for research, itā€™s time to consider potential ideas. Follow these steps to get you on the right track:

  • Understand your interests Start by identifying your interests within criminology. Reflect on the courses, lectures, or readings that sparked your curiosity.
  • Identify current issues Stay up-to-date with recent developments in the field. Read scholarly articles, news reports, and policy papers to recognize burning topics.
  • Polish Narrow down your selection by researching whatā€™s already been completed in the field.
  • Investigate Research each of your refined topics in criminal justice to determine whether there is enough reliable data. Can you access necessary records, reports, or subjects for investigation?
  • Finalize your topic After considering the above factors, make your final choice.

Remember that you can always rely on our professional online research paper writers . We have experts holding a Ph.D. degree in law and having a solid track record in writing academic works on different criminology research paper topics.

List of Top Criminal Justice Research Topics

Below we have curated a list of current criminological research topics, each unique as a fingerprint. Our paper writers did their best to tailor this assortment to unique research needs. Every topic on this list allows us to delve deeper into the many faces of criminal justice, whether it's a question about modern technology's role or an investigation into longstanding procedures.

  • Analyzing the influence of social media on modern crime reporting.
  • Investigating the role of body cameras in policing: Are they legit tools or privacy invaders?
  • How mandatory sentencing laws contribute to the issue of prison overcrowding.
  • Are we ready for cybercrime, the invisible threat of our era?
  • Understanding the root causes of hate crimes and potential preventive measures.
  • Delving into recidivism rates to evaluate the success of rehabilitation programs.
  • Significant role of forensic science in contemporary law enforcement.
  • Re-evaluating the ethics of the death penalty in today's society.
  • Is community policing a passing trend or a lasting solution?
  • Should victimless crimes fall under the purview of the criminal justice system?
  • How domestic violence laws affect family structures.
  • Probing into racial profiling practices in law enforcement.
  • Juvenile justice system: a struggle between rehabilitation and punishment.
  • Eyewitness testimony: A reliable source of evidence or a roll of the dice?
  • Can restorative justice be an effective alternative to traditional criminal justice methods?

Good Criminal Justice Research Topics

As any seasoned expert would confirm, the foundation of a good investigation, or in our case, a study, is built on a robust subject. Our team has scoured the scene and discovered ten topics, each as unique as a detective's case and rich with resources for a comprehensive study. Ranging from law enforcement techniques to judicial practices, these topics are versatile, offering you a broad spectrum to explore.

  • Developing strategies to prevent and prosecute human trafficking.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of drug courts in managing substance abuse offenders.
  • Crafting successful crime prevention strategies for high crime neighborhoods.
  • Gun control laws and rates of violent crime: Correlational study .
  • How does socioeconomic status influence criminal behavior?
  • The interplay between drug abuse and criminal activity.
  • Decoding the effectiveness of parole systems: are they working as intended?
  • Is immigration tied to crime rates? A fresh look.
  • The impact of disparities in legal representation on judicial outcomes.
  • The use of lie detector tests in law enforcement: are they beneficial or problematic?
  • The influence of the #MeToo movement on the evolution of sexual assault laws.
  • Why is crisis intervention training critical for today's police officers?
  • Does the 'Three Strikes' law deter crime? An empirical investigation.
  • The role of mass media in shaping public perception of crime.
  • Why is victim advocacy important in the criminal justice system?

Easy Criminal Justice Research Topics

If you are a novice researcher, the range of topics might seem intimidating. Donā€™t worry ā€” here we present criminal justice paper topics that will provide an easy start for your study.

  • How law enforcement plays a role in ensuring community safety?
  • Delving into the workings of the juvenile justice system.
  • Fine line between privacy and security in modern surveillance practices.
  • What happens when drug use is decriminalized? An in-depth study.
  • What are some parameters of police brutality?
  • White-collar crime and its ripple effects on the economy.
  • An exploration of the psychological factors driving criminal behavior.
  • Challenges faced in rehabilitating prisoners: A comprehensive review.
  • How does education contribute to crime prevention strategies?
  • Is the bail system fair? An analysis.
  • How do crime-themed TV shows influence public perception of the criminal justice system?
  • What are some implications of overpopulation in prisons?
  • Unmasking cybercrime: Its impact on individuals and businesses.
  • Domestic violence: Understanding its causes, consequences, and potential solutions.
  • How is social media reshaping modern law enforcement practices?

General Criminal Justice Research Topics

Tackling a criminal justice research paper is never an easy feat. To help you make this process smoother, here are some common topics for a criminal justice paper. Feel free to make them your own or explore these ideas further.

  • How do socioeconomic factors influence crime rates?
  • A comprehensive review of alternative sentencing methods.
  • The impact of media bias on public perception of crime.
  • Analyzing the causes and effects of wrongful convictions.
  • How does neighborhood environment contribute to crime rates?
  • The pros and cons of private prisons: An objective analysis.
  • The role of victim advocacy in the criminal justice system.
  • Examining the trend of cyberbullying and its legal consequences.
  • What influences jurors' decisions? An exploration.
  • The efficacy of gun control laws in reducing violent crime.
  • A comparative study of criminal justice systems across the world.
  • Uncovering the impact of organized crime on society.
  • The evolution of women's role in law enforcement.
  • Human rights issues within the criminal justice system.
  • Modern surveillance techniques.

Interesting Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

Are you looking for something more unconventional? Donā€™t worry, we have you covered. Here are some interesting criminal justice topics for research papers that your professors will surely appreciate.

  • Psychology of serial killers: nature vs. nurture.
  • How can artificial intelligence help in predicting and preventing crime?
  • Unmasking the dark web: Its influence on cybercrime rates.
  • How forensic science has revolutionized crime-solving.
  • The impact of drug decriminalization on crime rates: A case study .
  • Analyzing the true effectiveness of crime profiling in solving cases.
  • How does prison architecture influence inmate behavior and rehabilitation?
  • The role of cryptocurrency in facilitating online crime.
  • True crime podcasts and their impact on public perception of criminal justice.
  • The impact of climate change on crime rates.
  • Examining the intersection between immigration law and criminal justice.
  • The role of cultural factors in shaping crime rates globally.
  • How social media is used in solving crimes: An exploration.
  • How can virtual reality technology be used for training in law enforcement?
  • Crime and justice in dystopian literature: Its implications on society.

Controversial Criminal Justice Research Topics

While the field of criminal justice holds a vast array of researchable areas, it's often in controversy where the most thought-provoking discussions arise. To spark your creative juices, here are some debatable topics for a criminal justice research paper.

  • Ethical dilemmas of entrapment in law enforcement.
  • Is racial profiling a necessary evil or an unfair practice?
  • Potential consequences of full-scale drug legalization.
  • Using torture in interrogations: An ethical necessity or a grave misstep?
  • Solitary confinement: An effective deterrent or a practice of inhumanity?
  • Where does the debate stand on stricter gun control laws?
  • Analyzing implications of mass surveillance on personal privacy.
  • Restorative justice versus retributive justice: Which proves to be more effective?
  • Controversy surrounding the privatization of prisons.
  • How does socioeconomic status play a role in sentencing?
  • Implications and effects of sentencing minors as adults.
  • Dissecting the controversial practice of criminal profiling.
  • Police militarization: A necessary protection or an instance of excessive force?
  • What are the effects of false accusations on public trust in law enforcement?
  • Is it ethical to use lie detectors and voice stress analysis for criminal investigations?

>> Read more: Law Research Paper Topics

Unique Criminal Justice Research Topics Ideas

Are you all set to write your paper but canā€™t seem to find an authentic topic? Look no further ā€” here are some unique criminal justice topics to write about.

  • Graffiti: Is it vandalism or expression?
  • The role of body language in lie detection.
  • What is the impact of parental incarceration on child development?
  • How do video games influence youth criminal behavior?
  • Crime in space: Who holds legal jurisdiction and how is law enforcement managed extraterrestrially?
  • Understanding the role of cryptocurrency in money laundering.
  • How does social media influence jury bias?
  • Fashion and crime: How does clothing play a role in criminal identification?
  • Evaluating the impact of Covid-19 on domestic violence rates.
  • What has caused the rise of eco-terrorism and what are its consequences?
  • How does pop culture influence youth criminal behavior?
  • Examining the impact of virtual reality on the future of law enforcement training.
  • Animal rights and criminal justice: What laws and ethical questions need exploration?
  • Has dark tourism had an impact on crime rates in famous crime sites?
  • What are some implications of overcrowding and overpopulation in prisons?

Criminology Research Topics

Criminology, the scientific study of crime, criminal behavior, and the law, presents a world of fascinating subjects ripe for exploration. From analyzing the psychology behind criminal acts to examining the social factors influencing crime rates, criminology research offers multiple issues for consideration. Scroll down to find the best research topics for criminology.

Criminology Research Topics Based on Theories

Theories offer a backbone to any field of study, and criminology is no exception. They help to explain why crimes occur and what factors contribute to them. With a theoretical framework , we can dissect the complexities of crime from a fresh, intriguing perspective. Below you can find criminal law research topics grounded in theories.

  • Exploring the impact of the Broken Windows Theory on modern law enforcement.
  • How does Social Learning Theory apply to cybercrime?
  • Understanding the influence of Labeling Theory on youth crime rates.
  • Application of Rational Choice Theory to drug use.
  • Why do people obey the law? An exploration of Social Control Theory.
  • How does gender influence crime?
  • The intersection of Routine Activity Theory and domestic burglary.
  • Biosocial Theory and the nature vs nurture debate in criminology.
  • How does Cultural Criminology influence hate crimes?
  • Class and crime: A perspective from Marxist Criminology.
  • Unpacking the influence of Social Disorganization Theory on community crime rates.
  • Is serial killing explained by General Strain Theory?
  • Differential Association Theory: a pathway to understanding gang violence.
  • What role does Neutralization Theory play in juvenile delinquency?
  • Does the Deterrence Theory hold true? Does fear of punishment prevent crime?

Criminology Research and Measurement Topics

Equipped with advanced data collection methods, a criminologist can use quantitative research to measure the impact of various criminological phenomena. Here are some interesting criminal justice topics for exploring law through exploration and measurement.

  • Evaluating the accuracy of crime rate statistics.
  • How effective are crime prediction models?
  • Understanding crime patterns using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
  • Data analytics in modern crime investigation.
  • How do victim surveys contribute to our understanding of crime?
  • What are some implications of the dark figure of crime on criminology research?
  • Quantitative methods for analyzing juvenile crime trends.
  • Measuring the effectiveness of community policing strategies.
  • How does measurement error impact crime statistics?
  • Evaluating the reliability and validity of self-report crime surveys.
  • Understanding domestic violence through qualitative research methods .
  • The use of longitudinal studies in crime causation research.
  • Using artificial intelligence to predict crime hotspots.
  • The role of ethnographic studies in understanding gang culture.
  • The impact of biased sampling on crime research findings.

International Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

As our world becomes more interconnected, understanding the complexities of international criminal justice is paramount. The pursuit of justice without borders is not just a theoretical exercise; it's a call to shape a fairer society on a global scale. We've curated a list of compelling international criminal justice topics to write a paper on.

  • How effective are International Criminal Courts?
  • Exploring the challenges of transnational crime in the age of globalization.
  • The role of the United Nations in maintaining international law and order.
  • Genocide and crimes against humanity: How effective is the international response?
  • What are some legal and ethical implications of drone warfare?
  • The impact of international law on combating terrorism.
  • Cross-border data privacy and international criminal justice.
  • Evolution and effectiveness of international humanitarian law.
  • How does international law address state-sponsored terrorism?
  • International maritime law and piracy: How effective are the current measures?
  • Evaluating the role of the International Criminal Court in the prosecution of war crimes.
  • Evolution and impact of international laws on human trafficking.
  • Analyzing international laws concerning the use of nuclear weapons.
  • The extradition process: Challenges and implications for international criminal justice.
  • International laws governing cyber warfare.

Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics on Society

How does law shape and get shaped by societal norms and attitudes? That's what we aim to explore in this section. We've compiled a list of good research topics for criminal justice, each one illuminating the link between law and society.

  • How does media representation affect public perception of crime?
  • Societal impacts of prison overcrowding.
  • How does education level influence criminal behavior?
  • Does socioeconomic status influence judicial outcomes?
  • How do societal attitudes towards drugs shape drug laws?
  • The role of community support in offender rehabilitation.
  • Social consequences of racial profiling.
  • Does neighborhood environment influence youth criminal behavior?
  • How does social stigma impact ex-convicts' reintegration into society?
  • What is the social impact of zero-tolerance policies in schools?
  • How does society perceive and react to "victimless crimes"?
  • Social repercussions of wrongful convictions.
  • How do social media platforms contribute to or prevent crime?
  • Effects of implementing restorative justice.
  • How does media bias influence public opinion on criminal justice?

>> Learn more: Sociology Research Topics

Research Topics in Criminal Justice System

In this section, we will investigate the criminal justice system and its various facets. Explore these research topics for criminal justice to gain a better understanding of how the law system works.

  • Analyzing the role of police discretion in modern policing.
  • The impact of plea bargaining on the criminal justice system.
  • How has gentrification impacted crime rates?
  • What role does prison system play in perpetuating social inequality?
  • How does the school-to-prison pipeline affect youth?
  • Are crime rates influenced by climate change?
  • The opioid crisis: What is its effect on the criminal justice system?
  • How effective are sex offender registries?
  • Are predictive analytics a viable tool for police departments?
  • What is the justice system's response to online hate crimes?
  • Do DNA databases pose a threat to privacy and civil liberties?
  • The role of the criminal justice system in addressing homelessness.
  • How is virtual reality changing forensic investigations?
  • How is the aging inmate population affecting the prison system?
  • Is blockchain technology a viable solution for crime prevention?

Criminal Justice Research Topics on Types of Crime

This section focuses on the various types of crime and criminal behavior. Get to know the key issues concerning different categories of crime with these suggested criminal justice topics for an essay and research paper.

  • The rise of cybercrime: causes, impacts, and responses.
  • A comprehensive study of hate crimes in the 21st century.
  • Evolution of organized crime: From prohibition to cyber syndicates.
  • Human trafficking: Examining modern-day slave trades.
  • Domestic violence: Hidden costs and societal impacts.
  • Understanding the trends and impacts of drug-related crimes.
  • An examination of terrorism in the post-9/11 era.
  • Corporate crimes: Analysis of impacts and regulatory measures.
  • Wildlife crimes and their impact on biodiversity.
  • Cyberbullying: Understanding its psychological effects and legal repercussions.
  • What drives the high rates of recidivism in property crimes?
  • Identity theft in the digital age: Impacts and preventive measures.
  • Intellectual property crimes: How are they impacting innovation?
  • Psychology behind serial killings.
  • Financial crimes in the era of cryptocurrencies.

>> Read more: Psychology Research Topics

Criminal Justice Research Topics About Court Cases

This section highlights some of the most significant court cases in criminal justice history. Pick any one of these criminal justice topics to research a legal precedent or event.

  • Analysis of court cases that have influenced capital punishment policies.
  • A review of major court cases that transformed juvenile justice.
  • Analysis of court cases addressing the rights of crime victims.
  • Roe v. Wade and its implications for abortion law in the US.
  • Miranda v Arizona: A landmark decision that redefined police interrogations.
  • Gideon v Wainwright: The landmark case that guaranteed the right to counsel.
  • Engle v Vitale: Examining effects of this important school prayer ruling.
  • The trial of Socrates and its influence on philosophical thought.
  • Schenck v United States: Exploring free speech rights during wartime.
  • Marbury v Madison: Analyzing impacts of judicial review on US law.
  • Katz v US: Exploring the Fourth Amendment's protection of privacy.
  • The impact of Brown v Board of Education on civil rights in America.
  • United States v Nixon: Examining the president's right to executive privilege.
  • Examining legal implications of Terry v Ohio and stop-and-frisk policies.
  • Griswold v Connecticut: Analyzing the effects of a birth control ruling.

Criminal Justice Research Topics on Racism & Discrimination

Below we offer to explore the complex relationship between racism and criminal justice. Select any of these trending ideas for criminal justice research papers and essays.

  • The intersection of race and capital punishment.
  • An analysis of racial disparities in sentencing.
  • How do racial biases influence jury selection?
  • The impact of "stop and frisk" policies on communities of color.
  • Is there racial discrimination in the bail system?
  • Immigration enforcement and allegations of racial profiling.
  • Racial disparities in the juvenile justice system.
  • The influence of racial bias in death penalty cases.
  • Race and the war on drugs.
  • Racial discrimination in the implementation of three strikes laws.
  • Impact of police brutality on racial minorities.
  • Racism and its influence on probation decisions.
  • Ethnic disparities in the enforcement of hate crime legislation.
  • The relationship between neighborhood racial composition and police use of force.
  • Racial bias in risk assessment tools.

Research Topics in Criminal Justice for Ph.D.

If you are searching for PhD-level topics related to criminal justice, go no further. Choose any of the following criminal justice research proposal topics for your doctoral dissertation or thesis project.

  • Rehabilitation programs for incarcerated veterans.
  • Cyber forensics: New frontiers in solving crime.
  • An exploration of crime among the elderly population: Hidden statistics.
  • The impact of evolving technologies on intellectual property crime.
  • Impact of climate change on global crime patterns: An empirical analysis.
  • Criminology of anonymous cybercrime.
  • Understanding crime among indigenous populations: A comparative study.
  • An evaluation of crime reporting systems in smart cities.
  • The role of public transportation design in crime occurrence.
  • Cybercrime legislation across different jurisdictions.
  • Migration and crime: A quantitative study.
  • Complexities of dealing with organized crime syndicates.
  • Economic globalization and transnational crime patterns.
  • Correlation between drug abuse and crime rates: Longitudinal study.
  • Ethical implications of predictive policing.

Criminal Justice Research Questions

If you need to come up with a research question for criminal justice, here are a few ideas. These criminal justice issue topics can come in handy for both college students and university graduates.

  • How does technology within law enforcement agencies impact crime rates?
  • How effective are neighborhood watch programs in deterring crime?
  • What is the impact of drug decriminalization on crime rates?
  • What factors influence the success rate of exonerations?
  • How does the portrayal of law enforcement in the media influence public trust?
  • What is the effect of witness protection programs on successful prosecution rates?
  • How do the conditions of solitary confinement affect prisoner mental health?
  • How has the rise of online black markets changed the face of organized crime?
  • What role does family structure play in juvenile delinquency?
  • What is the impact of victim advocacy programs on the judicial process?
  • How have recent changes in immigration policy impacted crime rates?
  • What effect do right-to-carry laws have on violent crime rates?
  • How have digital forensics evolved to combat cybercrime?
  • To what extent does the militarization of police influence community relations?
  • How has the legalization of marijuana impacted crime rates in various states?

Bottom Line on Criminology Research Topics

We did our best to provide you with worthwhile ideas and topics to research in criminal justice. Whether you prefer to focus on psychological, sociological, legal, or organizational aspects of crime and justice, there are plenty of great research questions to choose from. Be sure to double-check any topic with your instructor before beginning your assignment. Likewise, you can consult with our experts to receive professional college paper writing service .

Illustration

With our professional research and term paper help , you'll find relief from academic pressure, and receive high-quality work that ticks all your professor's boxes. Let us take care of the hard work so you can focus on what matters most to you.

Daniel_Howard_1_1_2da08f03b5.jpg

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

You may also like

230 Law Research Paper Topics to Write About

StatAnalytica

135+ Amazing Criminal Justice Research Topics In 2023

criminal justice research topics

Are you a law student or enrolled in law college? Are you looking for criminal justice research topics? Here, in this blog, you can find your criminal justice research topics. Statanalytca.com explains the 135 amazing criminal research paper topic ideas for 2023 in this blog.

When we listen to the word criminal justice, many words come into our mind like “victim,” “enforcement,” “crimes,” “courts,” “prison,” and law sanctions. Criminal justice is a term that governments make to justice for people, reduce and make decisions to prevent crimes. Governments make law sanctions to reduce crimes. Every country has a different criminal justice system.

The criminal justice system in the United States is a complex system of federal, state, and local laws, with state and federal constitutions, international treaties, and customary law. Each layer of government shares responsibility for a different aspect of the process. Federal law enforcement agencies enforce laws that may be broken by people who are not in their jurisdiction.

For example : When an individual from New York City travels to Florida to commit a crime such as a robbery or murder they will be arrested by the Florida police and handed over to federal authorities.

A criminal justice research paper necessarily requires accuracy, attention, and patience. Sometimes students are confused about writing criminal research paper topics, or they have a shortage of time to complete research papers.

Most college students ask for assignments to write criminal justice research papers. If you want criminal justice research paper help, you can take our trusted  research paper assignment help .

How To Choose A Good Research Topics

Table of Contents

Choosing a research topic is a very challenging task. You should pick a topic that is both interesting and relevant to your audience. You should analyze the crime report before choosing the criminal justice research topics. Research the types of crimes in your country and where your country ranks in the global crime index.

Some research topics include the following:

  • The role of law enforcement, prosecutors, and public defenders.
  • Challenges with eyewitness identifications.
  • Different types of evidence are used in criminal cases.
  • The effect of jury selection on trials.
  • How criminal justice impacts mental health.

What Is a Research Paper in Criminal Justice?

A research paper in criminal justice is an academic paper presenting findings from research on a specific criminal justice topic. These papers typically require extensive research and analysis of primary and secondary sources, such as case studies, official reports, statistics, and academic literature. The research paper aims to contribute new knowledge to the criminal justice field, identify trends or patterns, or assess the effectiveness of interventions or policies.

Research papers in criminal justice typically follow a standard academic format, including an introduction that sets the context and research questions, a literature review that summarizes existing research, a methodology section that outlines the research design and data collection methods, a results section that presents findings, and a conclusion that summarizes the research’s significance and implications.

Criminal justice research papers may focus on various topics, including the legal system’s operations, law enforcement practices, corrections, crime prevention, and victimization. These papers may be used to inform policymakers, practitioners, and academics about the state of the criminal justice system and suggest evidence-based solutions to improve its effectiveness and fairness.

Let’s Discuss The Criminal Justice Research Topics-

Here in this section, we will tell you some of the best criminal justice research topics for 2023:-

Basic Criminology and Criminal Justice Research Topics

  • Basic criminal Research Topics.
  • History of Criminal Ethics.
  • Criminology as Social Science.
  • Criminology and Public Policy.
  • Advantages of Private Prisons.
  • Civil Crimes vs War Crimes.
  • Offenses Against Religion & Cultural Traits.
  • Causes of victimization.

Court Cases Criminal Justice Research Topics

  • Can victims of crime receive help?
  • How serious are shoplifting incidents?
  • When do felony disenfranchisement laws apply?
  • Is organized crime and corruption synonymous?
  • What is legal help available to victims of date rape?
  • What is the difference between civil and criminal cases?
  • Forensic science: how effective is it in modern criminal justice?
  • Is there a link between substance abuse, crime, and substance use?
  • Who is eligible for the protection program, and what protection is provided?
  • Prison rape and violence: What can be done to prevent sexual and domestic violence in prison?

Controversial Criminal Justice Research Topics

  • Gun control causes.
  • Struggle with mental health issues.
  • Police officers’ legal rights are limited.
  • College Violence Causes.
  • Gun violence and prevention policies.
  • Crimes Propaganda and Modern Music Culture.
  • Race and politics of criminal justice.
  • An investigation into victim services.
  • Eyewitness Evidence Importance.
  • Legal codes used in America.
  • Zero tolerance policy and crime rates.
  • Sexual assault.
  • culture, and gender equality.
  • What is the best way to reduce recidivism?
  • pros and cons of prisons in America.
  • Criminalization of poverty.
  • Gender and Punishment.
  • The effects of drugs on childrenā€™s development.
  • Effects of drug addiction on mental health.
  • Youth offenders and Bootcamps.

Debate Criminal Justice Research Topics

  • Failures in criminal justice.
  • Criminal justice system expectations.
  • Statistical analysis in criminal justice.
  • Debate on criminal justice act.
  • criminal justice trend evaluation.
  • Trends in the criminal justice system.
  • Criminal justice system corrections in the USA.
  • Find the solution to prevent crimes.

Criminology Research Topics On Theories

  • Is employment related to law violations?
  • What is the relationship between family status and legal violations?
  • Is gender related to the type of law violation?
  • What is the relationship between citizenship and law enforcement?
  • How does education relate to crime levels?
  • How does gun ownership relate to breaking the law?
  • Is there a link between immigration status and law violations?
  • What types of crimes are common at what ages?
  • How does the type of crime relate to the level of aggression?

Top 10 Hot Criminology Research Topics

  • Crime is explained culturally.
  • The media’s role in criminology.
  • The advantages of convict criminology.
  • The major issues in postmodern criminology.
  • Is politics influencing criminal behavior?
  • How does DAWN collect information?
  • The shortcomings of crime mapping.
  • Crime rates and community deterioration.
  • Certain personality traits trigger criminal behavior.
  • Does experimental criminology have an impact on social policy?

Criminal Justice Research Topics Based On Crime and Communities

  • The impact of community policing on crime prevention in urban areas.
  • The effectiveness of restorative justice programs in reducing recidivism rates.
  • The relationship between poverty and crime in urban communities.
  • The role of race and ethnicity in criminal justice outcomes and disparities.
  • The effectiveness of community-based interventions in reducing juvenile delinquency.
  • The impact of gun laws on violent crime in urban communities.
  • Social media’s role in spreading crime and its effects on communities.
  • The effectiveness of drug courts in reducing drug-related crimes and improving public safety.
  • The relationship between mental illness and criminal behavior in urban communities.
  • The impact of immigration policies on crime and public safety in urban areas.
  • The effectiveness of re-entry programs for ex-offenders in reducing recidivism and promoting successful reintegration into society.
  • The impact of community-based victim services on the criminal justice system and crime prevention.
  • The relationship between neighborhood social disorganization and crime rates.
  • The role of technology in improving crime prevention and solving crimes in urban communities.
  • The effectiveness of community-based diversion programs for non-violent offenders.
  • The impact of neighborhood watch programs on crime prevention and community safety.
  • The role of community involvement in addressing hate crimes and bias incidents.
  • The impact of domestic violence on communities and the criminal justice response.
  • The effectiveness of drug treatment programs in reducing drug-related crime and improving public health.
  • The criminal justice system’s impact on marginalized communities and efforts to promote equity and justice.

Criminal Justice Research Topics On Racism and Discrimination

  • Eliminating discrimination in the criminal justice system.
  • Gender Bias in Eyewitnesses.
  • African American Legislative Apartheid.
  • Racial Discrimination in College Campuses.
  • How criminal justice law is enacted on Migrants.
  • Inequality in the criminal justice system Research.

General Criminal Justice Research Topics

  • Police brutality and excessive force
  • Criminal profiling and investigation techniques
  • Restorative justice programs
  • Cybercrime and cyberterrorism
  • Gun control policies and their effectiveness
  • The impact of race and ethnicity on sentencing
  • Juvenile delinquency prevention and intervention
  • Wrongful convictions and the death penalty
  • Gender and crime
  • Drug policy and its impact on crime.
  • Community policing and trust-building strategies
  • The effectiveness of rehabilitation and reentry programs for offenders
  • Domestic violence and its impact on victims
  • Crime prevention through environmental design
  • Forensic science and the reliability of evidence in criminal investigations
  • Corruption in law enforcement and the criminal justice system
  • Mental health treatment for inmates and offenders
  • Human trafficking and modern-day slavery
  • The use of technology in criminal investigations and surveillance
  • The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the criminal justice system.

Types of Criminal Justice Research Topics  

  • Homicide, serial murders, and serial murder are the most popular topics in murder studies.
  • A case study of robbery crime, unusual daylight robbery in a news article.
  • Identity Theft and Ways to Protect, the prevalence of identity theft in the community, causes, and effects of cell phone theft.
  • Analysis and critique of Current fraud cases, Fraud and business ethics, fraud schemes, and investigation.

International Criminal Law Topics

  • Criminal ethics, criminal law research assignment paper.
  • Criminal courtroom observation reaction.
  • Childhood obesity.
  • Crime Prevention.
  • International crimes and their laws.
  • International criminal court.
  • Human Rights and Inequality.
  • Rape Cases.

Criminal Justice Research Topics For College Students

  • The Impact of Police Body Cameras on Law Enforcement Accountability
  • Violent Crime Reduction Effectiveness of Restorative Justice Programs
  • Racial Disparities in Sentencing and Their Implications for Justice
  • The Role of Mental Health Services in Diverting Offenders from the Criminal Justice System
  • Media Effects on Perceptions of Crime and Criminal Conduct
  • Examining the Use of Technology in Solving Crimes and Enhancing Investigations
  • Juvenile Justice Policies: Rehabilitation vs. Punishment
  • The Intersection of Immigration Policies and Criminal Justice Outcomes
  • Criminal Profiling and its Reliability in Solving Crimes
  • The Effect of Minimum Sentence Laws on Incarceration Rates and Public Safety.

Criminology Research Topics

  • Armed Crime Groups History Motives.
  • Cyber Criminology Correction Methods.
  • Art Fraud Cooperation.
  • Drunk Driving Prevention Ads.
  • Identity Theft & Social Media.
  • Topic on Child Abuse & TV Violence.
  • Aggression Against Homeless People.
  • Unemployment & Street Situation Analysis.
  • Forensic Research Identification Methods.
  • Crime Witnesses PTSD Rehabilitation.

Career With The Criminology Major

There are a variety of jobs you can get with a criminology degree. We sort listed the top 8 trending jobs that you can get with a criminology degree:

  • Criminologist.
  • Private investigator 
  • Forensic scientist .
  • Correction officer.
  • Jury consultant.
  • Loss prevention specialist 
  • Clinical social worker.

Tips On How To Write Criminal Justice Research Topics

A step-by-step guide on how to write criminal justice research topics:

topics for research paper in criminology

  • Choose a particular topic.
  • Read the given materials and take some notes.
  • Come up with a thesis.
  • Create an outline for your project.
  • Write down all the information that you have collected.
  • Start with a cover page, and an intro.
  • List the technique you used and the results you got.
  • Include a discussion.
  • Always write a conclusion.
  • Donā€™t forget to correct your grammar mistakes.
  • Revise, proofread, and if it is incorrect then edit.

Importance of Criminal Justice Research Papers In 2023

Here are some important of criminal justice research papers in 2023: 

1. Informed Policy-Making

Criminal justice research papers provide valuable data and insights that policymakers use to develop effective laws and policies, enhancing the fairness and efficiency of the justice system.

2. Evidence-Based Practices

Research papers help identify evidence-based strategies for law enforcement, corrections, and crime prevention, leading to better outcomes and reduced rates of reoffending.

3. Transparency and Accountability

By revealing systemic issues and gaps, research papers push for greater transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system, fostering public trust.

4. Improved Decision-Making

Policymakers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders use research findings to make informed decisions on resource allocation and allocation of efforts.

5. Advancing Knowledge

Criminal justice research papers contribute to the body of knowledge in the field, allowing researchers and academics to build on existing findings and develop innovative approaches to understanding crime and justice.

6. Addressing Disparities

Research papers shed light on disparities in the justice system, such as racial or socioeconomic disparities, prompting efforts to address and rectify these inequalities.

7. Enhancing Public Awareness

Research papers raise public awareness about issues like wrongful convictions, mental health challenges, and the impact of crime on communities, spurring advocacy and societal change.

Get More Criminal Justice Research Topics At Statanalytica.com

Hope you choose criminal justice research topics for this blog. If you have any difficulty choosing criminal justice research topics, you can contact us at any time. Our professional writers are available to suggest criminal justice research topics ideas and research paper help.

Here are some of the benefits of taking criminal justice research topics that you can hire us.

  • Professional Guidance.
  • Improvement in Grades.
  • A Better Understanding of the Subject.
  • 24 Hours Availability.
  • On-time Delivery.
  • Free Corrections.
  • Money-Back Guarantee.
  • Affordable Deals.

So, you can contact us for any type of paper writing service and impress your teacher or professor by choosing a good criminal justice research topic.

This is the end of this post about criminal justice research topics. However, diverse criminal justice research topics offer unique insights into various aspects of the criminal justice system. These research areas are crucial for policymakers, practitioners, and academics to comprehensively understand the system’s challenges and develop effective interventions that improve its fairness and effectiveness. 

On the other hand, we mentioned more than 135 criminal justice research topics based on different categories. So that it is easier for you to choose the best criminal justice research topics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.what are some criminal justice research topics.

Research Topics in Criminal Justice System: 1. Capital Punishment. 2. Community Corrections. 3. Crime Prevention. 4. Criminal Courts. 5. Criminal Justice Ethics. 6. Criminal Law. 7. Criminal Specialisation. 8. Drug Courts.

Q2. How do I choose a research topic?

Two main ways to find a research topic: through your academic interests or by self-initiation. You can find a topic through your academic focus, talk to your professors and classmates about what they’re working on, and they can point you in the right direction and introduce you to the process of conducting research. The other option is to start with The idea that interests you.

Related Posts

best way to finance car

Step by Step Guide on The Best Way to Finance Car

how to get fund for business

The Best Way on How to Get Fund For Business to Grow it Efficiently

Criminology Careers Today

Learn All About Criminology Education and Jobs

  • 15 Interesting Criminal Justice Research Topics To Inspire You

Selecting an inspiring topic for your criminal justice research paper is probably one of the hardest decisions youā€™ve had to make in a while. According to statistics, you are only second to a law student in terms of having challenging assignments. Like nursing and healthcare, your law assignments require writing with definite accuracy and appropriate sources to support your arguments and ideas.

To get started, you must first find some criminological or criminal justice research topics that are reliable and have a suitable scope. This is challenging in itself because most such topics either have a very broad or very narrow scope.

What is a criminal justice research paper?

topics for research paper in criminology

As implied by the name, a criminal justice research paper analyzes crime and justice. Criminal justice is a science that explores how to study, analyze and prevent the occurrence of criminal activity. While you may have certain limitations regarding your area of study, your choice of research topic, and academic barriers, you can still consider ethical or social aspects that are relevant to your criminal justice.Ā Ā Ā 

The objective of criminal justice is to maintain the peaceful existence of the citizens within a society. While reviewing criminal law topics , it is important to remember that legislation varies from one state to the next, and from one country to another. If you select an international case study, it is important to back up the conflicts with dependable sources.Ā Ā 

What do college criminal justice assignments require?Ā 

Most college assignments that are assigned to law students require them to write article reviews or analyze case studies in which they review an existing challenge and propose the best and most effective problem solution. 

Whether you are writing your criminal justice research paper, your thesis statement, or a case study review, your college professors expect a 50/50 proportion of your personal contribution and scientific information that exists already. 

Due to this reason, every argumentative paragraph has to be supported with a suitable amount of references or citations so that you can avoid plagiarism. Even if you choose to carry out personal research or investigation, your analysis must be supported by published academic articles from academic journals that discuss a similar topic, analysis, or finding.    

How to choose a good research topic?

Whether your assignment is writing a literature review or giving critique on a law officerā€™s action, always focus on the concrete concern. If your ideas are random or your logic weak, your thesis statement will not have clarity.Ā 

Criminology topics can be both limited or flexible, because they are expected to present hypotheses based on well-known legislative case studies or acts. As the author, you must appear confident. That is why it is important that you choose a topic or subject that you are confident about so that you can defend your subject with a strong presentation project or verbal arguments. If your content sounds credible, your audience will surely continue reading. 

How to identify good ideas for your thesis?

While reflecting on your criminal justice thesis ideas , ask these questions:

  • Is this criminal justice research topic relevant?
  • Is this topic important for me personally?
  • Does this research topic have global significance?
  • Can I turn this assignment into a speech?
  • Is the right approach for the topic a review, comparison essay, argumentative writing, or an analysis?
  • What popular alternate opinions are there?
  • Has this topic been researched previously?  
  • Will this research topic fulfil the criteria of the grading rubric?
  • What additional information do I need?

When you have identified a few relevant and interesting c riminal investigation research paper topics , you can narrow them down and choose your final topic. The next step is to be absolutely sure that you follow the required formatting rules. Some of them require additional information such as notes and appendix additions for law memo reviews and court case studies.   

If your university requires you to use the Chicago format style of referencing, you have to include complete information. It is essential that you find out if this information is available and if you can access it. 

Disciplines of Criminology

There is a diverse range of disciplines of criminology, including illegal acts such as kidnapping, Scientific plagiarism, Internet fraud, and many more. Each of these disciplines can lead you to further hot topics in criminal justice that can be of interest to you. 

topics for research paper in criminology

Once you have selected your final discipline and topic, the next step is to choose the right format for your legal essay. For example, if you choose healthcare, it is advisable that you discuss ethical issues. Similarly, with cyberstalking, you should choose a comparison analysis and compare classic stalking practices. 

Another important factor you must understand is the difference between criminal research and theoretical studies. Theoretical assignments may incorporate legislation but should not include historical references or practical cases. Whereas, criminal research is based on court hearings or case studies and has to focus on specific events. 

Criminal justice research proposal ideas

Criminal justice is a continually evolving area with several very interesting topics to explore. You can explore a criminal justice research proposal example to find out if your research can make an impact on changes in the legal system or advise decision makers.   

Here are fifteen interesting criminal justice research proposal ideas that may inspire you:

  • The impact of capital punishment
  • The police and its relationship with people of color
  • Effectiveness of drug trafficking prevention strategies
  • Ethics of criminal justice
  • Strategies for crime prevention
  • Gender issues in criminal justice
  • The ethical aspects of international interventions
  • Impact of mandatory sentencing
  • The lives of children with incarcerated parents
  • Jury selection criteria
  • The reliability of witness testimonies
  • Crimes conducted during emergencies
  • Implications of solitary confinement
  • Drug courts and their impact
  • Workplace harassment

The world needs experts in criminal justice who are highly knowledgeable and trained professionals with a passion to make this world a better place. While writing a criminal justice research paper is a challenging task, it is important that you choose your research topic and get started. With your dedicated efforts, you will soon have a well-researched, structured assignment.  

Most Popular Articles

  • Finding the Best Programs in Criminology for You
  • Criminology vs. Criminal Justice: What's the Difference?
  • History and Development of the Field of Criminology
  • Common Misconceptions About Criminology

Blog Categories

  • About Criminology
  • Crime Scene Investigation
  • Criminal Justice Education
  • Criminal Justice Jobs
  • Criminal Justice News
  • Criminology Education
  • Criminology Jobs
  • Criminology Tools and Resources
  • Subfields/Related Fields
  • Uncategorized

More Articles

Recent posts.

  • Best Criminology Books For Beginners on Amazon
  • Best Criminology Degree Colleges in the US in 2021

Return to top of page

Copyright © 2024 · Nomadic Child Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Criminal Justice Topics for Research Paper

Criminal Justice Topics for Research Paper: 300 Ideas to Get You Started

topics for research paper in criminology

Hey! My name is Phill, and as I entered the vast landscape of Criminal Justice Research Topics, the sheer diversity and complexity boggled my mind. I believe the feeling is similar to the one that you have right now! But donā€™t worry, Iā€™m here to guide you and explain how you can ace an assignment on this subject matter effortlessly.Ā 

In this post, I would like to present 300 hot topics in criminal justice for research papers that promise not just a scholarly endeavor but a thrilling expedition into the heart of contemporary legal discourse. Join me as we navigate the myriad facets of law, order, and societal dynamics in pursuit of knowledge that transcends the pages of academia. Thatā€™s why I decided to draw up a list of the best, in my humble opinion, topics across criminal justice for the readers of the EssayService blog.Ā 

What is a Criminal Justice Research Paper

A criminal justice research paper is an academic document that studies various aspects of the legislative system, criminology, and related topics. These papers typically involve in-depth analysis, critical thinking, and the presentation of well-supported arguments or findings regarding research topics in criminal justice assigned to students in college. The scope of research papers can be broad, covering areas such as law enforcement, legal systems, corrections, juvenile justice, forensic science, criminal behavior, and societal responses to crime.

The purpose of a criminal justice research paper is to contribute new knowledge, insights, or perspectives to the field. Researchers may investigate specific issues, propose solutions to problems, analyze policies, or investigate the impact of laws and regulations. The format and requirements for such papers can vary depending on the academic level, institution, and specific assignment guidelines.

Overall, writing about good criminal justice research topics plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of crime, justice systems, and related topics, and they are often an essential component of academic coursework in criminology and legislative studies.

topics for research paper in criminology

How to Choose a Criminology Topics For Your Research Paper

Whether tasked with conducting a literature review or critiquing the actions of law enforcement officers, it is essential to maintain a focused approach. A scattered presentation of ideas can obscure the thesis statement and dilute the overall message. The realm of criminology topics is both flexible and limited; it requires the formulation of hypotheses grounded in renowned legislative acts or case studies. To project confidence in criminal justice topics for research paper, choose a subject about which you feel sure, one that can be supported with articulate arguments or in a presentation project. A credible tone will captivate the audience's interest, ensuring continued engagement.

How to Choose a Criminology Topics

During the brainstorming phase, consider these questions to guide your selection of criminal justice research topics:

  • Is the chosen topic relevant enough in the context of research?
  • What personal significance does the research topic hold?
  • How does the idea contribute to global importance?
  • Can the written assignment be effectively translated into a speech?
  • Is it intended to be a comparison essay, a review, an analysis, or an argumentative paper?
  • What are the prevalent counter-opinions or perspectives?
  • Are there existing similar research works available for reference?
  • Does the chosen topic align with all the grading rubric points?
  • Is there a need for additional information or perspectives?

Once a suitable research topic is selected, it becomes crucial to adhere to formatting rules. This includes incorporating all necessary additional data, such as in court case studies and law memo reviews, which may require notes and appendix additions. For instance, if following the Chicago format style, it is imperative to ensure that full information is included. If you are encountering challenges in locating academic sources, feel free to reach out to our 24/7 essay writing service for assistance.

Criminal Justice Research Paper Outline

Let me provide you with a brief overview of an outline to guide you on the correct writing path when you decide on the criminal justice topics for research paper:

Introduction:

Following the identification of criminology research topics, the introduction takes the lead as the first section. It sets the stage by addressing the broader context of the issue, introducing the research question, outlining objectives, stating the study's aim, and presenting the thesis statement.

The body stands as the pivotal component of your paper, amalgamating critical examination and discussion on the chosen criminal justice research topics. Within the literature review section, you should succinctly summarize and elucidate the results of prior empirical research, showcasing how academic discourse surrounds and challenges the research problem.Ā 

The methodology details the techniques employed for data collection and profiles of the participants in the research design. The findings section incorporates the results of your study, encompassing discoveries from both primary sources and the literature review. Finally, the discussion entails an analysis of the findings and examine their implications.

Conclusion:

Accompanying the conclusion, integrate a recommendation section that revisits the study problem and the thesis statement, emphasizing the key findings before proposing the next steps. If you ask me, I suggest you pay for research paper if you encounter any difficulties with an assignment. It will be faster this way!

Criminology DisciplinesĀ 

I think it's crucial to distinguish between the theoretical aspects and practical assignments in crime research. Theoretical discussions often revolve around legislation and should abstain from incorporating practical cases or historical references. On the other hand, the analysis of case studies or court hearings necessitates a focus on specific events.Ā 

When a university professor highlights flaws and potential changes in the justice system, you can scrutinize both chronology and renowned legal cases, as exemplified in the ideas outlined below. The objective is to analyze what should be encompassed in a legislative government template and then draw comparisons with a specific case or event.

Disciplines within Law and Crime cover a spectrum of illegal acts, ranging from internet fraud to kidnapping and scientific plagiarism. As evident, a plethora of criminal justice research topics exists, contingent upon the type of focus. The challenge for many students lies in the varying formats of legal essay types. For instance, when delving into healthcare, it is advisable to address ethical concerns. Exploring cyberstalking should involve a comparative approach by juxtaposing it with traditional stalking practices.

To streamline the selection process of criminal justice research topics for college students, avoid amalgamating several topic ideas. Instead, I recommend opting for a focused argument that not only aligns with your discipline but also imparts originality and structure to your written assignment.

Types of Criminal Justice Research Methods

Criminal justice research employs various methods to investigate and analyze crime, law enforcement, legal systems, and other good research topics for criminal justice. Here are some common types of research methods:

criminal justice topic research

Surveys and Questionnaires:

  • Description: Researchers collect data through structured surveys or questionnaires distributed to individuals or groups.
  • Application: Used to gather information on public perceptions of crime, attitudes toward law enforcement, or experiences with the legislative system.

Interviews:

  • Description: In-depth conversations between researchers and participants, providing qualitative data.
  • Application: Useful for exploring personal experiences, opinions, and perspectives of individuals involved in the law system.

Observational Research:

  • Description: Directly observing and recording behaviors in a natural setting without interference.
  • Application: Often applied to study law enforcement activities, court proceedings, or the behavior of individuals within the legislative system.

Content Analysis:

  • Description: Systematic analysis of written, verbal, or visual communication to identify patterns or themes.
  • Application: Applied to examine media coverage of crime, legal documents, or courtroom proceedings.

Experimental Research:

  • Description: Controlled experiments to investigate cause-and-effect relationships.
  • Application: Less common in criminal justice due to ethical considerations, but can be used to study the impact of specific interventions or policies.

Case Studies:

  • Description: In-depth analysis of a specific case or situation.
  • Application: Useful for understanding the complexities of specific criminal incidents, legal cases, or law enforcement practices.

Meta-analysis:

  • Description: Systematic review and statistical analysis of existing research studies to draw overarching conclusions.
  • Application: Provides a comprehensive understanding of trends and patterns across multiple studies.

Longitudinal Studies:

  • Description: Data collected over an extended period to observe changes or trends.
  • Application: Applied to study the long-term effects of policies, interventions, or criminal behavior patterns.

Secondary Data Analysis:

  • Description: Utilizing existing datasets collected for other purposes.
  • Application: Cost-effective way to analyze pre-existing data, such as crime statistics or court records.

Action Research:

  • Description: Collaborative research involving practitioners to address real-world issues.
  • Application: Often employed to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of criminal justice programs or policies.

I advise aspiring researchers to choose a combination of these methods based on their research questions, available resources, and ethical considerations. Each method brings its own strengths and limitations to the field of legislative research.

Topics for Criminal Justice Paper

Get ready for cool and compelling criminal justice topics to write about that delve into the heart of law, crime, and the intricate workings of our justice system. From thought-provoking issues to intriguing case studies, we're about to embark on an intellectual journey that presents the fascinating complexities of the law landscape. So, buckle up because we're about to swoop into a world of captivating subjects that'll leave you eager to find out more. Let's get started!

List of Criminology Research Topics

  • The impact of social media on crime reporting and public perception.
  • Juvenile delinquency: Causes, trends, and intervention strategies.
  • Racial profiling in law enforcement: Examining patterns and solutions.
  • Cybercrime: Trends, challenges, and the role of technology in criminal activities.
  • The effectiveness of community policing in crime prevention.
  • Policies and their impact on recidivism rates.
  • The psychology of white-collar crime: Motivations and prevention.
  • Gender disparities in the criminal justice system: A comprehensive analysis.
  • The relationship between substance abuse and criminal behavior.
  • Restorative justice: Assessing its efficacy in modern legal systems.
  • Policing strategies in high-crime areas: Successes and challenges.
  • The role of mental health in criminal behavior and the justice system.
  • Human trafficking: Causes, trends, and countermeasures.
  • Firearms control policies: Impact on crime rates and public safety.
  • The connection between economic inequality and crime rates.
  • Hate crimes: Understanding motivations and combating prejudice.
  • The influence of media portrayals on public perceptions of crime.
  • Technology and crime: Analyzing the role of surveillance and privacy.
  • Environmental criminology: Exploring the link between space and crime.
  • Criminal profiling: Methods, controversies, and ethical considerations.

List of Controversial Topics in Criminal Justice System

  • Capital punishment: Examining the morality and effectiveness of the death penalty.
  • Mandatory minimum sentences: Critiques and alternatives.
  • Private prisons: Profit motives and ethical concerns.
  • Police militarization: Balancing public safety and civil liberties.
  • Stop and frisk: Racial profiling or necessary policing tool?
  • Three strikes laws: Deterrence or unjust punishment?
  • Firearms control and the Second Amendment: Striking a balance.
  • Civil forfeiture: Balancing law enforcement powers and property rights.
  • Juvenile life without parole: Sentencing for young offenders.
  • The war on illegal substances: Evaluating effectiveness and social impact.
  • Plea bargaining: Efficiency or erosion of justice?
  • Racial disparities in sentencing: Systemic issues and solutions.
  • Predictive policing: Balancing crime prevention and civil liberties.
  • Use of force by law enforcement: Accountability and reform.
  • Bail reform: Addressing socioeconomic disparities.
  • The insanity defense: Assessing legal and ethical dimensions.
  • Cybersecurity and digital privacy: Balancing crime prevention and civil liberties.
  • Zero tolerance policies in schools: Discipline or discrimination?
  • Immigration detention: Human rights concerns and reform.
  • Body cameras on police officers: Transparency and accountability.

List of Sociology Research Topics on Crime

  • The social construction of crime: Examining the influence of media and public perception.
  • Social disorganization theory: Understanding neighborhoods and crime rates.
  • Social stratification and crime: Exploring the link between poverty and criminal behavior.
  • Labeling theory: Analyzing the impact of stigmatization on offenders.
  • Social control and deviance: Assessing mechanisms to regulate behavior in society.
  • Gender inequality and crime: The intersection of social roles and criminal behavior.
  • Youth subcultures and delinquency: Exploring the influence of peer groups.
  • The impact of family structure on juvenile delinquency.
  • Community policing and social capital: Building trust in neighborhoods.
  • Social bond theory: Examining the role of relationships in preventing crime.
  • Cybercrime and society: Understanding the digital landscape of criminal behavior.
  • Environmental sociology of crime: Analyzing the impact of urban design.
  • White-collar crime and corporate deviance: Unraveling power structures.
  • Hate crimes: Exploring the social dynamics of prejudice and violence.
  • Immigration and crime: Debunking stereotypes and analyzing realities.
  • Social movements and reforms: The role of activism.
  • Political economy of crime: Investigating the links between economics and criminal behavior.
  • The sociology of prisons: Examining the impact of incarceration on individuals and communities.
  • Technology and crime prevention: Social implications of surveillance and security measures.
  • Environmental justice and crime: Analyzing disparities in environmental crimes.

List of Criminal Investigation Topics

  • Strategies for solving cold cases and investigating unsolved crimes.
  • The impact of DNA technology advancements on criminal investigations.
  • Balancing effectiveness and ethical considerations in undercover operations.
  • Utilizing forensic anthropology in the analysis of crime scenes.
  • Navigating challenges in cybercrime investigations within the digital landscape.
  • Ensuring the safety of key individuals through witness protection programs.
  • Comprehensive techniques for crime scene reconstruction and analysis.
  • Adhering to legal and ethical boundaries in the use of interrogation methods.
  • Identifying causes and patterns in arson investigations.
  • Understanding criminal motives through the analysis of behavioral profiling.
  • Tracing firearms and ammunition for investigative insights through ballistics analysis.
  • Extracting evidence from electronic devices in criminal cases through digital forensics.
  • Strategies for resolution and prevention in kidnapping and ransom investigations.
  • Unrooting and dismantling intricate structures in organized crime networks.
  • Motivations, impact, and strategies for prevention in hate crimes.
  • Navigating financial complexities in cases of white-collar crime investigations.
  • Identifying, exposing, and dismantling trafficking networks in human trafficking cases.
  • Profiling and analyzing in forensic psychology for criminal investigations.
  • Strategies for interdiction and prevention in illegal substance trafficking investigations.
  • Utilizing insects to determine the time of death in investigations through forensic entomology.

List of Police Topics Research Paper

  • The impact of community policing on crime prevention and community relations.
  • Racial profiling in law enforcement: Examining patterns, consequences, and solutions.
  • The use of body-worn cameras: Accountability and transparency in policing.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of de-escalation training for police officers.
  • The relationship between police militarization and civil liberties.
  • Police use of force: Policies, accountability, and community implications.
  • The role of technology in modern policing: Opportunities and challenges.
  • Community-oriented policing: Building trust and collaboration with communities.
  • Police recruitment and diversity: Strategies for fostering an inclusive force.
  • The impact of stress and mental health on police officers: Support and intervention.
  • Policing in the age of social media: Challenges and opportunities.
  • The effectiveness of crime mapping in predictive policing.
  • The role of police unions in shaping law enforcement policies.
  • Examining the use of K-9 units in contemporary policing.
  • Police response to domestic violence: Policies and improvements.
  • The influence of public perceptions on police legitimacy.
  • The role of education in police training and professional development.
  • Police corruption: Causes, consequences, and preventive measures.
  • The implementation of restorative justice in policing.
  • The impact of firearms control policies on policing and public safety.

List of Gender and Crime Research Topics

  • Understanding the relationship between gender and juvenile delinquency.
  • The impact of gender bias in criminal sentencing.
  • Women in law enforcement: Challenges, opportunities, and experiences.
  • Gender-based violence: A critical analysis.
  • The intersectionality of race, gender, and crime.
  • The role of gender in criminal profiling and forensic psychology.
  • LGBTQ+ individuals: Challenges and disparities.
  • The portrayal of gender in crime media: Influences on public perceptions.
  • Gender-responsive approaches to rehabilitation in correctional settings.
  • The influence of gender on criminal behavior: Nature vs. nurture debate.
  • Human trafficking and gender: Examining the vulnerabilities and impact.
  • The role of masculinity in gang involvement and criminal activities.
  • The gendered nature of white-collar crime: Patterns and motivations.
  • Women and the death penalty: A comparative analysis of sentencing.
  • Gender disparities in illegal substance sentencing and rehabilitation outcomes.
  • The impact of gender on jury decision-making in criminal trials.
  • The experiences of transgender individuals.
  • Gender and cybercrime victimization: Patterns and prevention strategies.
  • The portrayal of female offenders.
  • The influence of gender on police use of force: Policies and implications.

List of Realistic Crime Research Topics

  • The impact of socioeconomic factors on street-level crime in urban environments.
  • Community-based crime prevention strategies: Evaluating effectiveness in diverse neighborhoods.
  • Patterns and trends in illegal substance trafficking within a specific geographic region.
  • The role of technology in facilitating and combating cybercrime in realistic scenarios.
  • White-collar crime in corporate settings: Analyzing motivations and consequences.
  • Human trafficking: Examining local and global dimensions and intervention strategies.
  • Police-community relations in economically disadvantaged areas: Challenges and solutions.
  • Restorative justice practices in realistic settings.
  • The effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for offenders reintegrating into society.
  • Factors influencing witness cooperation in realistic criminal investigations.
  • Criminal networks in organized crime: Structure, dynamics, and intervention.
  • Firearms violence in urban areas: Causes, consequences, and preventive measures.
  • The impact of legislative policies on recidivism rates.
  • Domestic violence intervention programs: Real-world outcomes and challenges.
  • The use of forensic evidence in solving real criminal cases.
  • Public perceptions of crime and safety in different neighborhoods.
  • The role of substance abuse in realistic criminal behavior.
  • Cybersecurity measures for small businesses: Realistic strategies and challenges.
  • Community policing in rural areas: Adapting to unique challenges and opportunities.
  • The relationship between mental health and criminality in practical contexts.

List of Criminal Justice Research Topics on Racism & Discrimination

  • Racial profiling in law enforcement: Examining its prevalence, consequences, and solutions.
  • Disparities in sentencing outcomes based on race and ethnicity within the legislative system.
  • The impact of systemic racism on access to legal representation and the quality of defense.
  • Discrimination against racial and ethnic minorities in the jury selection process.
  • The role of implicit bias in police interactions and its effects on minority communities.
  • The school-to-prison pipeline: Analyzing its disproportionate impact on minority youth.
  • Racial and ethnic disparities in pretrial detention and bail outcomes.
  • Discrimination in the application of death penalty sentences based on race.
  • The impact of racial and ethnic bias in plea bargaining negotiations.
  • Disproportionate use of force against racial and ethnic minorities by law enforcement.
  • The effects of racial and ethnic bias on eyewitness identification in criminal investigations.
  • Discrimination in the probation and parole system: Assessing its consequences.
  • Racial and ethnic disparities in the juvenile justice system: Causes and consequences.
  • The influence of media portrayal on public perceptions of racialized crime.
  • The role of institutional racism in shaping legislative policies and practices.
  • Discrimination against Indigenous peoples within the legislative system.
  • Hate crimes against racial and ethnic minorities: Patterns, motivations, and prevention.
  • The impact of racial and ethnic bias on criminal record expungement processes.
  • Discrimination in the use of solitary confinement in correctional facilities.
  • The role of restorative justice in addressing racism and discrimination.

List of Criminal Law Research Topics

  • The evolving landscape of cybercrime laws: Challenges and advancements.
  • Mental incapacity as a defense in criminal law: Legal and ethical considerations.
  • The impact of forensic evidence on criminal law proceedings.
  • Criminal liability for corporate entities: Legal frameworks and challenges.
  • Plea bargaining in criminal law: Analyzing efficiency and ethical implications.
  • The role of international law in addressing transnational crimes.
  • Emerging issues in criminal law related to technology and surveillance.
  • The intersection of criminal law and mental health: Legal reforms and challenges.
  • Comparative analysis of criminal laws related to illegal substance offenses globally.
  • Restorative justice in criminal law: Implementation and effectiveness.
  • The legal implications of emerging technologies in criminal investigations.
  • Criminal law responses to human trafficking: Evaluating global approaches.
  • Legal perspectives on juvenile justice and criminal responsibility.
  • The impact of criminal law reforms on sentencing guidelines.
  • The legal treatment of hate crimes: A comparative analysis.
  • International cooperation in the prosecution of war crimes.
  • Criminal liability for environmental offenses: Legal frameworks and challenges.
  • The legal implications of artificial intelligence in criminal law enforcement.
  • Gender and criminal law: Examining legal responses to gender-based crimes.
  • Legal perspectives on the use of lethal force by law enforcement.

List of Basic Criminal Justice Topics

  • The role of law enforcement in maintaining public safety.
  • Criminal investigations: Techniques and procedures.
  • The functions of the legislative system: Courts, corrections, and law enforcement.
  • Understanding criminal behavior: Causes and theories.
  • Juvenile justice: Policies and interventions for youth offenders.
  • The impact of technology on modern policing.
  • Criminal profiling: Strategies and ethical considerations.
  • The process of arrest and the protection of individual rights.
  • The importance of evidence in criminal cases.
  • Correctional facilities and rehabilitation programs.
  • The role of forensic science in solving crimes.
  • Criminal law: Elements, statutes, and legal procedures.
  • Community policing: Building trust and collaboration.
  • The history and evolution of legislative systems.
  • Legislative ethics: Balancing justice and fairness.
  • Victimology: Understanding and supporting crime victims.
  • The impact of illegal substances and abuse on crime rates.
  • Police discretion: Powers and challenges in decision-making.
  • Domestic violence: Legal responses and prevention strategies.
  • The role of law professionals in upholding the rule of law.

List of Research in Criminal Justice System

  • Assessing the effectiveness of community policing in crime prevention.
  • Examining the impact of technology on criminal investigations within the justice system.
  • Analyzing racial and ethnic disparities in sentencing outcomes.
  • Evaluating the role of restorative justice in a legislative reform.
  • Investigating the use of body-worn cameras in law enforcement agencies.
  • Understanding the factors influencing witness cooperation in criminal cases.
  • Assessing the implementation and outcomes of substance courts in the justice system.
  • Exploring the relationship between mental health and criminal behavior.
  • Studying the effectiveness of diversion programs for juvenile offenders.
  • Examining the role of plea bargaining in case resolution and court efficiency.
  • Investigating the impact of bail reform on pretrial detention practices.
  • Analyzing the challenges and opportunities of reentry programs for ex-offenders.
  • Assessing the use of artificial intelligence in predictive policing.
  • Studying the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for incarcerated individuals.
  • Evaluating the impact of mandatory minimum sentencing on justice outcomes.
  • Exploring the use of alternative dispute resolution methods in the legislative system.
  • Investigating the role of forensic evidence in court proceedings.
  • Assessing the implications of police militarization on community relations.
  • Studying the dynamics of human trafficking and countermeasures within the justice system.
  • Examining the impact of legal reforms on addressing systemic issues in the legislative system.

List of Criminal Justice Debate Topics

  • The effectiveness and ethics of using predictive policing algorithms.
  • Debating the merits of mandatory minimum sentencing for certain crimes.
  • The role of private prisons in the legislative system.
  • Balancing individual privacy rights with the use of surveillance technologies.
  • The efficacy of the death penalty as a deterrent to violent crime.
  • Community policing: Advantages, disadvantages, and potential reforms.
  • The impact of legalizing recreational substances on crime rates.
  • The ethical implications of plea bargaining in criminal cases.
  • Reforming the juvenile justice system: Rehabilitation vs. punitive measures.
  • Debating the use of solitary confinement in correctional facilities.
  • Firearms control policies: Striking a balance between public safety and Second Amendment rights.
  • The role of mental illness in criminal culpability and sentencing.
  • Immigration and the legislative system: Addressing challenges and biases.
  • The impact of three-strikes laws on justice outcomes and prison populations.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of diversion programs for non-violent offenders.
  • The use of military equipment by law enforcement: Necessity or excess?
  • Restorative justice: Its merits and challenges in the criminal justice system.
  • Bail reform: Addressing socioeconomic disparities and promoting fairness.
  • The effectiveness of rehabilitation vs. punishment in reducing recidivism.
  • The role of technology in facilitating wrongful convictions and ensuring justice.

List of Criminal Justice Research Topics about Court Cases

  • Analyzing landmark Supreme Court decisions and their impact on criminal justice.
  • The role of expert witnesses in influencing court verdicts.
  • Examining the impact of televised trials on the justice system and public opinion.
  • The use of forensic evidence in high-profile court cases.
  • Assessing the effectiveness of alternative dispute resolution methods in court proceedings.
  • Investigating the impact of jury selection methods on trial outcomes.
  • The role of eyewitness testimony in court cases: Reliability and challenges.
  • Analyzing the use of technology in courtrooms and its effects on trial procedures.
  • The impact of pretrial publicity on fair trial rights.
  • Evaluating the use of plea bargaining in court case resolution.
  • Examining the influence of judges' personal characteristics on sentencing decisions.
  • Analyzing the role of prosecutorial discretion in shaping court cases.
  • The use of DNA evidence in exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals.
  • Examining the intersection of mental health and court case outcomes.
  • The impact of legal precedent on shaping future court decisions.
  • Analyzing the role of public defenders in ensuring access to justice.
  • The use of social media in court cases: Opportunities and challenges.
  • Investigating the role of judicial independence in ensuring a fair trial.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of court-mandated rehabilitation programs.
  • The impact of court decisions on shaping legislative policies.

List of Criminal Justice Research Topics in Types of Crime

  • White-collar crime: Analyzing motivations, trends, and regulatory responses.
  • Cybercrime and digital forensics: Investigating emerging threats and investigative techniques.
  • Substance trafficking and organized crime: Examining global networks and countermeasures.
  • Hate crimes: Understanding motivations, reporting challenges, and prevention strategies.
  • Human trafficking: Analyzing patterns, vulnerabilities, and international responses.
  • Juvenile delinquency: Assessing risk factors, interventions, and prevention programs.
  • Domestic violence: Legal responses, victim support, and prevention initiatives.
  • Environmental crimes: Examining regulatory frameworks and enforcement challenges.
  • Terrorism and counterterrorism: Evaluating strategies, impacts, and civil liberties concerns.
  • Corruption and bribery: Analyzing the legal landscape and global initiatives.
  • Financial crimes: Investigating fraud, money laundering, and regulatory responses.
  • Passion crimes and assaults: Understanding prevalence, reporting, and victim support.
  • Gang-related violence: Assessing causes, intervention strategies, and community responses.
  • Public order offenses: Examining policies and practices in handling disorderly conduct.
  • Corporate crime: Analyzing unethical business practices and legal consequences.
  • Arson and property crimes: Investigating patterns, motivations, and prevention efforts.
  • Cybersecurity threats: Evaluating the impact on individuals and organizations.
  • Public corruption: Analyzing cases, prevention measures, and legal responses.
  • Identity theft: Understanding risks, preventive measures, and law enforcement challenges.
  • Environmental crimes: Assessing illegal activities impacting ecosystems and natural resources.

List of International Criminal Law Research Topics

  • The effectiveness of international tribunals in prosecuting war crimes and crimes against humanity.
  • Analyzing the concept of universal jurisdiction in international criminal law.
  • The role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in addressing transnational crimes.
  • Investigating challenges in extraditing individuals for international criminal offenses.
  • The impact of the Rome Statute on the development of international criminal law.
  • The prosecution of genocide: Legal frameworks and case studies.
  • Evaluating the role of non-governmental organizations in promoting international justice.
  • State responsibility for international crimes: Legal implications and enforcement mechanisms.
  • The evolution of customary international law in the context of criminal accountability.
  • Assessing the effectiveness of truth and reconciliation commissions in post-conflict societies.
  • The prosecution of terrorism as an international crime: Legal challenges and strategies.
  • Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its influence on international criminal law.
  • Examining the legal frameworks for addressing piracy and maritime crimes.
  • The intersection of international humanitarian law and criminal law in armed conflicts.
  • Corporate liability for international crimes: Legal developments and challenges.
  • The impact of technology on international criminal investigations and prosecutions.
  • The role of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) in combating transnational crime.
  • The extradition of individuals for crimes against humanity: Legal and diplomatic considerations.
  • Investigating the prosecution of environmental crimes as international offenses.
  • The role of international law in preventing and prosecuting crimes of aggression.

Letā€™s Sum It Up

In conclusion, I have to admit that selecting criminal justice topics for research papers is paramount. A personally intriguing subject not only fosters genuine enthusiasm but also drives a more profound exploration. I believe that choosing a theme that resonates with your interests ensures a more engaging and fulfilling research journey.Ā 

As students, we thrive when delving into topics that captivate us, sparking curiosity and dedication. This personal connection not only enhances the learning experience but also yields more meaningful insights.Ā 

What Is a PhD in Criminal Justice?

A Ph.D. in Criminal Justice is a doctoral-level academic degree that focuses on advanced research and expertise in various aspects of legislation, including criminology, law enforcement, corrections, and law policies. It typically involves in-depth study, original research, and the completion of a dissertation on one of the interesting criminal justice research topics, contributing to the field's theoretical and practical knowledge. Graduates with a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice often pursue careers in academia, research institutions, policy analysis, or leadership roles in legislative agencies.

What Are the Most Important Issues in Criminal Justice?

The most important issues include systemic issues such as racial and socioeconomic disparities, police-community relations, criminal sentencing reform, prison overcrowding, rehabilitation and reentry programs, and the use of technology in law enforcement. Additionally, addressing mental health in the legislative system and ensuring equal access to justice are critical concerns. This article contains such reliable criminal justice research topics for your inspiration.

Frequently asked questions

She was flawless! first time using a website like this, I've ordered article review and i totally adored it! grammar punctuation, content - everything was on point

This writer is my go to, because whenever I need someone who I can trust my task to - I hire Joy. She wrote almost every paper for me for the last 2 years

Term paper done up to a highest standard, no revisions, perfect communication. 10s across the board!!!!!!!

I send him instructions and that's it. my paper was done 10 hours later, no stupid questions, he nailed it.

Sometimes I wonder if Michael is secretly a professor because he literally knows everything. HE DID SO WELL THAT MY PROF SHOWED MY PAPER AS AN EXAMPLE. unbelievable, many thanks

You Might Also Like

New posts to your inbox.

Stay in touch

Topics for a Criminology Research Paper

Christine lebednik.

Criminology examines many factors that influence participation in criminal conduct.

One way to approach a criminology research paper project involves exploring topics prompted by criminologyā€™s underlying themes, such as those listed in the University of Washington course outline. Combining a thematic concept with something of individual or local interest can lend a project a strong personal connection. For example, you might look for a way to combine local school bullying problems or domestic violence in your family or neighborhood with one of the thematic concepts that underlie criminology studies.

Explore this article

  • Subcultures
  • Incarceration

1 Deterrence

Within the deterrence theme, consider a topic such as the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of one or more types of deterrence society currently applies. You can research the degree of effectiveness of long-term prison sentences, for example. Life imprisonment without any parole option and capital punishment clearly deter the individual who committed the crime from future offenses, but you can research the degree to which such deterrent approaches do or do not deter others from committing similar crimes. Another research project related to the deterrence theme could involve examining whether restraining orders deter individuals from repeated violence or stalking activity. Such a project should examine the reasons for the failure or success of restraining orders.

For the poverty theme, you can research such topics as whether an impoverished circumstance indicates a greater likelihood of criminal activity. If it does, you can research additional factors that can either increase or decrease that likelihood in individual instances. Examples of such factors include employment potential, population density and family background.

3 Subcultures

The subcultures theme within criminology might suggest research projects such as whether those of common ethnic backgrounds maintaining indigenous practices can decrease or increase likelihood of criminal conduct in comparison to other ethnic groups with differing values. Peer groups among school age children also quality as a subculture, perhaps suggesting a research project about, for example, how subcultures within school communities affect the likelihood of bullying behavior.

4 Incarceration

The incarceration theme, particularly consequences of incarceration, could prompt a research project on the internal value system that operates in prison environments. Prison populations overall regard certain particularly heinous crimes as so objectionable that the perpetrator becomes unfit for survival. A research project could examine the consequences within a prison setting for those guilty of pedophilia or the murder of a pregnant spouse, for example. The consequences of incarceration in terms of release and reentry into society affords another research topic: such a project might examine potential differences between those who emerge from minimum security versus maximum security prisons. Another research topic related to this theme could consider the consequences to the incarcerated personā€™s family during their term of incarceration, even the family of an unmarried person such as the impact on parents or siblings. Such consequences could include isolation from the community or financial hardship resulting from a family memberā€™s imprisonment.

About the Author

A writer/editor since 1984, Christine Lebednik has spent much of her career in business and technical writing, and editing. Her consumer print and online articles include product descriptions for TDMonthly Online, book reviews for Catholic News Service, consumer reports for Consumer Search and works for various other publications. Lebednik received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Salem State College.

Related Articles

Sociological Hypothesis Ideas

Sociological Hypothesis Ideas

Dissertation Topics on Juvenile Delinquency

Dissertation Topics on Juvenile Delinquency

The Best Undergraduate Degrees to Go Into Criminology

The Best Undergraduate Degrees to Go Into Criminology

How Can I Become a Police Officer If I Have a Misdemeanor?

How Can I Become a Police Officer If I Have a Misdemeanor?

Buddhism on the Death Penalty, Mercy & Punishment

Buddhism on the Death Penalty, Mercy & Punishment

Essay Topics for an Argument of Definition Paper

Essay Topics for an Argument of Definition Paper

Science Research Paper Topic Ideas

Science Research Paper Topic Ideas

Research Paper Topics in Education

Research Paper Topics in Education

Topics for Qualitative Research

Topics for Qualitative Research

Research Paper Topics About Animals

Research Paper Topics About Animals

What Is a Quasi Experimental Study?

What Is a Quasi Experimental Study?

Differences Between Classical and Neoclassical Schools of Criminology

Differences Between Classical and Neoclassical Schools...

What Is Consequential Ethical Reasoning?

What Is Consequential Ethical Reasoning?

Topics in Botany for Research Papers

Topics in Botany for Research Papers

Research Paper Topics on the Environment

Research Paper Topics on the Environment

Psychosocial Development Activities

Psychosocial Development Activities

Topic Ideas for Sociology Research & Social Problems

Topic Ideas for Sociology Research & Social Problems

International Relations Dissertation Topics

International Relations Dissertation Topics

Sociology Thesis Ideas

Sociology Thesis Ideas

Definition of Socioeconomic Factors

Definition of Socioeconomic Factors

Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning. Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. Whether youā€™re studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers.

  • Accessibility
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright Policy
  • Manage Preferences

Ā© 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Based on the Word Net lexical database for the English Language. See disclaimer .

Search form

Home

Criminology, Law & Society Colloquium Series~ Dr. Nick Petersen

Dr. Nick Petersen ~ Associate Professor of Sociology & Criminology at the University of Miami

Abstract: In the post-McCleskey era, socio-legal scholars and practitioners have had few avenues for challenging racial inequalities in capital punishment based on social scientific evidence. California’s Racial Justice Act (RJA) fundamentally changed this calculus, allowing defendants to rely on social science to challenge charging and sentencing decisions in their cases absent proof of individualized discrimination required under McCleskey. Although the RJA offers novel solutions for addressing racial inequalities, its novelty presents unique challenges for researchers and practitioners. This presentation highlights some of the promises and pitfalls of RJA capital litigation, relying on several original analyses to underscore these dynamics. In doing so, I offer innovative insights relevant to those involved in RJA research and litigation more generally.

Nick Petersen is an Associate Professor of Sociology & Criminology at the University of Miami, where he also holds a secondary appointment in the School of Law. Much of his research focuses on racial/ethnic inequalities within criminal courts at the individual and neighborhood levels, including pretrial detention, prosecutorial charging, and sentencing. His scholarship also examines racial/ethnic disparities in policing, historical violence, and other criminal justice policies.

topics for research paper in criminology

Follow us on social media

IMAGES

  1. List of Best Criminology Research Topics [PhD MBA Masters]

    topics for research paper in criminology

  2. Criminology Essay 11

    topics for research paper in criminology

  3. LP 14 Criminology Theories

    topics for research paper in criminology

  4. Criminology Research Paper Example

    topics for research paper in criminology

  5. Nature of Criminology Research Paper Free Essay Example 848 words

    topics for research paper in criminology

  6. Research Essay for Criminology

    topics for research paper in criminology

VIDEO

  1. Criminology quick revision| section 1|part 2| CSS|PMS| Criminology preparation

  2. Concepts and Definitions

  3. Application of Research Methods Tools and Structuring of the Reportā€

  4. Theoretical Principles of Doctrinal ļ€¢ Qualitative Research

  5. "How write a Research Paper Introduction?

  6. CSS: Criminology Lecture- 6 ll Psychological theories of Criminology ll Learing and Labelling Theory

COMMENTS

  1. 256 Criminology Research Topics & Criminal Justice Topics for Papers

    256 Research Topics on Criminal Justice & Criminology (65 votes) Are you a law school student studying criminal behavior or forensic science? Or maybe just looking for good criminal justice topics, questions, and hypotheses? Look no further! Custom-writing.org experts offer a load of criminology research topics and titles for every occasion.

  2. 428 Criminology Research Topics & Questions for Students

    šŸ” Top-10 Criminology Research Topics Criminology as a science: criminology theories. The importance of eyewitness evidence. The issue of racial bias in the investigation. Crime propaganda on social media. The leading causes of college violence. The benefits of private prisons. The debate around gun control.

  3. 155 Captivating Criminology Research Topics For Students

    The research paper should explain the thesis statement with valid evidence, and it should be well-structured with essential sections such as the introduction, literature review, methodology, findings, discussion, and conclusion. At the end of the paper, add a bibliography section, and cite all the sources you have used in your work.

  4. 35 Criminal Justice Topics for Students

    Below are just some of the interesting topics in criminology and criminal justice that might inspire you as you decide on your own dissertation subject. When deciding what is a good criminal justice topic, in addition to reviewing the list below, you could consider questions like: What are the most controversial topics in criminal justice?

  5. Criminology Research Paper Topics

    100 Criminology Research Paper Topics Theoretical Perspectives in Criminology Classical criminology Biological theories of crime Psychological theories of crime Social disorganization theory Strain theory Labeling theory Social learning theory Critical criminology Feminist criminology Cultural criminology Crime Types and Patterns Homicide

  6. 130 Criminology and Criminal Justice Research Topics for Students

    Basic Criminology Research Paper Topics. Resonance Criminal Cases in Criminology. Criminology as a Science. Crime and Its Types. Crime and Mentally Unstable People. Law Dealing With Young Gangs. Criminal Psychology. Influence of Writing Cybercrimes Essays at College Can Prevent From Committing Crimes in Real Life.

  7. 230 Criminal Justice Research Topics for your Inspiration

    A very important aspect that should be noted when choosing good criminal justice research topics is that legislation differs from state to state, let alone from country to country, thus, it is essential to backup international case studies and conflicts with reliable sources.

  8. Criminology & Criminal Justice: Sage Journals

    Criminology and Criminal Justice is a peer-reviewed journal that focuses on the broad field of criminology and criminal justice policy and practice. The journal publishes scholarly articles on all areas of criminology, crime and criminal justice. It includes ā€¦ | View full journal description

  9. Criminal Justice Research Topics

    Research Topics in Criminology: Criminology as Social Science. Criminology and Public Policy. History of Criminology. Research Topics in Crime and Victimization: Age and Crime. Aggression and Crime. Citizenship and Crime. Education and Crime. Employment and Crime. Families and Crime. Gender and Crime. Guns and Crime. Immigration and Crime.

  10. The List of Criminal Justice Research Topics

    Criminal Justice Paper Outline. Let's briefly explain the criminal justice paper outline for you to stay on the right writing track: The Introduction - After defining criminology research topics, the introduction is the very first section. It covers the broad context of the issue, the research question, objectives, the study's aim, and the thesis statement.

  11. Interesting 201 Criminal Justice Research Topics and Ideas

    In the following sections, we explore the four main approaches to selecting criminology research paper topics for your project. Self-Reflection and Interest. Considering your passions, curiosities, and areas of expertise can significantly inform what you decide to explore in your study. When you choose a topic that aligns with these interests ...

  12. 120 Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

    Updated on: Aug 17, 2023 Choosing a topic for your criminal justice research paper can be a challenging task. With the vast array of issues and areas within the field of criminal justice, it is important to select a topic that is both interesting and relevant.

  13. Crime and justice research: The current landscape and future

    The contributions in this themed section developed from conversations that took place at an event hosted by the British Society of Criminology and Criminology & Criminal Justice in April 2019. The papers that follow respond to a 'think-piece' presented by Richard Sparks at that event, and engage with the subsequent debate about the future of funding for crime and justice research.

  14. Criminal Justice Research Topics

    Choose a narrow topic. When choosing your topic the scope of your criminal justice research paper mustn't be too broad. Ask and answer one question or use one thesis statement that is clear and well-defined. Choose a topic that is well-researched. When writing a paper on criminal justice, many topics are too new to have solid research.

  15. CRIM 480: Research Topics in Crime, Law and Justice

    databases covering criminology, criminal justice, and security includes Criminal Justice Database and NCJRS Sociological Abstracts This link opens in a new window A premier resource for interdisciplinary research on subjects impacting society and the single most important database in the Social Sciences.

  16. Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

    research paper topics categorized into different areas such as criminology, types of crime, correlates of crime, theories of crime, criminal justice system, criminal justice process, criminal justice ethics, criminal justice administration, criminal law, criminal procedure, criminal investigation, criminal behavior, criminal psychology, juvenile...

  17. 60 Criminology Research Topics from Different Sub-categories

    Structure-wise, your criminology research paper should comprise the following sections: a cover page, abstract, intro, methods, results, discussion, conclusion, literature review, and appendices.

  18. 60 Sociology of Crime Research Paper Topics

    60 Sociology of Crime Research Paper Topics Age and crime Alcohol and crime Biosocial theories of crime Broken windows theory of crime Childhood sexual abuse Class and crime Collective efficacy and crime Conflict theory and crime and delinquency Corporate crime Corrections Court systems and law Crime and masculinities Crime hotspots

  19. 250+ Criminal Justice Research Topics: Top List for Students

    Here are some interesting criminal justice topics for research papers that your professors will surely appreciate. Psychology of serial killers: nature vs. nurture. How can artificial intelligence help in predicting and preventing crime? Unmasking the dark web: Its influence on cybercrime rates.

  20. 135+ Amazing Criminal Justice Research Topics In 2023

    Some research topics include the following: The role of law enforcement, prosecutors, and public defenders. Challenges with eyewitness identifications. Different types of evidence are used in criminal cases. The effect of jury selection on trials. How criminal justice impacts mental health. What Is a Research Paper in Criminal Justice?

  21. 15 Interesting Criminal Justice Research Topics To Inspire You

    Strategies for crime prevention. Gender issues in criminal justice. The ethical aspects of international interventions. Impact of mandatory sentencing. The lives of children with incarcerated parents. Jury selection criteria. The reliability of witness testimonies. Crimes conducted during emergencies.

  22. 300 Criminal Justice Topics for Research Paper

    A criminal justice research paper is an academic document that studies various aspects of the legislative system, criminology, and related topics. These papers typically involve in-depth analysis, critical thinking, and the presentation of well-supported arguments or findings regarding research topics in criminal justice assigned to students in ...

  23. Topics for a Criminology Research Paper

    One way to approach a criminology research paper project involves exploring topics prompted by criminology's underlying themes, such as those listed in the University of Washington course outline. Combining a thematic concept with something of individual or local interest can lend a project a strong personal ...

  24. Decriminalizing Condemnable Conduct: A Miscalculation of ...

    University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, Public Law & Legal Theory Research Paper Series. Subscribe to this free journal for more curated articles on this topic FOLLOWERS. 3,701. PAPERS. 855. This Journal is curated by: ... Criminology eJournal.

  25. Criminology, Law & Society Colloquium Series~ Dr. Nick Petersen

    Dr. Nick Petersen ~ Associate Professor of Sociology & Criminology at the University of Miami Topic: Abstract: In the post-McCleskey era, socio-legal scholars and practitioners have had few avenues for challenging racial inequalities in capital punishment based on social scientific evidence. California's Racial Justice Act (RJA) fundamentally changed this calculus, allowing