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, you’ll find top criminology research topics for your inspiration. We’ll also look into the main criminology theories and research methods and explain the difference between criminology and criminal justice.

🔝 Top-10 Criminology Research Topics

🔤 what is criminology.

  • 🔎 Criminology Research Methods
  • 📝 Research Topics for Assignments

🦹‍♂️ Crime Research Topics

  • 🚔 Topics in Law Enforcement
  • 🕵️ Criminal Investigation Topics

⚖️ Criminal Law Research Topics

  • 🔒 Topics to Research in Crime Prevention

🧑‍⚖️ Criminal Justice Research Topics

  • 🆚 Criminology Vs Criminal Justice

❓ Criminology Topics: FAQ

🔗 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, “What is criminal behavior, and what causes it?” 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.

Let’s consider the most relevant criminology theories.

Theory Major assumption
The theory states that an individual thinks through each action, deciding if the benefits of committing a crime would be worth the risks.
It claims that individuals behave according to the attached to them by society. So, people become offenders when others call them offenders.
This theory suggests that people want to get pleasure and avoid pain. So, crime can be deterred if the pain from the outweighs the benefits of committing a crime.
The theory assumes that people learn from those around them and base their morals on what they see. So, those living in environments where criminal behavior is encouraged are more likely to become criminals.
It suggests that criminal behavior occurs in communities that experience breakdowns, such as or poverty.
This theory states that individuals will turn to a life of crime when they experience stress or pressure, for example, because of a lack of money or the death of a loved one.

🔎 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 people’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.

📝 Criminology Research Topics for Assignments

To write an outstanding research paper on criminology, choose a topic that will spark your interest. Below you’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 Merton’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 perspectives’ 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 victims’ 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 society’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 children’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: women’s crime.

🚔 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 women’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 .

🕵️ Criminal Investigation Research Topics

The criminal investigation process is another criminology area worth discussing in your research paper. Below you’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 you’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 – 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.

🔒 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 .

🆚 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.

Comparison criteria Criminology Criminal justice
Criminology focuses on the “why” behind crimes and examines the sociological and psychological factors that make people break the law. The primary focus of criminal justice is studying the and how society responds to crime.
Criminology investigates the motives behind crimes and examines methods that can prevent them. Criminal justice reactively approaches crime. It aims at punishing people who commit crimes and bringing criminals to justice.
With a criminology degree, you can get work in various fields. Some available jobs are criminologist, lawyer, private investigator, and forensic psychologist. If you major in criminal justice, you can work in law enforcement. The list of job positions includes police officers, officers, detectives, and FBI agents.

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 criminal’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 Doesn’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 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.

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. 

  • ⚖️ Criminology vs. Criminal Justice
  • 🔬 120 Criminology Research Topics
  • 💂 116 Criminal Justice Research Topics

🔦 What Is Criminology?

👮 what is criminal justice, 🔍 references, ⚖️ criminology vs. criminal justice: topics & fields of study.

Criminology. Criminal justice. The terms are often confused even by the people within the field. Nevertheless, criminal justice and criminology are two different spheres. Therefore, these terms are not interchangeable.

Criminology and criminal justice are indeed related. Say, you are pursuing career opportunities in either of the fields. Then, you need to be able to answer the question: what’s the difference between criminology and criminal justice?

To put it simply, criminology studies the anatomy of a crime. More specifically, it explores the causes, costs, and consequences of it. Criminal justice is different from criminology in the sphere it covers. It is the system established for dealing with crimes: the ways of detection, detention, prosecution, and punishment. In short, think of criminal justice as a part of law enforcement.

This chapter just touched on the differences between criminal justice and criminology. If you wish to learn more about the topic, go to chapters IV, and V. Now is the time to move on to criminology research topics!

🔥 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?

🔬 120 Criminology Research Topics & Ideas

Here are 100 criminology research topics ideas organized by themes.

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 one’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
  • What’s the difference between therapeutic and forensic evaluation?
  • Does socioeconomic status impact one’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 homeless’ 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 don’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 individual’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.

🌶️ 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.

💂 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 “three-strikes” 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 prisoners’ 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 Maryland’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, it’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 ?
  • 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 it’s best to avoid sensitive topics. Other times, a clever choice of a topic will win you extra points. It doesn’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. Don’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, let’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.

In the field of criminology, the specialties are numerous. That’s why it’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.

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 doesn’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. That’s why a criminologist’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, you’ll master mathematics, statistics, and, of course, criminology. An associate’s degree may get you an entry-level position. But the minimum entry-level requirement is usually the bachelor’s degree. The best positions, though, are left for the professionals with a master’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 – cybercrime. The impact of this type of crime is escalating with every passing day. That’s why it’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, it’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. It’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, it’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. It’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 suspect’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.

📈 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 it’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 – 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, it’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, it’s best to change your research direction.

And, of course, don’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!

🤔 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 victims’ 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 doesn’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
  • Don’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

Research Proposal Topics: 503 Ideas, Sample, & Guide [2024]

Do you have to write a research proposal and can’t choose one from the professor’s list? This article may be exactly what you need. We will provide you with the most up-to-date undergraduate and postgraduate topic ideas. Moreover, we will share the secrets of the winning research proposal writing. Here,...

278 Interesting History Essay Topics and Events to Write about

A history class can become a jumble of years, dates, odd moments, and names of people who have been dead for centuries. Despite this, you’ll still need to find history topics to write about. You may have no choice! But once in a while, your instructor may let you pick...

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. That’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...

420 Funny Speech Topics: Informative, Persuasive, for Presentations

One of the greatest problems of the scholarly world is the lack of funny topics. So why not jazz it up? How about creating one of those humorous speeches the public is always so delighted to listen to? Making a couple of funny informative speech topics or coming up with...

Best Childhood Memories Essay Ideas: 94 Narrative Topics [2024]

Many people believe that childhood is the happiest period in a person’s life. It’s not hard to see why. Kids have nothing to care or worry about, have almost no duties or problems, and can hang out with their friends all day long. An essay about childhood gives an opportunity...

A List of 272 Informative Speech Topics: Pick Only Awesome Ideas! [2024]

Just when you think you’re way past the question “How to write an essay?” another one comes. That’s the thing students desperately Google: “What is an informative speech?” And our custom writing experts are here to help you sort this out. Informative speaking is a speech on a completely new issue....

435 Literary Analysis Essay Topics and Prompts [2024 Upd]

Literature courses are about two things: reading and writing about what you’ve read. For most students, it’s hard enough to understand great pieces of literature, never mind analyzing them. And with so many books and stories out there, choosing one to write about can be a chore. But you’re in...

335 Unique Essay Topics for College Students [2024 Update]

The success of any college essay depends on the topic choice. If you want to impress your instructors, your essay needs to be interesting and unique. Don’t know what to write about? We are here to help you! In this article by our Custom-Writing.org team, you will find 335 interesting...

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...

626 Dissertation Topics for Ph.D. and Thesis Ideas for Master Students

If you are about to go into the world of graduate school, then one of the first things you need to do is choose from all the possible dissertation topics available to you. This is no small task. You are likely to spend many years researching your Master’s or Ph.D....

192 Free Ideas for Argumentative or Persuasive Essay Topics

Looking for a good argumentative essay topic? In need of a persuasive idea for a research paper? You’ve found the right page! Academic writing is never easy, whether it is for middle school or college. That’s why there are numerous educational materials on composing an argumentative and persuasive essay, for...

209 Sports Topics: Argumentative Essay & Persuasive Speech Ideas

Persuasive speech is the art of convincing the audience to understand and trust your opinion. Are you ready to persuade someone in your view? Our list of sports persuasive speech topics will help you find a position to take and defend. If you need more options quick, apart from contents...

The schools of criminology seems like such a fascinating field — 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!

ct-logo

200 Best Criminology Research Topics For Students

Criminology studies crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. Picking a good research topic is essential. It should match your interests and help us understand crime and how to prevent it.

There are many types of criminology research topics to choose from. You could look at criminal behavior, crime prevention, the justice system, theories about crime, or new issues like cybercrime. This guide will help you pick a research topic and get excited about criminology research. We’ll look at different topic ideas across criminology.

Whether you’re interested in why people commit crimes, how to stop crimes, the courts and jails, theories about crime, or new issues like internet crime, this guide will help you find a good research topic. Let’s explore criminology research topics and find great research ideas together! 

What are Criminology Research Topics?

Table of Contents

Criminology research topics involve studying crime, criminals, and the justice system using scientific methods. This includes looking at:

  • Why crimes happen
  • Patterns in criminal behavior
  • How crime impacts people and communities
  • How the justice system, like police, courts, and jails, work
  • Theories about the causes of crime
  • Ways to prevent crimes
  • New types of crimes like internet crime
  • How crime is different in various times and cultures
  • How crime affects victims
  • What the public thinks about crime
  • Ideas for improving crime laws and policies

Criminology Research Topics For Students

Here are over 200 criminology research topics for students categorized into different subfields of criminology:

General Criminology

  • The significance of restorative justice programs in decreasing recidivism rates.
  • Exploring the role of genetics in criminal behavior.
  • The impact of socioeconomic status on crime rates.
  • Analyzing the relationship between drug policies and crime rates.
  • Investigating the effectiveness of community policing in reducing crime.
  • Analyzing the role of mental health in criminal behavior.
  • Understanding the link between poverty and crime.
  • Exploring the use of technology in crime prevention.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for offenders.
  • Investigating the role of media in shaping perceptions of crime and criminals.

Criminal Justice System

  • The influence of mandatory minimum sentencing laws on crime rates.
  • Exploring racial disparities in the criminal justice system.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of plea bargaining in reducing court backlogs.
  • Investigating the role of forensic evidence in criminal investigations.
  • Examining the ethics of using informants in criminal investigations.
  • Understanding the influence of incarceration on families and communities.
  • Exploring the role of prosecutorial discretion in shaping criminal justice outcomes.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of probation and parole programs.
  • Investigating the use of body cameras in policing.
  • Examining the role of juries in the criminal justice system.

Crime Prevention

  • Exploring the effectiveness of gun control policies in reducing violent crime.
  • Analyzing the impact of CCTV cameras on crime rates in urban areas.
  • Investigating the role of environmental design in crime prevention.
  • Examining the effectiveness of school-based anti-bullying programs.
  • Understanding the link between unemployment and property crime.
  • Exploring the role of parenting in preventing juvenile delinquency.
  • Analyzing the efficacy of early intervention programs for at-risk youth.
  • Investigating the impact of neighborhood watch programs on community safety.
  • Studying the role of social media in facilitating or preventing cyberbullying.
  • Exploring the effectiveness of drug education programs in schools.

Juvenile Delinquency

  • The effect of family structure on juvenile delinquency rates.
  • Studying the role of peer pressure in juvenile offending.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of diversion programs for juvenile offenders.
  • Investigating the link between childhood trauma and later delinquent behavior.
  • Examining the role of schools in preventing juvenile delinquency.
  • Understanding the influence of media on juvenile behavior.
  • Exploring the effectiveness of mentoring programs for at-risk youth.
  • Analyzing the impact of juvenile curfew laws on crime rates.
  • Investigating the role of substance abuse in juvenile offending.
  • Studying the efficacy of rehabilitation programs for juvenile offenders.
  • The impact of dark web marketplaces on illicit drug trade.
  • Exploring the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures in preventing cyber attacks.
  • Analyzing the role of cryptocurrencies in facilitating money laundering.
  • Investigating the link between online gaming and cyberbullying.
  • Examining the effectiveness of law enforcement responses to cybercrime.
  • Understanding the role of social media in cyberstalking cases.
  • Exploring the impact of data breaches on consumer privacy.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of international cooperation in combating cybercrime.
  • Investigating the role of artificial intelligence in cybercrime detection.
  • Examining the legal and ethical issues surrounding hacking and hacktivism.

White-Collar Crime

  • The impact of corporate culture on white-collar crime.
  • Exploring the effectiveness of regulatory agencies in preventing corporate fraud.
  • Analyzing the role of whistleblowers in exposing corporate misconduct.
  • Investigating the link between executive compensation and financial fraud.
  • Examining the effectiveness of corporate compliance programs.
  • Understanding the role of technology in facilitating white-collar crime.
  • Exploring the impact of globalization on white-collar crime.
  • Analyzing the role of government oversight in preventing financial crimes.
  • Investigating the effectiveness of anti-money laundering measures.
  • Examining the psychological profiles of white-collar offenders.

Terrorism and Counterterrorism

  • The impact of globalization on terrorism.
  • Exploring the role of ideology in terrorist recruitment.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of counterterrorism strategies.
  • Investigating the link between poverty and terrorism.
  • Examining the role of social media in terrorist propaganda.
  • Understanding the psychology of terrorism.
  • Exploring the impact of state-sponsored terrorism.
  • Analyzing the role of intelligence agencies in preventing terrorist attacks.
  • Studying the effectiveness of border security measures in combating terrorism.
  • Examining the ethics of targeted drone strikes in counterterrorism efforts.

Victimology

  • The impact of victim-blaming attitudes on reporting rates of sexual assault.
  • Exploring the psychological effects of victimization.
  • Analyzing the role of victim support services in aiding recovery.
  • Investigating the link between domestic violence and homelessness.
  • Studying the effectiveness of restorative justice practices for victims.
  • Understanding the role of trauma-informed care for victims.
  • Exploring the impact of victim compensation programs.
  • Analyzing the prevalence of revictimization among survivors.
  • Investigating the role of victim-offender mediation in reducing trauma.
  • Examining the experiences of marginalized victims within the criminal justice system.

Gender and Crime

  • The impact of gender stereotypes on sentencing outcomes.
  • Exploring the link between masculinity and violent crime.
  • Analyzing the role of gender in shaping criminal opportunities.
  • Investigating the prevalence of intimate partner violence against men.
  • Examining the experiences of transgender individuals within the criminal justice system.
  • Understanding the role of gender in white-collar crime.
  • Exploring the intersection of race, gender, and crime.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of gender-responsive programming for female offenders.
  • Investigating the link between gender identity and hate crimes.
  • Examining the role of gender in criminal victimization experiences.

Race and Crime

  • The influence of racial profiling on policing practices.
  • Exploring the link between race and sentencing disparities.
  • Analyzing the role of systemic racism in contributing to crime rates.
  • Investigating the prevalence of hate crimes against racial minorities.
  • Examining the experiences of Indigenous peoples within the criminal justice system.
  • Understanding the impact of racial segregation on crime.
  • Exploring the intersection of race, poverty, and crime.
  • Analyzing the role of race in shaping perceptions of criminality.
  • Investigating the effectiveness of diversity training for law enforcement.
  • Examining the experiences of racial minorities as crime victims.

Policing and Law Enforcement

  • The influence of body-worn cameras on police behavior.
  • Exploring the effectiveness of predictive policing algorithms.
  • Analyzing the role of police discretion in shaping law enforcement outcomes.
  • Investigating the prevalence of police brutality and accountability measures.
  • Examining the impact of community-oriented policing initiatives.
  • Understanding the role of police unions in shaping department policies.
  • Exploring the use of technology in crime mapping and analysis.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of de-escalation training for police officers.
  • Investigating the role of implicit bias in police interactions.
  • Examining the impact of police militarization on community relations.

Criminal Behavior Theories

  • The impact of strain theory on understanding criminal behavior.
  • Exploring the role of social learning theory in juvenile delinquency.
  • Analyzing the influence of biological theories on criminal behavior.
  • Investigating the relevance of rational choice theory in explaining white-collar crime.
  • Examining the role of labeling theory in shaping criminal identities.
  • Understanding the impact of control theory on crime prevention strategies.
  • Exploring the intersection of feminist theory and criminology.
  • Analyzing the relevance of routine activities theory in cybercrime.
  • Investigating the role of social disorganization theory in understanding neighborhood crime.
  • Examining the influence of psychoanalytic theories on criminal profiling.

Comparative Criminology

  • The impact of cultural differences on crime rates.
  • Exploring the effectiveness of different legal systems in combating crime.
  • Analyzing the role of globalization in transnational crime.
  • Investigating the prevalence of human trafficking in different regions.
  • Examining the effectiveness of drug policies in different countries.
  • Understanding the impact of political instability on crime rates.
  • Exploring the role of corruption in facilitating organized crime.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in different cultural contexts.
  • Investigating the prevalence of honor crimes in different societies.
  • Examining the role of religion in shaping attitudes towards crime.

Environmental Criminology

  • The impact of urban design on crime rates.
  • Studying the significance of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED).
  • Analyzing the role of natural landscapes in preventing crime.
  • Investigating the impact of lighting on crime in public spaces.
  • Examining the role of surveillance in deterring criminal activity.
  • Understanding the influence of architecture on criminal behavior.
  • Exploring the impact of weather on crime patterns.
  • Analyzing the role of public transportation in facilitating crime.
  • Investigating the effectiveness of neighborhood revitalization efforts in reducing crime.
  • Examining the influence of housing policies on neighborhood safety.

Criminal Profiling and Forensics

  • The impact of offender profiling on criminal investigations.
  • Exploring the reliability of forensic evidence in court.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of DNA databases in solving cold cases.
  • Investigating the role of forensic psychology in criminal profiling.
  • Examining the ethics of using familial DNA searching.
  • Understanding the limitations of eyewitness testimony in court.
  • Exploring the use of forensic linguistics in criminal investigations.
  • Analyzing the role of digital forensics in cybercrime investigations.
  • Investigating the effectiveness of geographic profiling techniques.
  • Examining the impact of forensic anthropology on missing persons cases.

Drugs and Crime

  • The influence of drug legalization on crime rates.
  • Exploring the role of drug trafficking organizations in organized crime.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of harm reduction strategies in reducing drug-related crime.
  • Investigating the link between substance abuse and property crime.
  • Examining the impact of drug courts on recidivism rates.
  • Understanding the role of addiction in driving criminal behavior.
  • Analyzing the impact of drug policy on marginalized communities.
  • Investigating the prevalence of prescription drug abuse and crime.
  • Examining the role of drug treatment programs in reducing criminal recidivism.

Human Trafficking

  • The impact of globalization on human trafficking patterns.
  • Exploring the role of organized crime in human trafficking networks.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of anti-trafficking laws and policies.
  • Investigating the link between human trafficking and other forms of exploitation.
  • Examining the role of technology in combating human trafficking.
  • Understanding the experiences of human trafficking survivors.
  • Exploring the intersection of migration and human trafficking.
  • Analyzing the role of demand in driving human trafficking.
  • Investigating the effectiveness of victim identification and support programs.
  • Examining the impact of cultural attitudes on human trafficking.

Organized Crime

  • The impact of globalization on the expansion of organized crime networks.
  • Exploring the role of cybercrime in organized criminal enterprises.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of law enforcement strategies against organized crime.
  • Investigating the connection between organized crime and terrorism.
  • Examining the role of corruption in facilitating organized crime activities.
  • Understanding the structure and hierarchy of organized crime groups.
  • Exploring the impact of drug trafficking on organized crime syndicates.
  • Analyzing the role of money laundering in legitimizing criminal proceeds.
  • Investigating the use of violence and coercion in organized crime operations.
  • Examining the role of technology in disrupting organized crime networks.

Prisons and Incarceration

  • The influence of mass incarceration on communities of color.
  • Exploring the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in prison.
  • Analyzing the role of privatization in the prison industrial complex.
  • Investigating the link between mental illness and incarceration rates.
  • Examining the impact of solitary confinement on mental health.
  • Understanding the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in prison.
  • Exploring the effectiveness of reentry programs for ex-offenders.
  • Analyzing the role of education and vocational training in reducing recidivism.
  • Investigating the prevalence of overcrowding in prisons.
  • Examining the ethics of for-profit prison systems.

Restorative Justice

  • The impact of restorative justice practices on victims and offenders.
  • Exploring the role of community involvement in restorative justice processes.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of restorative justice in cases of intimate partner violence.
  • Investigating the cultural considerations in implementing restorative justice.
  • Examining the role of restorative justice in addressing historical injustices.
  • Understanding the impact of restorative justice on recidivism rates.
  • Exploring the role of restorative justice in cases involving juvenile offenders.
  • Analyzing the challenges of implementing restorative justice in rural communities.
  • Investigating the effectiveness of restorative justice in cases of hate crimes.
  • Examining the ethical considerations of restorative justice practices.

Factors To Consider When Selecting a Criminology Research Topic

Here are some factors to consider when picking a criminology research topic:

  • Importance – Choose a topic that matters today, is socially important, and will add useful information to criminology. Look at issues people are talking about in the media.
  • Interest – Pick a topic you find really interesting and will enjoy researching. Your excitement will show in your work.
  • Doable – Make sure the topic can be researched well in the time you have, with the data you can access, and follow ethical rules. Avoid topics that are too broad.
  • New – Try to provide new insights or a fresh viewpoint. Look at existing research to find gaps you can help fill.
  • Meaningful – Choose a topic that can potentially improve criminological knowledge, theory, or practice importantly.
  • Methods – Match the topic to research methods you know or want to learn, like statistical analysis, interviews, etc.
  • Sources – Consider access to articles, datasets, people to interview, etc. Can you find good information sources?
  • Audience – Keep your intended readers in mind. Adjust the scope and approach to give useful information to academics, policymakers, practitioners, etc.

Tips for Conducting Criminology Research

Here are some tips for doing criminology research:

  • Get organized – Make a plan for your research steps and deadlines. Keep your notes, sources, and documents in order.
  • Review existing research – Read and analyze other studies about your topic to find gaps, debates, and theories to build on.
  • Choose suitable methods – Pick research methods like surveys, interviews, field studies, or crime data analysis that match your research questions.
  • Follow ethical rules – Get approval for your research plan. Protect participant privacy and anonymity.
  • Find quality sources – Use scholarly journals, crime databases, court records, and trustworthy sources for good data and information.
  • Analyze data carefully – Use appropriate qualitative or statistical techniques to analyze your data and draw valid conclusions.
  • Make persuasive arguments – Interpret your findings to make evidence-based arguments that address your research questions.
  • Write clearly – Use academic but understandable language. Explain terminology. Use an organized structure.
  • Note limitations – Identify limits of your methods, data sources, and ability to determine causation. Suggest future research.
  • Proofread thoroughly – Check for typos, grammar issues, consistent formatting, and complete citations.
  • Share your research – Present at conferences, publish articles or apply findings to inform criminology practice.

Final Remarks

To wrap up, our journey through criminology research has been an exciting exploration of the complex world of crime and solutions. We’ve discovered exciting areas like criminal behavior, prevention, the justice system, and theories by seeing how important it is to pick the right topic.

Remember, your research can help shape real-world policies and practices. As you explore this changing field, connect with experts, use reliable sources, and follow your curiosity. 

A criminology is a powerful tool for positive change, and your work can impact our understanding of crime. Keep exploring, stay curious, and let your criminology research journey unfold! I’m glad we could explore these meaningful topics in a straightforward, easy-to-grasp way.

Similar Articles

100 Research Topics In Commerce Field

Top 100 Research Topics In Commerce Field

The world of commerce is rapidly evolving. With new technologies, globalization, and changing consumer behaviors, many exciting research topics exist…

Mini Project Ideas For Computer Engineering Students

Top 30+ Mini Project Ideas For Computer Engineering Students

Mini projects are really important for computer engineering students. They help students learn by doing practical stuff alongside their regular…

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

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

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Criminal Justice

IResearchNet

Academic Writing Services

Criminal justice research topics.

This collection provides overviews of   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 Activities 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 .
  • Police–Community Relations .
  • Prison 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 you’re interested in some topic in the list follow the links below for more information.

Example   criminal justice research papers   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   Part II: Correlates of Crime . The research papers in this section consider each correlate’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 pure–applied research continuum. This section also addresses the measurement of crimes with attention to major crime reporting and recording systems.

Having established a theoretical–methodological symmetry as the scientific foundation of criminology, and increasingly the field of criminal justice,   Part V: Types of Crime   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 research–based practices. This science–practitioner relationship is featured, advocated, and critiqued in the research papers of the final section,   Part VI: Criminal Justice System . Here, the central components of criminal justice research paper topics (law enforcement, courts, and corrections) are presented from a criminology–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 .

Diverse Criminology Essay Topics: Criminal Justice and Beyond

image

Table of contents

  • 1 What Branches Does Criminology Include?
  • 2 How to Choose a Good Topic on Criminology?
  • 3 Effectiveness of Capital Punishment in Deterring Crime
  • 4 Criminal Justice Research Topics on Racism & Discrimination
  • 5 Criminal Law Research Topics
  • 6 International Criminal Law Research Topics
  • 7 Criminal Justice Research Topics on Society & Justice
  • 8 Criminal Justice Research Topics in Types of Crime
  • 9 Criminal Justice Research Topics About Court Cases

In our increasingly complex society, the study of criminology, the scientific approach to understanding crime and criminals, has never been more relevant. As we seek to dissect the many factors that contribute to criminal behavior, from socioeconomic circumstances to psychological predispositions, we open the door to a wealth of research possibilities. This article aims to delve into these possibilities, presenting a diverse array of criminology essay topics.

What Branches Does Criminology Include?

Criminology is an interdisciplinary field that draws from several different disciplines, including sociology, psychology, law, and criminal justice. As such, it encompasses a wide range of branches, including but not limited to, criminal behavior, penology, victimology, forensic psychology, and criminal justice administration. Criminal behavior examines why people commit crimes and how to prevent them, while penology focuses on punishment and rehabilitation of offenders. Victimology examines the experiences of crime victims and how to help them, while forensic psychology applies psychological principles to legal issues. Criminal justice administration focuses on the management and operation of the criminal justice system.

How to Choose a Good Topic on Criminology?

Choosing a good topic on criminology can be an exciting but challenging task. Here are five steps to help you select a compelling topic:

  • Step 1: Understand the Field of Criminology

Begin by gaining a broad understanding of the field of criminology. Explore various sub-disciplines, theories, and contemporary issues in criminology. This will help you identify areas of interest and potential research gaps.

  • Step 2: Identify Your Interests

Reflect on your personal interests within criminology. Consider the aspects of crime, criminal justice, or social justice that captivate your attention. Are you interested in studying the causes of crime, criminal behavior, or the effectiveness of criminal justice policies? Identifying your interests will guide you toward topics that you are passionate about.

  • Step 3: Conduct Preliminary Research

Conduct preliminary research to explore potential topics further. Read scholarly articles, books, and other reputable sources to identify current trends, debates, and gaps in knowledge. This will help you understand what has already been studied and identify areas where further research is needed.

  • Step 4: Brainstorm and Narrow Down Your Topic

Brainstorm a list of potential topics based on your interests and the research you have conducted. Consider the feasibility and scope of each topic. Are there enough resources available to support your research? Is the topic too broad or too narrow? Narrow down your list to a few specific and manageable topics that align with your interests.

  • Step 5: Evaluate the Significance and Originality

Evaluate the significance and originality of each potential topic. Consider whether the topic addresses a research gap or offers a fresh perspective on an existing issue. Think about the potential contributions your research could make to the field of criminology. Choose a topic that has relevance and offers room for exploration and innovation.

By following these steps, you will be able to choose a good topic on criminology that aligns with your interests, has research potential, and contributes to the existing body of knowledge in the field. Remember to consult with your advisor or instructor for guidance and feedback during the topic selection process.

Effectiveness of Capital Punishment in Deterring Crime

  • Racial Disparities in the Criminal Justice System and Their Impact on Minority Communities
  • Solitary Confinement and Its Effects on Prisoners’ Mental Health
  • Role of Mandatory Minimum Sentences in Addressing Drug Offenses
  • Ethical Implications of Using Informants in Criminal Investigations
  • Predictive Policing Algorithms and Their Potential for Bias and Discrimination
  • Juvenile Justice and the Debate Over Trying Minors as Adults
  • Impact of Private Prisons on the Criminal Justice System
  • Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Programs in Reducing Recidivism Rates
  • Use of Technology and Surveillance in Law Enforcement, Including Facial Recognition and Data Collection
  • Criminalization of Drug Possession and the Debate Over Decriminalization or Legalization
  • Impact of Three-Strikes Laws on Repeat Offenders
  • Use of Tasers and Other Non-lethal Weapons by Law Enforcement and the Potential for Abuse
  • Role of Mental Health in the Criminal Justice System and the Treatment of Mentally Ill Offenders
  • Consequences of Mandatory Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients
  • Impact of Bail Reform on Pretrial Detention and the Fairness of the System
  • Relationship Between Poverty and Crime and the Effectiveness of Poverty Reduction Programs
  • Debate Over Mandatory Sentencing for Non-violent Offenses
  • Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods, Such as Restorative Justice, in Criminal Cases
  • Criminalization of Sex Work and the Debate Over Decriminalization or Regulation

Criminal Justice Research Topics on Racism & Discrimination

  • Racial Profiling Impact and Justice Outcomes for Minorities
  • Sentencing Disparities: Uncovering Racial Bias
  • Poverty, Legal Representation, and Effects on Cases
  • Racial Stereotypes: Police Force and Arrest Dynamics
  • Community Policing: Building Trust, Reducing Tensions
  • Implicit Bias in Court: Influencing Jury Decisions
  • Pretrial Detention, Bail, and Racial Disparities
  • Plea Bargaining: Racial Bias and Sentencing Gaps
  • Socioeconomic Status, Race, and Wrongful Convictions
  • Law Enforcement Training: Addressing Racial Bias
  • Policing Technology: Exacerbating Disparities
  • Minority Experiences as Justice System Victims and Witnesses
  • Juvenile Justice: Racial Disparities and Consequences
  • Stop-And-Frisk Policies: Unveiling Race and Discrimination
  • Death Penalty: Racial Disparities and Justice Implications
  • Drug Law Enforcement: Racial Bias and Mass Incarceration
  • Restorative Justice: Tackling Racial Disparities
  • Minority Experiences in Probation and Parole Systems
  • Solitary Confinement’s Racial Disparities and Mental Health Impacts
  • Systemic Racism: Perpetuating Justice Disparities

Criminal Law Research Topics

  • Efficacy of Mandatory Minimum Sentences in Reducing Crime Rates
  • Influence of Technology on Criminal Investigations and Privacy Rights
  • Correlation Between Mental Health and Criminal Behavior
  • Significance of Forensic Science in Criminal Investigations and Its Reliability
  • Impact of Race and Ethnicity on the Criminal Justice System
  • Utilization of Plea Bargains and Their Implications for the Justice System
  • Legitimacy and Ethical Considerations of Surveillance in Public Spaces
  • Role of Restorative Justice in Diminishing Recidivism Rates
  • Consequences of Drug Decriminalization or Legalization on Crime Rates
  • Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Programs in Curbing Reoffending
  • Application of Predictive Policing Algorithms and Their Potential Biases
  • Influence of Media and Public Perception on Criminal Trials
  • Examination of Legal and Ethical Issues Surrounding the Death Penalty
  • Ramifications of Sentencing Disparities Based on Socioeconomic Status
  • Assessment of Community Policing Effectiveness in Crime Prevention and Resolution
  • Contribution of Forensic Psychology in Criminal Profiling
  • Safeguarding the Rights of Victims in the Criminal Justice System
  • Evaluation of Hate Crime Legislation in Preventing and Prosecuting Hate Crimes
  • Exploration of the Link Between Poverty and Crime Rates
  • Implications of Emerging Technologies (Such as Artificial Intelligence and Facial Recognition) On Criminal Law and Privacy

International Criminal Law Research Topics

  • Icc: Combating Crimes Against Humanity
  • Universal Jurisdiction: Prosecuting International Crimes
  • State Sovereignty vs International Criminal Law
  • Effectiveness of War Crime Tribunals
  • Gender-Based Crimes in Armed Conflicts
  • Transitional Justice Mechanisms Post-conflict
  • Ethical Implications of Drone Warfare
  • Prosecution of Piracy as a Global Crime
  • Intersection of Humanitarian and Criminal Law
  • Ngos in International Criminal Justice
  • Corporate Liability for International Crimes
  • Truth Commissions and Reconciliation
  • Evolving Understanding of Genocide
  • Protecting Cultural Heritage in Conflicts
  • Investigating Non-state Actor Crimes
  • International Law’s Impact on Counterterrorism
  • Extradition for International Crimes
  • Environmental Crimes and Legal Frameworks
  • Victim and Witness Rights in Trials
  • Regional Courts and International Justice

Criminal Justice Research Topics on Society & Justice

  • Community Policing and Crime Rates
  • Restorative Justice and Recidivism
  • Juvenile Diversion Programs
  • Poverty and Crime in Communities
  • Impact of Mass Incarceration on Families
  • Technology in Criminal Investigations
  • Drug Courts and Reducing Criminal Behavior
  • Mental Health and Criminal Conduct
  • Rehabilitation vs Punishment
  • Alternative Sentencing and Prison Overcrowding
  • Challenges of Reintegration After Incarceration
  • Racial Disparities in the Justice System
  • Community-Based Crime Prevention
  • Social Media and Criminal Facilitation
  • Body-Worn Cameras and Public Trust
  • Wrongful Convictions and Implications
  • Effectiveness of Hate Crime Legislation
  • Forensic Evidence and Conviction Rates
  • Media Influence on Crime Attitudes
  • Rehabilitation Programs for Substance Abuse

Criminal Justice Research Topics in Types of Crime

  • Cybercrime Laws and Deterrence
  • Impact of Drug Trafficking on Communities
  • Characteristics of White-Collar Criminals
  • International Cooperation Against Human Trafficking
  • Dynamics of Organized Crime Groups
  • Patterns and Trends in Homicide Rates
  • Factors Contributing to Domestic Violence
  • Root Causes of Juvenile Delinquency
  • Impact of Hate Crimes on Marginalized Communities
  • Reporting and Conviction Rates of Sexual Assault Cases
  • Factors Influencing Robbery Rates
  • Methods and Consequences of Identity Theft
  • Role of Money Laundering in Organized Crime
  • Detection and Prevention of Fraud
  • Impact of Public Corruption on Institutions
  • Causes and Motivations Behind Acts of Terrorism
  • Patterns and Motivations of Arsonists
  • Prevalence of Child Abuse and Neglect
  • Crimes Against the Environment and Enforcement Strategies
  • Psychological Impact of Stalking on Victims

Criminal Justice Research Topics About Court Cases

  • Supreme Court Decisions and Criminal Justice Policies
  • Plea Bargaining’s Impact on Court Outcomes
  • Racial Disparities in Sentencing: A Case Study
  • Public Opinion and High-Profile Court Cases
  • Forensic Evidence in Court Proceedings
  • Technology and Court Case Management
  • Wrongful Convictions and the Court System
  • Specialized Courts and Reducing Recidivism
  • Factors Influencing Judges’ Decisions in Criminal Cases
  • Media Coverage and Jury Decision-Making
  • Diversion Programs as Alternatives to Courts
  • Eyewitness Testimony in Court Proceedings
  • Expert Witnesses in Criminal Trials
  • Pretrial Detention and the Justice System
  • Technology and Courtroom Security
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution in Criminal Cases
  • Prosecutorial Discretion and Court Outcomes
  • Court-Ordered Rehabilitation Programs
  • Judicial Misconduct and Case Outcomes
  • Mandatory Minimum Sentencing and Court Cases

Crafting a criminology essay can be daunting due to the intricate nature of the subject. It demands a profound comprehension of diverse theories, rigorous research abilities, and the capacity to express thoughts in a lucid and persuasive manner. The vast scope of the discipline, which includes sociology, psychology, and law among others, often exacerbates this challenge. Nevertheless, these obstacles can be effortlessly surmounted with the assistance of PapersOwl.com. Their proficient team possesses experience in tackling complex criminology subjects and can offer top-notch, tailored essay writing services.

They recognize the demands of scholarly writing and are dedicated to providing high-caliber, original work punctually. Opting for PapersOwl service is more than merely delegating your essay; it’s a tactical decision to attain your academic objectives without sacrificing quality or integrity!

Readers also enjoyed

Top 160 Criminal Justice Research Topics for Students

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

Just fill out the form, press the button, and have no worries!

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy.

research topic ideas criminology

Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

Academic Writing Service

This page provides a comprehensive list of criminal justice 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 justice, juvenile delinquency, death penalty, and gender and crime. Each category includes 10 unique topics, offering students an ample selection of research paper ideas. Additionally, this page provides expert advice on choosing a research topic and writing a criminal justice research paper, as well as an overview of iResearchNet’s writing services for students seeking custom research paper assistance.

Criminal Justice Reseach Field

Criminal justice is an interdisciplinary field that involves the study of crime, law, and justice. It encompasses a range of topics such as criminology, criminal law, law enforcement, and the criminal justice system. As a student studying criminal justice, you may be required to write a research paper on a specific topic within this field. However, choosing a topic can be challenging, as the field is vast and encompasses various subfields. In this guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive list of criminal justice research paper topics, expert advice on how to choose a topic, and tips on how to write an effective research paper.

Academic Writing, Editing, Proofreading, And Problem Solving Services

Get 10% off with 24start discount code.

Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

In this guide, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive list of criminal justice research paper topics, divided into several categories, to help you select a topic that interests you and aligns with your research interests. We also offer expert advice on how to choose a topic, conduct research, and write an effective research paper. Our goal is to help you succeed in your academic pursuits and make a meaningful contribution to the field of criminal justice.

100+ Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

Criminal justice is a multifaceted field that encompasses various aspects of crime and punishment. As a student of criminal justice, it is crucial to choose a research paper topic that not only interests you but also provides ample room for exploration and analysis. In this section, we have compiled a comprehensive list of criminal justice research paper topics categorized into various themes. These categories are designed to help you navigate the vast field of criminal justice research and narrow down your options to a more manageable and focused list of topics. Whether you are interested in criminology, types of crime, theories of crime, criminal justice system, or other related topics, you are sure to find a suitable topic that will spark your curiosity and enhance your knowledge of the criminal justice field.

Criminology

  • Theoretical Perspectives on Crime: An Analysis of Social Disorganization Theory
  • The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Criminal Behavior
  • The Relationship between Substance Abuse and Crime
  • The Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Programs in Reducing Recidivism
  • The Role of Genetics in Criminal Behavior: A Critical Analysis
  • The Relationship between Education and Crime: An Empirical Investigation
  • The Intersection of Race, Ethnicity and Crime: A Critical Review
  • The Use of Restorative Justice in Reducing Crime: An International Comparison
  • The Impact of Mass Media on Perceptions of Crime and Criminal Behavior
  • The Relationship between Poverty and Crime: An Empirical Analysis

Types of Crime

  • Hate Crimes
  • Drug-Related Crimes
  • Human Trafficking
  • Organized Crime
  • White-Collar Crime
  • Sexual Crimes
  • Domestic Violence
  • Murder and Homicide
  • Property Crimes

Correlates of Crime

  • Poverty and Crime
  • Mental Illness and Criminal Behavior
  • The Impact of Substance Abuse on Crime
  • Demographic Factors and Criminal Behavior: Race, Gender, and Age
  • Educational Attainment and Criminal Behavior
  • Religion and Crime
  • Family Background and Crime
  • Employment and Crime
  • Neighborhood Characteristics and Crime
  • Immigration and Crime

Theories of Crime

  • Social Disorganization Theory: An Analysis of Neighborhood Crime Rates
  • Rational Choice Theory and Criminal Behavior
  • An Examination of the Classical School of Criminology
  • Social Learning Theory and Juvenile Delinquency
  • An Analysis of Strain Theory and Its Implications for Criminal Justice Policy
  • The Role of Genetics in Criminal Behavior
  • A Comparison of Conflict Theory and Consensus Theory in Criminology
  • Psychological Theories of Criminal Behavior: An Overview
  • A Critical Analysis of the Labeling Theory and Its Contributions to Criminology
  • Marxist Criminology and Its Implications for Criminal Justice Policy

Measurement and Research in Criminology

  • The use of survey research in criminology
  • Experimental designs in criminology research
  • The role of case studies in criminology research
  • Analyzing archival data in criminology research
  • Qualitative research methods in criminology
  • Quantitative research methods in criminology
  • Use of randomized control trials in criminology research
  • Measuring crime and victimization rates
  • Analyzing crime patterns and trends
  • The use of GIS (geographic information system) in criminology research

Criminal Justice System

  • The impact of privatization on the criminal justice system
  • Police misconduct and accountability in the criminal justice system
  • The role of prosecutors in the criminal justice system
  • The impact of technology on the criminal justice system
  • The effectiveness of community policing in the criminal justice system
  • The role of plea bargaining in the criminal justice system
  • The role of judges in the criminal justice system
  • The impact of mass incarceration on the criminal justice system
  • The role of the media in shaping public perception of the criminal justice system
  • The role of restorative justice in the criminal justice system

Criminal Justice Process

  • Bail and Pretrial Release: A Study of its Effects on the Criminal Justice Process
  • Plea Bargaining: Advantages and Disadvantages for Defendants and the Criminal Justice System
  • Sentencing Disparities among Minority Groups in the Criminal Justice System
  • The Role of Prosecutors in the Criminal Justice Process
  • Jury Selection: Challenges and Solutions
  • The Impact of Victim Impact Statements on the Criminal Justice Process
  • The Use of Forensic Evidence in the Criminal Justice System
  • The Role of Defense Attorneys in the Criminal Justice Process
  • The Criminal Appeals Process: Procedures and Outcomes
  • The Role of Probation and Parole Officers in the Criminal Justice Process

Criminal Justice Ethics

  • Ethical Considerations in Criminal Investigations
  • The Use of Force By Law Enforcement Officers: Ethical Dilemmas and Solutions
  • The Ethics of Plea Bargaining in Criminal Justice
  • The Role of Ethics In The Criminal Justice System: A Comparative Analysis of Different Legal Systems
  • The Morality of Capital Punishment: Arguments for and Against
  • Ethical Issues in Criminal Defense: Conflicts of Interest and the Right to a Fair Trial
  • Ethical Issues in Correctional Facilities: Rehabilitation vs. Punishment
  • Police Brutality and Accountability: Ethical Implications for Law Enforcement Agencies
  • The Ethics of Criminal Profiling: Balancing Effectiveness and Discrimination Concerns
  • The Ethics of Surveillance in Criminal Investigations: Privacy, Security, and Civil Liberties Concerns

Criminal Justice Administration

  • The Role of Leadership in Law Enforcement Agencies
  • The Use of Technology in Criminal Justice Administration
  • Private Prisons and Their Impact on Criminal Justice Administration
  • The Role of Community Policing in Criminal Justice Administration
  • Police Training and Its Effect on Criminal Justice Administration
  • Ethics and Leadership in Criminal Justice Administration
  • Diversity and Inclusion in Criminal Justice Administration
  • The Effect of Budget Cuts on Criminal Justice Administration
  • Collaboration and Coordination between Criminal Justice Agencies
  • The Role of Public Opinion in Criminal Justice Administration

Criminal Law

  • The History and Evolution of Criminal Law
  • Comparative Analysis of Criminal Law Systems in Different Countries
  • The Role of the Judiciary in Criminal Law Interpretation and Application
  • Legal Principles of Criminal Liability and Their Application in Practice
  • The Concept of Mens Rea in Criminal Law
  • The Limits of Criminal Law in the Regulation Of Conduct
  • The Use of Criminal Law to Address Societal Problems
  • The Relationship Between Criminal Law and Civil Law
  • The Impact of Technology on Criminal Law and Law Enforcement
  • Critiques of The Criminal Law System and Proposals for Reform

Criminal Procedure

  • The Fourth Amendment and Search and Seizure Law
  • The Role of the Grand Jury in Criminal Proceedings
  • The Right to a Fair Trial and Due Process Protections
  • The Use of Plea Bargaining in Criminal Cases
  • The Exclusionary Rule and its Impact on Criminal Cases
  • The Role of the Defense Attorney in Criminal Proceedings
  • The Admissibility of Evidence in Criminal Trials
  • The Impact of the Media on Criminal Trials
  • The Use of Expert Witnesses in Criminal Cases
  • The Challenges of Prosecuting and Defending Cases Involving DNA Evidence

Criminal Investigation

  • The use of DNA evidence in criminal investigations
  • The reliability and limitations of eyewitness testimony in criminal investigations
  • The role of forensic psychology in criminal investigations
  • The use of surveillance technology in criminal investigations
  • Investigating cybercrime: challenges and strategies
  • The importance of crime scene investigation in solving cases
  • The impact of digital evidence on criminal investigations
  • The role of informants in criminal investigations
  • The use of lie detection technology in criminal investigations
  • The effectiveness of polygraph testing in criminal investigations

Criminal Behavior

  • The role of genetics in criminal behavior
  • The impact of childhood trauma on criminal behavior
  • The relationship between substance abuse and criminal behavior
  • The influence of peer pressure on criminal behavior
  • The impact of poverty and inequality on criminal behavior
  • The role of mental illness in criminal behavior
  • The relationship between personality disorders and criminal behavior
  • The impact of cultural factors on criminal behavior
  • The role of social media in criminal behavior
  • The impact of the media’s portrayal of crime on public perception and criminal behavior

Criminal Psychology

  • The psychology of violent offenders: understanding motivations and triggers
  • The relationship between childhood abuse and criminal behavior
  • Criminal profiling: its validity and effectiveness in solving crimes
  • The psychology of white-collar crime: motives and rationalizations
  • The impact of social media on criminal behavior and investigations
  • The psychology of false confessions: why innocent people confess to crimes they didn’t commit
  • The role of substance abuse in criminal behavior and addiction treatment in the criminal justice system
  • The psychology of serial killers: identifying patterns and predicting behavior
  • The effects of incarceration on mental health and the rehabilitation of offenders

Juvenile Justice

  • The effectiveness of diversion programs in reducing juvenile delinquency
  • The use of restorative justice practices in juvenile court cases
  • The impact of race and ethnicity on juvenile justice outcomes
  • The role of mental health services in juvenile justice systems
  • The use of solitary confinement in juvenile detention facilities
  • The effectiveness of community-based alternatives to juvenile detention
  • The impact of parental involvement on juvenile justice outcomes
  • The effects of trauma on juvenile offenders and the role of trauma-informed care
  • The relationship between juvenile delinquency and academic achievement
  • The effectiveness of juvenile sex offender treatment programs

Juvenile Delinquency

  • The impact of poverty and socioeconomic status on juvenile delinquency
  • The role of mental health issues in juvenile delinquency
  • The relationship between juvenile delinquency and drug abuse
  • The impact of family dynamics and structure on juvenile delinquency
  • The role of schools and education in preventing juvenile delinquency
  • The effectiveness of community-based programs in reducing juvenile delinquency
  • The impact of media and technology on juvenile delinquency
  • The role of race and ethnicity in the juvenile justice system and delinquency rates
  • The impact of neighborhood characteristics on juvenile delinquency
  • The effectiveness of early intervention programs for at-risk youth in preventing juvenile delinquency

Death Penalty

  • The history of the death penalty and its evolution over time
  • Comparative analysis of the use of the death penalty in different countries
  • The moral and ethical considerations of the death penalty
  • The role of race and socioeconomic status in the administration of the death penalty
  • The effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent to crime
  • The psychological effects of death row and the death penalty on inmates and victims’ families
  • The impact of wrongful convictions and exonerations on public trust in the death penalty
  • The controversy surrounding lethal injection and other methods of execution
  • The role of clemency and commutation in death penalty cases
  • Critiques of the death penalty system and proposals for reform

Gender and Crime

  • The Gender Gap in Crime Rates: Exploring the Trends and Explanations
  • Women in Prison: Gender-Specific Issues and Challenges
  • Masculinity and Crime: Exploring the Relationship between Masculinity and Criminal Behavior
  • Gendered Violence: Examining the Intersection of Gender and Violence in Criminal Justice
  • Female Offenders: Understanding the Causes and Consequences of Women’s Criminal Behavior
  • Gender and the Law: Analyzing the Role of Gender in Criminal Justice Policy and Practice
  • The Gendered Nature of Victimhood: Examining the Impact of Gender on Victimization and Justice
  • Intersectionality and Crime: Understanding How Race, Gender, and Class Interact in Criminal Justice
  • Women in Law Enforcement: Challenges and Opportunities for Female Police Officers
  • The Gendered Impacts of Criminal Justice Policies: Analyzing the Differential Effects on Men and Women

Browse More Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics:

Choosing criminal justice research paper topics.

Choosing a research paper topic in criminal justice can be a challenging task, but there are several strategies you can use to make the process easier and more effective. The following tips will help you choose a topic that is both interesting and appropriate for your assignment.

  • Understand the assignment requirements and guidelines : Before you begin researching and selecting a topic, it is important to understand the assignment requirements and guidelines. Make sure you know the scope, length, and format of the paper, as well as any specific topic restrictions or expectations.
  • Consider your personal interests and passions: Selecting a topic that you are interested in or passionate about can make the research and writing process more enjoyable and engaging. Consider your personal experiences, values, and beliefs when choosing a topic.
  • Look for current and relevant topics in the field: Choose a topic that is relevant and current in the field of criminal justice. Look for recent research, policy changes, or high-profile cases that have generated public interest and media attention.
  • Focus on a specific aspect or issue within a broader topic: Instead of choosing a broad topic, focus on a specific aspect or issue within that topic. This will allow you to explore the topic in depth and provide a more focused and compelling argument.
  • Conduct preliminary research to ensure there is enough information available: Before finalizing your topic, conduct preliminary research to ensure there is enough information available to support your argument. Use academic journals, databases, and reliable websites to research your topic and identify potential sources.
  • Consult with your instructor or a librarian for topic suggestions and resources: Your instructor or a librarian can provide valuable guidance and resources for selecting a topic. They may be able to suggest specific topics or provide access to relevant databases and sources.
  • Stay organized and keep track of sources and notes: As you research and write your paper, make sure to stay organized and keep track of your sources and notes. This will make the writing process easier and ensure you have accurate and reliable information to support your argument.
  • Narrow down your topic and develop a thesis statement: Once you have selected a topic, narrow it down to a specific aspect or issue and develop a thesis statement. Your thesis statement should be clear, concise, and specific, and provide a roadmap for the rest of your paper.
  • Brainstorm and outline your paper before writing: Before you start writing, brainstorm and outline your paper to ensure your argument is organized and cohesive. This will also help you identify any gaps in your research or arguments.
  • Revise and edit your paper multiple times before submitting: After you have completed your paper, revise and edit it multiple times before submitting. This will ensure that your argument is clear, your writing is concise and effective, and your paper is free of errors and typos.

By following these expert tips, you can choose a criminal justice research paper topic that is engaging, relevant, and well-supported. Remember to always keep the assignment guidelines in mind and seek guidance from your instructor or librarian when needed.

How to Write a Criminal Justice Research Paper

Writing a criminal justice research paper requires careful planning and execution to ensure that you produce a high-quality and informative work. Here are some tips on how to write a criminal justice research paper:

  • Select a topic and develop a thesis statement : Choose a topic that is interesting and relevant to the criminal justice field. Narrow down your topic and develop a clear thesis statement that outlines your main argument or perspective.
  • Conduct thorough research and gather reliable sources : Use academic databases, library catalogs, and credible websites to find sources that support your thesis statement. Ensure that your sources are reliable and relevant to your topic.
  • Organize your notes and create an outline : Organize your notes and sources into a logical order that supports your thesis statement. Create an outline that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
  • Write an introduction that provides background information and introduces the thesis : Begin your paper with an introduction that provides context for your topic and introduces your thesis statement.
  • Use clear and concise language throughout the paper : Write in a clear and concise manner that is easy to understand. Use simple language and avoid jargon and technical terms that may be unfamiliar to your readers.
  • Support your arguments with evidence and examples from your research : Use evidence from your research to support your arguments and provide examples that illustrate your points.
  • Write a strong conclusion that summarizes your findings and reinforces your thesis : End your paper with a conclusion that summarizes your findings and reinforces your thesis statement.
  • Edit and revise your paper for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors : Check your paper for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Use spell-check and grammar-check tools to help you identify and correct errors.
  • Properly cite your sources using the appropriate citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) : Use the appropriate citation style to cite your sources in the body of your paper and in your reference list. Follow the guidelines provided by your instructor or institution.
  • Get feedback and revise your paper as needed : Share your paper with a peer or instructor and get feedback on your writing. Revise your paper as needed to ensure that it meets the requirements and guidelines of the assignment.

Writing a criminal justice research paper can be a challenging but rewarding experience for students in this field. By choosing a relevant and interesting topic, conducting thorough research, and following a clear and organized structure, students can produce a high-quality paper that showcases their knowledge and critical thinking skills. Seeking expert advice on topic selection and writing techniques can also be beneficial in producing a successful paper. With the right approach and dedication, students can create a valuable contribution to the field of criminal justice research.

iResearchNet Writing Services for Criminal Justice Research Papers

At iResearchNet, we understand the pressure that comes with completing a criminal justice research paper. That’s why we offer expert writing services to help students like you excel in their academic pursuits. Our services are designed to provide you with high-quality, custom written research papers on any topic related to criminal justice.

Our writing services offer the following features:

Expert degree-holding writers with experience in the criminal justice field:  We have a team of writers who hold advanced degrees in criminal justice and related fields. They have years of experience in academic writing and are dedicated to producing high-quality work that meets your requirements.

Custom written works tailored to your specific needs and requirements:  We work closely with you to ensure that your research paper meets your specific needs and requirements. We take into account your instructions, guidelines, and deadlines to deliver a customized solution that is unique to your research paper.

  • In-depth research using credible sources: Our writers conduct extensive research using credible sources to ensure that your research paper is based on accurate and up-to-date information.
  • Custom formatting: Our writers are proficient in all major citation styles, including APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard. We format your research paper according to your requirements and ensure that all citations and references are properly formatted.
  • Top quality work with customized solutions: Our writers are committed to producing high-quality work that meets your expectations. We provide customized solutions to ensure that your research paper is unique and meets your specific requirements.
  • Flexible pricing : We offer flexible pricing options to fit any budget. Our pricing is based on the complexity of your research paper, the length of the paper, and the deadline. We offer competitive pricing that is affordable for students.
  • Short deadlines : We understand that deadlines can be tight. That’s why we offer short deadlines of up to 3 hours for urgent orders. We work efficiently to ensure that your research paper is delivered on time.
  • Timely delivery : We understand the importance of timely delivery. That’s why we guarantee that your research paper will be delivered on time, every time.
  • 24/7 customer support : Our customer support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. We are dedicated to providing you with excellent customer service.
  • Absolute privacy and confidentiality : We understand the importance of privacy and confidentiality. That’s why we guarantee that your personal and academic information will be kept confidential.
  • Easy order tracking : We provide easy order tracking and updates to keep you informed about the progress of your research paper.
  • Money-back guarantee : We are committed to your satisfaction. That’s why we offer a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the final product.

With iResearchNet’s writing services, you can be confident in the quality of your criminal justice research paper. Our team of expert writers is dedicated to providing you with a customized solution that meets your specific requirements. Contact us today to learn more about our writing services and how we can help you achieve academic success.

Professional Writing Help for Criminal Justice Research Papers

The field of criminal justice is vast and offers numerous research paper topics that students can explore. Writing a research paper in criminal justice requires a deep understanding of the subject matter, and it requires a lot of time and effort. Many students find it challenging to come up with a suitable topic, conduct research, and write a comprehensive research paper. However, with proper guidance and expert help, students can produce high-quality criminal justice research papers.

iResearchNet offers expert writing services to assist students in achieving their academic goals and producing high-quality research papers. With expert degree-holding writers who have experience in the criminal justice field, students can be assured of the quality of work they will receive. The works are custom written to meet the specific needs and requirements of each student, and in-depth research using credible sources is conducted. The company also offers custom formatting to match different citation styles. With flexible pricing options, short deadlines of up to 3 hours, and timely delivery, students can trust iResearchNet to deliver quality work. Additionally, the company offers 24/7 customer support for any questions or concerns, absolute privacy and confidentiality of personal and academic information, easy order tracking and updates, and a money-back guarantee if the student is not satisfied with the final product.

In conclusion, writing a criminal justice research paper requires careful consideration of personal interests and the assignment guidelines, thorough research, proper organization, and excellent writing skills. With expert guidance and help from iResearchNet, students can produce high-quality research papers that meet the expectations of their instructors and help them achieve their academic goals.

ORDER HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM PAPER

research topic ideas 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, it’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 what’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. Don’t worry — 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? Don’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 can’t seem to find an authentic topic? Look no further — 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

  • How It Works
  • PhD thesis writing
  • Master thesis writing
  • Bachelor thesis writing
  • Dissertation writing service
  • Dissertation abstract writing
  • Thesis proposal writing
  • Thesis editing service
  • Thesis proofreading service
  • Thesis formatting service
  • Coursework writing service
  • Research paper writing service
  • Architecture thesis writing
  • Computer science thesis writing
  • Engineering thesis writing
  • History thesis writing
  • MBA thesis writing
  • Nursing dissertation writing
  • Psychology dissertation writing
  • Sociology thesis writing
  • Statistics dissertation writing
  • Buy dissertation online
  • Write my dissertation
  • Cheap thesis
  • Cheap dissertation
  • Custom dissertation
  • Dissertation help
  • Pay for thesis
  • Pay for dissertation
  • Senior thesis
  • Write my thesis

167 Top Criminology Dissertation Ideas

Criminology Dissertation Ideas

Are you taking criminology in college, and it is time to work on your dissertation, but it appears challenging? Many university students get stuck even before starting, but there is no need to worry because we are here to hold your hand. The first, and we must emphasize, most crucial step, is picking the title of your dissertation. So, how do you select the right criminology dissertation topic?

The best title should be unique, interesting, and have ample resources to help you craft a paper that will impress your professor and the assessment committee. To make selecting the best easier, we have picked the hottest 167 criminology dissertation ideas for you. Keep reading to identify the preferred option and use it as it is or tweak a little to fit your preference.

Criminology Dissertation Ideas on Terrorism

  • Religious ideologies: Can they be a source of terrorism?
  • Analyzing the relationship between media and terrorism.
  • Political tensions: Are they to blame for the ever-growing number of militias on the globe?
  • Comparing the trends of terror in the 19 th and 20 th centuries: A literature review.
  • What are the leading causes and motivations of terrorism?
  • Analyzing literature on identity theft and social media.
  • What motivates women to join ISIS?
  • Comparing male and female serial killers: What are the main differences?
  • How does the US respond to terror threats?
  • The US efforts to combat terror after the 9/11 attack: Are they effective?
  • Was the US justified in killing Osama Bin Laden instead of taking him to court?
  • Comparing two known terror networks of your choice in different countries.
  • Terrorism from the viewpoint of international law.
  • Islamic charities: Are they the main sources of finance for terrorists?
  • Are recent attacks by Hamas and Israel acts of terrorism?

Criminology Dissertation Ideas about Drugs

  • Analyzing the relationship between people of various backgrounds and police.
  • What are the most effective methods of preventing drug trafficking internationally?
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of drug courts.
  • Reversible and irreversible impacts of drug abuse.
  • People incarcerated for drug abuse: What are the impacts on their children?
  • Club culture: How does it enhance drug abuse in the society?
  • Preventing drug abuse in society: Which is more effective between voluntary learning and mandatory examination?
  • Reviewing the harm done to society by drugs.
  • Comparing the impacts of cannabis and alcohol on a person’s behavior.
  • The most abused drugs and their effects on societal behavior.
  • Cannabis and deviant behavior among youths: What is the relationship?
  • Cannabis legalization: Is it a good idea? What should we expect in the coming years?
  • Drug use and youth arrests: A case study of Paris, France.
  • Comparing drug court operations in the UK and USA.
  • War on drugs in the US: Can it solve the problem of drug abuse and crime?
  • Drug testing in school.
  • The influence of drugs on sexual assaults.
  • Prostitution: A study of the main risk groups in the UK.
  • Drug traffic tracking strategies used in the UK.
  • Drug abuse in prison cells: What are the causes and effects?

Criminal Law EPQ Questions

  • Harassment in school and workplace: What are the main strategies adopted to address the problem in the UK?
  • Homicides: A review of motivations that make people kill.
  • Are the strategies adopted by your state enough to counter juvenile delinquency?
  • What is the relationship between crime in Texas and people living with mental disorders?
  • Domestic violence: What are the rights of victims?
  • How can the marginalized get access to justice? A case study of the Netherlands.
  • A study of the main types of robberies reported in the US in the 20 th century.
  • Arson investigations: How do investigators determine whether the fire was deliberate or accidental?
  • What is the relationship between substance abuse and poor schooling?
  • What causes addiction among cannabis users?
  • What is the effectiveness of witness programs in criminal justice? A closer look at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
  • Robbery: What are the main risk groups, methods of prevention, and prosecution?
  • What is the effectiveness of the International Criminal Court in achieving its mandate?
  • Should employers check an all applicants’ criminal history during recruitment?
  • The extradition law in the United States: Is it fair?
  • Maximum-security prisons: Are they justified or simply cruel?
  • A study of incarcerated parent’s responsibilities. How do they cope?

Masters Dissertation Ideas for Criminology

  • Death penalty in the justice system: Is it effective in crime prevention.
  • The rising rates of mass shootings in the US: What are the main causes?
  • Studying the impact of genocidal acts on the cohesiveness of society.
  • Police shootings: Comparing top three cases in the US and the UK.
  • Sex offenses: Which are the main risk groups, prevalence, and prevention efforts?
  • How corruption affects the social, political and economy of a country.
  • Why are most crimes in the US and UK mainly committed by the youths?
  • US vs. China’s criminal justice system: What are the main differences?
  • Are the current US laws on criminology effective?
  • A review of the British criminology curriculum: What needs to be improved?
  • Analyzing the relationship between education levels and crime levels in a country of your choice.
  • What is the relationship between ownership of guns and law violations?
  • Law enforcement and criminology: What are the differences?
  • Does racial abuse of international students and immigrants motivate them to join criminal gangs?
  • Using culture to mold responsible citizens: A case study of communities in Georgia, Europe.

Forensic Psychology Dissertation Ideas

  • A comprehensive analysis of competence to stand trial concept and its application in the UK.
  • The age of criminal culpability: A review of the effectiveness of this idea in criminal justice.
  • The ethics of death penalty: A review of the literature.
  • Studying the mind of a criminal on death row: What goes in the mind of a person on a death row hours before execution?
  • Should the death penalty be used on juveniles?
  • What are the chances that a person on death row can change into a law-abiding citizen?
  • How does memory impact eyewitness testimony?
  • Analyzing the strategies used by the justice system to evaluate the reports of eyewitnesses.
  • Methods used in the UK to protect eyewitnesses.

Criminology Dissertation Ideas Mental Health

  • What role do guardians play in crime prevention in society?
  • A review of criminological theory in the US justice system.
  • A comprehensive analysis of how persons exposed to alcohol perform in different areas of their lives.
  • Sexual violence use as a weapon of armed conflict: A literature review.
  • Drug abuse and media: Should media that promote the use of hard drugs be controlled?
  • How effective are the methods used in rehab to counter drug addiction?
  • A review of delinquent cases among immigrant teenagers in the UK.
  • Why do college students engage in cases of arson?
  • Evaluating how prejudice motivates violence.
  • Is it possible to remain neutral in mental criminal case trials?
  • Is it possible to eliminate the problem of drug abuse and related crime?
  • Solitary confinement for drug traffickers: What are the implications?

Criminology Dissertation Ideas UK

  • How does the UK government respond to terror threats?
  • Rehabilitation centers in the UK: What roles do they play in addressing crime?
  • Racial stereotyping and crime in the UK: What is the relationship?
  • A discourse evaluation: How has coronavirus shaped crime in the UK?
  • Do urban settings in the UK act as breeding grounds for criminals?
  • A critical review of the police force and crime in the UK.
  • Interrogation by police officers: How does it work?
  • A study of the main categories of crime in the UK.
  • A review of the latest innovations in experimental criminology.
  • Identify theft in the UK: What are the main consequences for perpetrators?
  • Online child predators: How effective are the UK laws in protecting children?
  • Is it possible to have a crime-free society?
  • Which crime has a greater impact on society in the UK? Comparing street crimes and white-collar crimes.
  • A review of the main principles applied in crime prevention in the UK justice system.

Controversial Criminology Dissertation Topics

  • The less explored world of male rape in the society.
  • Abortion: Should it be categorized as a crime?
  • Parental separation: How does it result in future violence?
  • Information sharing technology: How does it help fight the problem of terrorism?
  • Back lives matter campaigns: Were they marred with violence instead of search for justice?
  • Coronavirus has accelerated crime in the society more than any other time in the past.
  • Do prisons help to correct bad behavior for the incarcerated?
  • Facebook helps to encourage more negative behavior than promoting socialization.
  • Domestic violence: Who suffers more between men and women?
  • Human trafficking has one main role of sexual exploitation.
  • On domestic violence, the law is subjective on males.
  • The government should increase the age limit for citizens to acquire national IDs.
  • Social media is the main source of moral panic in society.
  • Music is a major contributor to crime in society.

Criminology Dissertation Ideas on Domestic Violence

  • Theoretical perspectives on domestic violence.
  • Applying the control balance theory in domestic violence.
  • Popular culture and domestic violence: Are they related?
  • The effects of homelessness on domestic violence: A case study of Texas.
  • A review of cross-cultural perspectives on domestic violence.
  • Comparing the rates of domestic violence in the US and India.
  • Trends of domestic violence in Spain.
  • Analyzing the main legal issues for women who are victims of domestic violence.
  • A review of domestic violence within the military families.
  • Analyzing police decision-making factors when dealing with domestic cases.
  • Male victims of domestic violence: Why do most of them opt to keep quiet and stick with abusive partners?
  • Mothers who kill: What are the motivating factors?
  • Postpartum depression and domestic violence: How are they related?

Interesting Criminology Dissertation Titles

  • Comparing the impacts of crime to those of natural disasters: A literature review.
  • Is the education system in the globe failing in shaping good morals?
  • A review of sexual aggression by women in ASIA.
  • Acquainting rape perpetrators on bail terms: Is it acceptable? What does the law say?
  • Regulating prostitution in the society: Is it enough to reduce crime?
  • Corruption comes from limitations.
  • A study of the connections between law violation and family status.
  • Prostitution regulation: Can it stop crime?
  • Use of expert testimony in domestic violence cases.
  • Should we ban police from carrying guns in public?
  • How does systemic bias impact criminal justice?
  • Genetics: A comprehensive review of illegal researches and associated dangers.
  • Assessing the effectiveness of street lighting in reducing crime.
  • What role do psychometric assessments play in criminal justice?
  • Is crime rate related to neighborhoods? A literature review.
  • How has counterfeiting changed with the development of new technologies?

Criminology Dissertation Ideas about Prisons

  • Forced labor among prisoners: Is it a good method of correction?
  • Why is drug violence a problem in many US jails?
  • A review of prison gangs in a prison of your choice.
  • Training correctional officers in the UK: How effective is the training in enhancing the efficiency of correctional facilities?
  • A review of the efforts used to address child molesters in prison.
  • A review of study programs offered in prisons.
  • Healthcare system in the UK prisons: Is it effective?
  • A review of police corruption in prisons: Comparing the prisons in the 19 th and 20 th centuries.
  • What are the main causes of high recidivism in the US?
  • How do women end up in prisons? A review of common causes.
  • Prisons through the UK history.
  • How well are inmates prepared for re-entry into the society after serving jail terms?
  • Racial profiling in the US prisons.
  • Aggressive behavior: How is it related to criminal tendencies?
  • Comparing human trafficking in the modern and classic worlds: What are the main differences?
  • Comparing women’s recidivism rates in the US to those of Australia.

Knife Crime Dissertation Titles

  • Knife crime in the US: Applying the criminology theory.
  • Comparing knife crimes in Europe and Asia
  • What are the motivating factors for knife criminals?
  • Knife laws in the US: Analyzing the effectiveness of the pocket knife rules & laws.
  • Comparing the knife rules of the United States to those of the UK.
  • A review of knife crimes trends in the 21 st century.

Criminology Dissertation Help by Best Writers a Click Away

Now that we have looked at the best titles, from terrorism dissertation ideas to criminology topics on drugs, have you picked the preferred option? If “yes,” you are one step in the right direction. However, the next step of writing the dissertation is longer and requires a deep understanding of criminology. You also need excellent writing skills, time, and access to all the required resources. If you do not have the combination of all the above, which happens regularly to most students, you have a way out – seeking help from the best writers online. Our custom writing service stands taller than others because we have top-notch ENL writers who stop at nothing in ensuring clients get high grades. They have a lot of experience in the discipline and can work on any topic, from criminology and psychology dissertation ideas to terrorism-related topics. Again, they are fast and can easily beat even the toughest deadline. Our service is also cheap. Do not let the criminology dissertation stress you in any way – our expert can help you complete it professionally and fast too!

tentative thesis

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Comment * Error message

Name * Error message

Email * Error message

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

As Putin continues killing civilians, bombing kindergartens, and threatening WWIII, Ukraine fights for the world's peaceful future.

Ukraine Live Updates

research topic ideas criminology

Verify originality of an essay

Get ideas for your paper

Cite sources with ease

Criminal Justice Research Topics To Impress Your Teacher

Updated 25 Jul 2024

criminal justice research topics

According to statistics, criminal justice takes honorary second place after general Law assignments in terms of assignment difficulty. Just like Healthcare and Nursing, this type of writing requires definite accuracy and sufficient sources that support ideas and arguments. Since first task is to find reliable criminal justice research topics, it puts students in challenging situation where most topics are either too broad or too narrow.

At EduBirdie, our expert writers came up with extensive list of 230 criminal justice ideas that will help you choose destination for future assignment paper. From list of basic criminal justice topics to international law, our experts can help you with any writing task, offering plagiarism free and timely, custom papers.

What is Criminal Justice Research Paper?

As name implies, criminal justice writing assignments deal with crime and justice. While your field of study may be limited to certain choices and academic barriers, it does not mean that social or ethical aspects are not relevant. Generally criminal justice is science that learns how to prevent, study, analyze occurrence of illegal acts.

From legislation rules to court studies, it aims to maintain peaceful existence of civil population. 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.

Most college students that deal with law assignments have to write either article reviews or problem solutions papers that analyze existing challenge and offer most efficient resolution.

From good thesis statement for research paper to formatting structure, college professors want to see 50/50 mixture of scientific information that is already known and personal contribution. This is primary reason why each argumentative paragraph should be supported with sufficient amount of sources to avoid plagiarism risks. Even when personal investigation or research is done, one should support implemented analysis methods with academic journals that refer to similar subject.

Get your paper in 3 hours!

  • Customized writing: 100% original, personalized content.
  • Expert editing: polished, standout work.

✔️ Zero AI. Guaranteed Turnitin success.

Banner

How to Choose a Good Research Topic Rules

Even if your task is to do literature review or critique law enforcement officer’s actions, one should always focus on definite issue. If ideas are scattered across paper, it does not make thesis statement clear. Criminology topics are both flexible and limited because they should offer hypothesis, based on famous legislative acts or case studies. Author should sound confident, therefore, select something that you are confident in, subject that can be defended with vocal arguments or presentation project. If it sounds credible, audience will definitely continue reading.

When brainstorming good ideas, ask such criminal justice research questions:

  • Is criminal justice research topic good enough in terms of relevance?
  • Why is it important in personal terms?
  • What significance does research topic idea have in global importance?
  • Can written assignment be turned to speech?
  • Is it comparison essay, review, analysis or argumentative paper?
  • What are popular counter opinions?
  • Are there any similar research works available?
  • Does topic meet all grading rubric points?
  • Should additional information be included?

Once good criminal justice research topic is chosen, it is crucial to make sure that formatting rules include all additional data like in court case studies and law memo reviews that should contain notes and appendix additions. For example, Chicago format style has to include full information, therefore, it is necessary to see if it is available. If you struggle with finding of academic sources, message our 24/7  essay writing service  - EduBirdie.

Need more writing assistance?

Connect with our top writers and receive a paper sample on criminology crafted to your needs.

Criminology Disciplines

Before proceeding with diverse criminology topic ideas, it is important to understand differences between theoretical part and crime research assignments. While theory may turn to legislation and shouldn’t include practical cases or references in history, case study or court hearings analysis have to focus on particular event(s). Now when university professor mentions justice system flaws and changes, one can turn both to chronology and famous legal cases as it will be seen in ideas listed below. It should be analysis of what should be included in legislative government template and then compare case or an event to aforementioned example.

Disciplines in Law & Crime focus on illegal acts from Internet fraud to kidnapping and scientific plagiarism. As one can see, there are numerous criminal justice research topics, depending on type. What makes choosing confusing for most students are format differences between legal essay types. When choosing Healthcare, it is recommended to address ethical issues, while Cyberstalking should turn to comparison work by comparing classic stalking practices.

Avoid mixing several criminal justice research topic ideas, also try to narrow it down by choosing one strong argument. It will not only adjust to your discipline, but will make written assignment original, as well as structured.

Read also: "Where can I pay someone to write paper for an affordable price?"

120 Criminal Justice Research Topics for an A Grade

This section contains ideas for criminal justice research paper topics on how judicial system works in practice. It can be compared to inner investigation where each mechanism is analyzed and evaluated for cons & pros. From specific crimes of police officer brutality cases to social services work, it should identify problem for an interesting thesis statement. Below are most relevant topics in criminal justice, sorted by study field:

Controversial Criminal Justice Research Topics

  • The Morality and Effectiveness of the Death Penalty
  • Racial Bias in Criminal Sentencing
  • The Impact of Legalizing Recreational Drugs on Crime Rates
  • Police Use of Force: Necessity or Excess?
  • Juvenile Offenders and Adult Criminal Sentences
  • The Ethics of Undercover Policing
  • Gun Control Laws: Safety vs. Second Amendment Rights
  • The Privatization of Prisons and Its Consequences
  • The Criminalization of Homelessness
  • Cybersecurity Laws and Individual Privacy
  • The Role of Social Media in Inciting Violence
  • Mandatory Minimum Sentencing: Justice or Injustice?
  • The Effectiveness of Sex Offender Registries
  • Criminal Responsibility and Mental Health Disorders
  • The War on Drugs: Successes and Failures
  • Human Trafficking and Global Law Enforcement
  • The Use of DNA Evidence in Criminal Trials
  • Capital Punishment for Non-Homicidal Crimes
  • The Influence of Media on Public Perception of Crime
  • Restorative Justice: An Alternative to Traditional Punishment Systems

Basic Criminal Justice Research Topics

  • The History of Criminal Justice Systems
  • The Role of Forensic Science in Criminal Investigations
  • Community Policing Strategies and Their Effectiveness
  • The Impact of Technology on Modern Law Enforcement
  • Juvenile Delinquency: Causes and Prevention Strategies
  • The Evolution of Criminal Law
  • White-Collar Crime: Types and Legal Responses
  • The Psychology of Criminal Behavior
  • The Effects of Prison Overcrowding on Inmate Rehabilitation
  • Eyewitness Testimony and Its Reliability in Court
  • The Role of Probation and Parole in the Criminal Justice System
  • Domestic Violence: Legal Frameworks and Support Systems
  • Drug Courts and Their Role in Addressing Substance Abuse
  • The Influence of Socioeconomic Factors on Crime Rates
  • Cybercrime: Challenges and Legal Responses
  • The Ethics of Interrogation Techniques
  • The Impact of Media Coverage on Criminal Trials
  • Hate Crimes: Legal Definitions and Prosecution
  • The Role of Victim Advocacy in the Criminal Justice Process
  • The Challenges of Cross-Border Criminal Investigations
Read also: "I need research paper help ." - EduBirdie will complete all your writing tasks professionally!

General Criminology Research Topics

  • The Sociology of Crime: Understanding Criminal Behavior in Society
  • Trends in Cybercrime and Digital Forensics
  • The Impact of Economic Conditions on Crime Rates
  • Environmental Criminology: The Role of Physical Spaces in Crime
  • Organized Crime: Structure, Operations, and Impact
  • The Psychology Behind Serial Killers and Mass Murderers
  • Crime Prevention Strategies in Urban Areas
  • The Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Programs in Prisons
  • The Role of Gender in Criminal Behavior and Justice
  • Youth Gangs: Causes, Culture, and Crime Prevention
  • The Intersection of Race, Class, and Crime
  • The Influence of Substance Abuse on Criminal Behavior
  • Human Trafficking: Global Patterns and Responses
  • The Evolution of Terrorism and Counterterrorism Strategies
  • The Impact of Immigration on Crime and Law Enforcement
  • The Legal and Ethical Challenges of Surveillance Technologies
  • White-Collar Crime: Detection and Prevention
  • The Role of Mental Illness in Criminal Justice
  • Victimology: The Study of Crime Victims and Their Rights
  • The Future of Policing: Challenges and Innovations

Criminal Justice Research Topics on Racism & Discrimination

  • Racial Profiling in Law Enforcement: Causes and Consequences
  • The Disproportionate Incarceration Rates of Minority Groups
  • The Impact of Race on Sentencing Decisions
  • Systemic Racism in the Criminal Justice System
  • Racial Disparities in Death Penalty Cases
  • The Role of Race in Jury Selection and Deliberation
  • Police Brutality and Racial Bias
  • Hate Crimes: Legal Responses and Racial Motivations
  • The Effect of Immigration Policies on Racial Profiling
  • Racial Bias in Forensic Science
  • The History of Racism in Policing
  • The Influence of Race on Bail and Pretrial Detention
  • Discrimination in Criminal Justice Hiring and Promotion Practices
  • Racial Disparities in Juvenile Justice Systems
  • The Role of Race in Eyewitness Identification
  • The Intersection of Race and Class in Criminal Justice
  • Racial Bias in Probation and Parole Decisions
  • The Impact of Racial Stereotypes on Criminal Investigations
  • The Representation of Minorities in Legal Education and the Profession
  • Addressing Racial Discrimination in Community Policing Initiatives

Criminology Research Topics

  • The Effectiveness of Crime Deterrence Strategies
  • The Role of Education in Preventing Criminal Behavior
  • Cybersecurity Threats and Law Enforcement Responses
  • The Psychology of White-Collar Criminals
  • The Impact of Social Media on Criminal Activities and Investigations
  • The Relationship Between Drug Abuse and Criminal Behavior
  • The Influence of Family Dynamics on Juvenile Delinquency
  • The Effectiveness of Rehabilitation in Reducing Recidivism
  • The Role of Genetics in Criminal Behavior
  • The Impact of Urbanization on Crime Patterns
  • The Effectiveness of Community-Based Crime Prevention Programs
  • The Role of Mental Health in Criminal Justice
  • The Impact of Globalization on Transnational Crime
  • The Challenges of Policing in Multicultural Societies
  • The Influence of Media on Public Perception of Crime and Criminals
  • The Ethics and Effectiveness of Undercover Policing
  • The Role of Forensic Psychology in Criminal Investigations
  • The Impact of Poverty on Criminal Behavior
  • The Evolution of Organized Crime
  • The Challenges of Witness Protection Programs

Criminal Law Research Topics

  • The Evolution of Criminal Law and Its Impact on Society
  • Comparative Analysis of Criminal Law Systems Worldwide
  • The Role of International Law in Combating Transnational Crime
  • The Effectiveness of the Insanity Defense in Criminal Trials
  • Cyber Law: Addressing New Age Cybercrimes
  • Intellectual Property Theft and Legal Implications
  • The Legal Challenges of Dealing with Online Hate Speech
  • The Impact of Legal Reforms on Reducing Crime Rates
  • The Ethics and Legality of Surveillance in Crime Prevention
  • The Influence of Cultural Differences on Criminal Law
  • The Role of Forensic Evidence in Modern Criminal Law
  • Juvenile Justice: Balancing Rehabilitation and Punishment
  • The Legal Implications of Artificial Intelligence in Crime
  • The Use of DNA Evidence in Overturning Wrongful Convictions
  • The Impact of Social Movements on Criminal Law Reforms
  • The Challenges of Prosecuting International War Crimes
  • The Legal and Ethical Issues of Coerced Confessions
  • The Role of Victim Rights in Criminal Proceedings
  • The Effectiveness of Restorative Justice in Criminal Law
  • The Legal Challenges in Combating Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery

International Criminal Law Research Topics

  • The Role of the International Criminal Court in Global Justice
  • Prosecuting War Crimes: Challenges and Strategies
  • The Impact of Global Treaties on National Criminal Law Systems
  • Human Rights Violations and International Law Responses
  • The Legal Challenges in Combating International Terrorism
  • The Effectiveness of International Extradition Agreements
  • Cybercrime Across Borders: International Legal Cooperation
  • The Role of the United Nations in Enforcing International Criminal Law
  • Piracy in International Waters: Legal Perspectives and Responses
  • The Prosecution of Genocide in International Criminal Law
  • Legal Challenges in Addressing Transnational Organized Crime
  • The Use of International Sanctions to Combat State-Sponsored Crime
  • The Evolution of International Drug Trafficking Laws
  • The Jurisdictional Challenges of International Criminal Law
  • The Impact of Cultural Diversity on International Criminal Proceedings
  • Human Trafficking: International Legal Frameworks and Responses
  • The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in International Criminal Law
  • The Challenges of Implementing International Criminal Law in Conflict Zones
  • The Intersection of International Criminal Law and Humanitarian Law
  • The Legal Implications of State Sovereignty in International Criminal Enforcement

Criminal Justice Research Topics on Society & Justice

  • The Social Impact of Mass Incarceration
  • The Role of Education in Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation
  • The Influence of Socioeconomic Status on Criminal Behavior
  • Community Policing and Its Effectiveness in Building Trust
  • The Impact of Social Inequality on Criminal Justice Outcomes
  • The Role of Media in Shaping Public Perception of Crime and Justice
  • Restorative Justice: Principles and Practice in Modern Societies
  • The Effects of Urbanization on Crime and Law Enforcement Strategies
  • The Relationship Between Mental Health and Criminal Behavior
  • The Impact of Cultural Diversity on Criminal Justice Practices
  • The Role of Social Movements in Criminal Justice Reform
  • The Intersection of Gender and Crime in Society
  • The Influence of Family Structure on Juvenile Delinquency
  • The Stigmatization of Ex-Offenders in Society
  • The Role of Victim Advocacy and Support in the Justice System
  • The Impact of Drug Policy on Communities and Crime Rates
  • The Role of Ethics in Criminal Justice Decision-Making
  • The Social Consequences of Wrongful Convictions
  • The Influence of Technology on Crime and Social Control
  • The Relationship Between Immigration and Criminal Justice Policies

Research in Criminal Justice System

  • The Effectiveness of Risk Assessment Tools in Predicting Recidivism
  • The Role of Forensic Science in Solving Cold Cases
  • The Impact of Body-Worn Cameras on Police Accountability
  • The Efficacy of Drug Courts in Reducing Substance-Related Offenses
  • The Influence of Sentencing Guidelines on Judicial Discretion
  • The Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Programs in Correctional Facilities
  • The Role of Community Corrections in Reducing Recidivism
  • The Impact of Legal Representation Quality on Criminal Justice Outcomes
  • The Challenges of Managing Mental Health Issues in Prisons
  • The Role of Technology in Modern Policing Strategies
  • The Impact of Bail Reform on Pretrial Detention Rates
  • The Effectiveness of Juvenile Diversion Programs
  • The Relationship Between Poverty and Involvement in the Criminal Justice System
  • The Challenges of Reintegrating Ex-Offenders into Society
  • The Impact of Mandatory Minimum Sentences on Prison Overcrowding
  • The Role of Gender in Criminal Justice Processes
  • The Effectiveness of Domestic Violence Intervention Programs
  • The Challenges of Cross-Jurisdictional Law Enforcement Coordination
  • The Impact of Racial Bias in Jury Selection and Deliberation
  • The Use of Predictive Policing and Its Ethical Implications

Criminology Research & Measurement

  • The Accuracy of Crime Statistics and Reporting Methods
  • The Effectiveness of Crime Mapping in Predicting Crime Hotspots
  • The Reliability of Eyewitness Testimony in Criminal Cases
  • The Impact of Social Media on Crime Reporting and Perception
  • The Use of Biometrics in Criminal Identification and Tracking
  • The Role of Victim Surveys in Understanding Crime Trends
  • The Effectiveness of Lie Detection Techniques in Criminal Investigations
  • The Challenges of Measuring White-Collar and Corporate Crime
  • The Impact of Media Coverage on Public Perception of Crime Rates
  • The Use of Predictive Analytics in Crime Prevention Strategies
  • The Reliability of Forensic Evidence in Criminal Trials
  • The Challenges in Measuring the Effectiveness of Policing Strategies
  • The Role of Public Opinion Surveys in Shaping Criminal Justice Policies
  • The Measurement of Recidivism Rates and Contributing Factors
  • The Accuracy of Criminal Profiling Techniques
  • The Impact of Technological Advancements on Crime Detection and Prevention
  • The Challenges of Quantifying the Social Costs of Crime
  • The Use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Criminology
  • The Effectiveness of Community Policing as Measured by Crime Reduction
  • The Challenges in Measuring and Understanding Cybercrime Dynamics

Criminal Justice Research Topics in Types of Crime

  • The Rise of Cybercrime: Causes and Prevention Strategies
  • Human Trafficking: Global Patterns and Law Enforcement Responses
  • White-Collar Crime: Detection, Prevention, and Prosecution
  • The Dynamics of Organized Crime and Its Impact on Society
  • The Psychology Behind Serial Killings and Mass Murders
  • The Evolution of Drug Trafficking and Its Impact on Communities
  • The Challenges in Combating Environmental Crimes
  • The Phenomenon of Hate Crimes: Causes and Legal Responses
  • The Impact of Financial Crimes on the Economy
  • The Growing Issue of Elder Abuse and Its Criminal Justice Implications
  • The Prevalence and Prevention of Domestic Violence
  • The Challenges in Addressing Stalking and Harassment
  • The Legal and Social Implications of Identity Theft
  • The Effectiveness of Law Enforcement in Combating Arms Trafficking
  • The Rise of Vehicle Theft and Chop Shop Operations
  • The Impact of Vandalism and Graffiti on Communities
  • The Challenges of Policing Public Order Offenses
  • The Legal and Ethical Issues Surrounding Assisted Suicide
  • The Prevalence of Animal Cruelty and Its Criminal Implications
  • The Role of Corruption in Undermining Criminal Justice Systems

Criminal Justice Research Topics about Court Cases

  • Court Case Notation Rules
  • Rodney King Legacy
  • Los Angeles Riots
  • Susan Wright Trial
  • Aaron Henandez Case
  • United States v. Nixon
  • Brown v. Board Education
  • International Court Justice
  • New York Times Co v. Sullivan
  • Marbury v. Madison Case

For sure, these are far from all criminal justice research topic ideas that can be suggested by our professional writers with template examples and guides that will meet even most complex criminological assignment types. Remember that criminal justice research paper topics should be within ethical norms. Even if writing about controversial ideas, do best to remain sensitive and respectful!

Read also: Buy research papers online and make your academic life easier. 

Why EduBirdie Writing Service is Safe & Reliable

What makes EduBirdie academic online help unique is inclusion of research paper editing services, which ensures elimination of minor grammar problems that often ruin final grade. Do not let it happen to you and get points off for an otherwise good paper! Choose an expert writer, based on subject, credentials, or user reviews and start by choosing an appropriate criminal justice research topic together!

With due affordability, urgent delivery, and wide range of subjects, one can feel absolutely safe when trusting your academic issues to our team, including assistance with topics appendix for a paper . From research proposal to annotated bibliography, one receives 100% plagiarism free work as every paper is written from scratch by native English speakers experts with no less than Masters and PhD degrees. Do not wait any longer, ask questions that concern you, choose essay type, set deadline, find suitable writer, sit back, and step into success!

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback.

Article author picture

Written by David Kidwell

David is one of those experienced content creators from the United Kingdom who has a high interest in social issues, culture, and entrepreneurship. He always says that reading, blogging, and staying aware of what happens in the world is what makes a person responsible. He likes to learn and share what he knows by making things inspiring and creative enough even for those students who dislike reading.

Related Blog Posts

What is qualitative research approaches, methods, and examples.

Students in social sciences frequently seek to understand how people feel, think, and behave in specific situations or relationships that evolve ov...

Delimitations in research: meaning, types, and examples

Working on academic papers can make it easy to feel overwhelmed by the huge amount of available data and information. One of the most crucial consi...

Discover how to compose acknowledgements in research paper

This post will help you learn about the use of acknowledgements in research paper and determine how they are composed and why they must be present ...

Join our 150K of happy users

  • Get original papers written according to your instructions
  • Save time for what matters most

University of Cambridge

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

  • Undergraduate courses
  • Events and open days
  • Fees and finance
  • Postgraduate courses
  • How to apply
  • Postgraduate events
  • Fees and funding
  • International students
  • Continuing education
  • Executive and professional education
  • Courses in education
  • How the University and Colleges work
  • Term dates and calendars
  • Visiting the University
  • Annual reports
  • Equality and diversity
  • A global university
  • Public engagement
  • Give to Cambridge
  • For Cambridge students
  • For our researchers
  • Business and enterprise
  • Colleges & departments
  • Email & phone search
  • Museums & collections
  • Institute of Criminology
  • News overview
  • Institute Awards and Prizes
  • About overview
  • How to Find Us
  • Room Bookings
  • Current Vacancies
  • Institute of Criminology Merchandise
  • Research overview
  • Research Centres
  • Research Projects
  • Publications overview
  • Publications July - December 2023
  • The Cambridge Crime Harm Index
  • Prospective Students overview
  • MPhil Courses overview
  • PhD in Criminology
  • Master of Studies (MSt) Courses
  • Undergraduate Courses in Criminology
  • Funding Opportunites
  • People overview
  • Academic & Research Staff
  • Affiliated Lecturers
  • Associated Teaching Staff
  • Administrative, IT and Library Staff
  • PhD Students
  • Current Visitors
  • The Sir Leon Radzinowicz Visiting Fellowship
  • Become A Visitor
  • Events overview
  • Upcoming Events
  • Event Recordings overview
  • 2020 Events
  • 2019 Events
  • 2021 Events
  • 2022 Events
  • 2023-events
  • 2024 Events
  • Pre-2019 Events overview
  • PRC conference 2014 overview
  • PRC Conference 2014 Talk 1
  • PRC Conference 2014 Talk 2
  • PRC Conference 2014 Talk 3
  • PRC Conference 2014 Talk 4
  • Past Events
  • Bill McWilliams Memorial Lecture
  • Nigel Walker Lecture
  • Library overview
  • Library Services
  • Collections
  • Online Resources
  • Student Initiatives overview
  • Student Initiatives - Policy and Application
  • Cambridge Decolonising Criminology Network
  • Alumni overview
  • Keeping In Touch
  • Alumni Benefits
  • MSt Thesis Database

Current PhD Topics

  • Prospective Students
  • Student Initiatives

Trinity Street

Current PhD Students and Research Topics

Consent and the Rape Law in India: Interrogating the Implications of Consent
The association between family exposure to violence and the development of morality in early childhood.

Risk Managing Demand for Differential Response: A Case Study in Evidence-Based Policing.

Cyber Crime and Organised Crime; a Statistical Analysis of the Threat and What Works Against it.
Predicting Cybercrime Pathways: A Textual Analysis. 
Understanding gender differences in adolescent dating violence victimisation: a longitudinal investigation of associated predictors and outcomes
Motivation and Morality in Situational Action Theory: Moderating Intimate Partner Violence. 
How effective is police-led diversion
An exploration of the modus operandi used by sex traffickers in the UK.
Global trends in direct and indirect conflict-related mortality: towards targeted prevention and intervention.
Child sexual exploitation networks in the UK: an analysis of how they operate.
Legitimacy in prison-based forensic psychology practices.
Unseen Walls: A Critical, Postcolonial and Pro-Feminist Approach to the Differential Impacts of State Policies on 'Irregular' Migrants' Access to Information during Journeys through Mexico and Algeria. 
How do people experience simultaneous family imprisonment in English prisons?
'Reading for pleasure' in prisons in England and Wales: meaning and motives (working title).

Why offender rehabilitation?

Police Misconduct and Network Analysis
Does a replicated Turning Point diversion study in NW London show similar or different reoffending results to the study in Birmingham and why?
Exploring the utility of the fully immersive 360-degree video scenario method for the study of the situational causes of crime.
Protecting the Protectors: What is next for police officers?
An investigation into the barriers and facilitators guiding bystander decision-making in UK university students during situations of sexual misconduct.

Getting Away With Rape: A Mixed Methods Analysis of Rape Charging Decisions in England and Wales

: The abuse and exploitation of foreign domestic workers
Institutionalizing Anti-Corruption Agencies: A Study of The Enforcement Process of Ghana's Office of The Special Prosecutor and Right to Information Act. 
The Symbiotic Harms of Incarceration: Political and Community Effects of the Incarceration of Black Women.
Group criminality in the neighborhood: situating street gangs and social processes within communities in London
: Victims’ Emotional Attachment to Their Perpetrators- New Perspectives
Chinese juvenile offenders' experiences attitudes towards educational and correctional programmes.
A Quantitative Network-Based Study in the Visualisation and Suppression of Illicit Drug Networks in the UK
Targeting, testing and tracking of police interventions to reduce knife crime, focusing on the impact of knife crime prevention orders.
: Restorative Policing in England and Wales
: “Ransom here, there and everywhere”: Assessing the United Kingdom Response against the Ransomware Threat
Prison pen-pals: The value of correspondence from laypeople
Drug-related deaths under probation supervision following release from prison.
Welfare as Punishment? Understanding Disadvantaged Mothers’ Lives Within the Neoliberal State
Demand the Impossible: Criminology, Utopia & Abolition
A Transcultural Study on the Association between Early Childhood Abuse CallousUnemotional Traits: Comparison between China and the UK

Experiences of supervision: Men released on license and assessed as a high risk of perpetrating intimate partner violence
The Prevent Profile: exploring the modern cyber-dependent offender
Exploring the qualities and experiences of women’s open imprisonment: A semi-ethnographic study
Exploring the ‘Copper’s Nose’ and the discourse surrounding its perceived existence, value and impact on policing in the UK
Moral Quality and the Parole Process: understanding the role of prisoner identity, emotions, and ‘human vibrations’ in the parole system today
The impact of release on mandatory life-sentenced prisoners' identities.

An Exploration of the Expressive and Communicative Function of the Victim Personal Statement in Sentencing Hearings in England and Wales.

An analysis of the solvability factors across all volume crime types to fill the gaps in solvability factor research, resolve the contradictions between previous studies and address the challenges to external validity arising from different datasets

The impact of Behavioural Detection training on Stop and Search efficacy and delivering procedurally just encounters.
The Effects of a Cadet Training Component on Police Attitudes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
: Corruption victims: do people facing bribery requests report their case?
Negotiating Love & Intimacy Behind Bars: Understanding women's imprisonment and resettlement experiences through the lens of intimate relationships
Explore the Chinese Organised Drug Trafficking
Sinclair, Richard : “Fraud Prevention, Who Listens and Can People Change Their Ways?”
The Meanings, Nature and Experiences of Corruption among Police Officers in Ghana

How do police leaders negotiate the technical and institutional environments in managing police performance?

A qualitative study of how and why children in Czechia are told about their parent's imprisonment.
: Deterring Police Misconduct: A randomised control trial of in-service strategies to reduce misconduct amongst officers with identified risk factor
What is the role of private prosecution in the English criminal justice system?
Tripathi, Karan Tech-panopticon Policing: Gendered Security, Citizenship, and Democracy in India’s “Safe City Project”

Juvenile Delinquency in Hong Kong: Moral Education in the Context of Situational Action Theory

: Corruption between morality and control: Applying Situational Action Theory to a bribery experiment

Towards a Brave New World: Applying Artificial Intelligence to Public Safety via Algorithmic Analysis of Human Behavior

Trauma and life imprisonment: How do men and women serving life sentences deal with and process experiences of trauma?
: ‘We Want Justice!’ : How Media Shape and Are Shaped by Experiences of (In)Justice in Jamaica

Dating violence and gaslighting experiences among university students

: Children before court: young people’s encounters with the law

Institute of Criminology Sidgwick Avenue Cambridge CB3 9DA

T: +44 (0)1223 335360 

E: [email protected]

Site Privacy & Cookie Policies

About the institute, quick links.

Faculty of Law

University of Cambridge

© 2024 University of Cambridge

  • Contact the University
  • Accessibility
  • Freedom of information
  • Privacy policy and cookies
  • Statement on Modern Slavery
  • Terms and conditions
  • University A-Z
  • Undergraduate
  • Postgraduate
  • Research news
  • About research at Cambridge
  • Spotlight on...

help for assessment

  • Customer Reviews
  • Extended Essays
  • IB Internal Assessment
  • Theory of Knowledge
  • Literature Review
  • Dissertations
  • Essay Writing
  • Research Writing
  • Assignment Help
  • Capstone Projects
  • College Application
  • Online Class

Criminology Dissertation Topics: 20+ Examples for Inspiration

Author Image

by  Antony W

June 28, 2024

Criminology Dissertation Topics

Criminology is field that focuses on investigating crimes from a societal viewpoint, with an emphasis on offenders, their motivation, consequences, and prevention. Also, the subject examines human behavior in relation to crime.

Since criminologists investigate the societal foundations and consequences of crime, they also incorporate other subjects such as philosophy and anthropology .

When all of these fields of studies are used, a precise diagnosis of the underlying reason for criminal behavior is likely. Criminologists will then be able to develop effective and realistic strategies for averting criminal activities.

This post includes a list of the best criminology dissertation topics, which are ideas you can improve and investigate further in your assignment. Also, if you need help to work on this type of dissertation, especially if you’re already running out of time, you can get our dissertation writing help here.

Criminology Dissertation Topics Examples

The following is a list of some of the best criminology dissertation topics that you might consider exploring in your writing:

Criminology Dissertation Ideas Mental Health

  • The effect of harmful mental health disorders on an individual’s behavior
  • The role of a psychological examination in a criminal investigation
  • How the media affects a person’s mental health when they commit a crime
  • Utilizing community-based treatment centers to assist individuals with mental illnesses
  • Is it possible for an unlawful to fabricate a mental illness in order to avoid punishment?
  • Traumatic events that may serve as a catalyst for criminal activity
  • Mental treatments are critical for offenders accused with murder.

Also Read: The Complete Guide for Dissertation Defense

Controversial Dissertation Topics in Criminology

  • Was the Black Lives Matter movement tarnished by violence rather than by a desire for justice?
  • How parental estrangement contributes to future violence
  • Regulating prostitution will result in a decrease in crime.
  • Coronavirus has encouraged criminal activity on a scale never seen before.
  • When it comes to domestic abuse against people, the law is subjective.
  • Should the government raise the minimum age for obtaining a national identification card?
  • Is the media the primary catalyst for moral panics in society?
  • Demystifying social media as a crime scene in the technology era
  • Is it appropriate to inform rape perpetrators of their bail conditions?

Argumentative Dissertation Topics in Criminology

  • Is someone responsible for the growth of teenage gangs in a certain society?
  • Is it possible that political tensions are to blame for internal militia uprisings?
  • Are religious beliefs capable of becoming the source of terrorism?
  • Is gun regulation in the United States the first step toward increased crime rates?
  • Is racial abuse directed at international students a contributing factor to crime and violence?
  • Is crime more dangerous than natural catastrophes or infectious diseases?
  • Is parental monitoring effective in lowering teen crime?
  • Is education falling short in its job of instilling sound principles and character?
  • Is the boundary between law enforcement and criminology a fine one?
  • Is domestic violence directed only at women, or do males also suffer?

You May Also Like: Tips for Dissertation Reference

Masters and PhD. Criminology Dissertation Topic Ideas

  • Analyzing how marginalization and discrimination on the basis of religion contribute to crime
  • An examination of cybercrime laws and their role in preserving law and order
  • A critical examination of the United States government’s response to terrorism threats
  • Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and crime: An examination of their role or influence
  • Corruption’s impact on a country’s political, social, economic, and security systems
  • A discourse study of the coronavirus’s influence on criminal behavior
  • Is it true that metropolitan environments foster more crime than rural regions?

General Dissertation Topic Ideas in Criminology

  • Age in criminology research in the context of capital punishment
  • Examining the consequences of police empowerment in high-crime neighborhoods of developing countries
  • An assessment of the major features of police personnel deployed in crime hotspots in the United Kingdom.
  • A study of how the season and topography of a location effect crime.
  • How residential architecture and community structures aid in crime prevention and management
  • How significant is the sociocultural background of a residential community in terms of the volume and quality of crime in the area?
  • An Analysis of Research on the financial and societal costs of crime deterrence in the United Kingdom
  • An assessment of the ramifications of political backing for criminal activity and its influence on the community
  • A phenomenological examination of students’ exposure to drugs and the criminal lifestyle in the United Kingdom
  • A review of pertinent literature on how gender affects crime in the United Kingdom
  • What can quantitative data tell us about the link between crime and unemployment?

Also Check: Custom Dissertation Writing Service

Criminology Dissertation Topics On Prison and Society

Prisons and convicts have long been a source of contention in British society. When selecting dissertation on social criminal offenders, condense your ideas to a single social element.

Here are some topic ideas to get you started: 

  • Should pupils be required to visit jail as part of their curriculum?
  • Is the imposition of jail sentences for economic or political offenses justified?
  • Eliminating negative stigma associated with ex-prisoners and social service.

Criminology Dissertation Topics On Crime and Justice

When someone commits a crime, people frequently consider the current criminal justice system, which has a variety of defects and benefits depending on who analyzes it.

Choosing a justice dissertation subject is not a simple effort, which is why you should explore the following topics:

  • The death penalty’s meaning in History video game violence and serial murderer cases
  • Control and reporting methods for gang activity: proof vs. official accounts
  • Alternative punishment methods: International System Comparisons

Criminology Dissertation Topics On Ethnicity and Race

Many of us are aware that certain crimes committed in the United Kingdom have racial or ethnic overtones. While these offenses have diminished in recent years, they continue to be widely publicized to educate people on how to prevent them and resolve any issues that arise.

Several ethnicity and race dissertation topics include the following:

  • How the media contribute to the emergence of racial hatred
  • Sports and legal ramifications of racial tensions
  • Laws that Could Help Reduce Crimes Against Ethnic Minorities Murders Across English Cities on the Basis of Race & Ethnic Minority
  • Inequality between races in the United Kingdom and South Africa

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

  • View all journals

Criminology articles from across Nature Portfolio

Latest research and reviews, advancing criminal justice through mediation: analyzing the integration of mediation in emirati criminal legislation.

  • Ahmed Ali Alnuaimi
  • Mohammad Amin Alkrisheh

research topic ideas criminology

Real-time stress monitoring in a child-friendly court: a repeated measures field study

  • Jose M. Rodríguez-Pellejero
  • Itahisa Mulero-Henríquez
  • Zaira Santana Amador

Predictors of the prevalence and importance of the observed trinary control system in rural China

  • Shanhe Jiang
  • Dawei Zhang
  • Yichen Zhao

research topic ideas criminology

Unveiling local patterns of child pornography consumption in France using Tor

  • Zinnya del Villar
  • Ingmar Weber

research topic ideas criminology

Examining the dynamics of pro-social rule-breaking among grassroots public servants

  • Naqib Ullah Khan
  • Peng Zhongyi
  • Antonio Ariza-Montes

Perspectives on policing education and careers: insights from undergraduate students of China’s police academies

  • Jianxin Wang

Advertisement

News and Comment

research topic ideas criminology

Workplaces must respond better to the bullied boss

Bullying comes in many forms, including when subordinates bully a manager. Sara Branch argues that workplaces should implement policies to combat all types of bullying.

  • Sara Branch

research topic ideas criminology

The perils of military policing

Many policymakers turn to the military to reduce crime. Yet, evidence describing the effects of military policing is nearly nonexistent. Blair and Weintraub evaluate the effects of military policing on crime and human rights violations in Cali, Colombia. Their results suggest crime incidence and insecurity perceptions did not decrease, which leaves lessons for the design and implementation of security policies.

  • Santiago Tobon

The promises and perils of crime prediction

A new algorithmic tool developed by Rotaru and colleagues can more accurately predict crime events in US cities. Predictive crime modelling can produce powerful statistical tools, but there are important considerations for researchers to take into account to avoid their findings being misused and doing more harm than good.

  • Andrew V. Papachristos

research topic ideas criminology

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: a test for international law

Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine showcases substantial challenges, especially to international humanitarian and criminal law and human rights. It also calls for an urgent revisiting of the role of the United Nations Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security, and of the security architecture in Europe and worldwide.

  • Sergey Sayapin

Global crime trends during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a natural experiment capable of answering a vital question: have stay-at-home orders impacted global crime trends? A new study by Nivette and colleagues demonstrates that crime largely decreased around the globe during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders—a finding which likely carries international implications for crime policy.

  • John H. Boman IV
  • Thomas J. Mowen

research topic ideas criminology

A healing-centered approach to preventing urban gun violence: The Advance Peace Model

  • Jason Corburn
  • DeVone Boggan
  • Brian Muhammad

Quick links

  • Explore articles by subject
  • Guide to authors
  • Editorial policies

research topic ideas criminology

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 children’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:

research topic ideas 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.
  • Don’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

10 Criminology Research Ideas for High School Students

Surya Ramanathan headshot

By Surya Ramanathan

Johns Hopkins University, B.S. in Applied Mathematics and Statistics, B.S. in Economics, and M.S. in Applied Economics

5 minute read

In the dynamic landscape of education, empowering high school students to explore their passions and delve into unique subjects is crucial. Criminology, the study of crime and its causes, offers an exciting avenue for young minds to engage in critical thinking and research. In this blog, we’ll explore why high schoolers should consider studying criminology and present ten original research topic ideas that can ignite their curiosity and passion for this fascinating field. 

Do your own research through Polygence!

Polygence pairs you with an expert mentor in your area of passion. Together, you work to create a high quality research project that is uniquely your own.

Why Study Criminology in High School

Understanding criminology is more than just unraveling the complexities of crime: it’s about fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deeper awareness of society. Here are a few reasons why high school students should consider studying criminology or taking a criminology internship:

Real-World Relevance: Criminology is deeply connected to the real-world issues that shape our communities. Studying it can provide valuable insights into social problems and potential solutions. 

Career Exploration: Exploring criminology at a young age can help students discover potential career paths in law enforcement, criminal justice, psychology, and more. 

Empowerment: By understanding the facts that contribute to crime, students can actively engage in discussions about creating safer and more just societies through criminal law. 

10 Criminology Project Ideas for High School Students

#1 the impact of social media on youth crime.

As you develop this research paper, you will have the opportunity to explore the intricate relationship between social media and youth crime by investigating how online interactions and content influence adolescent behavior. Examine patterns of cyberbullying, digital harassment, and the dissemination of criminal activities through social platforms. 

#2 The Psychology of Criminal Profiling

Delve into the intriguing world of criminal profiling by dissecting the psychological aspects that underpin this investigative technique. Examine the effectiveness and limitations of profiling methods, considering the impact of individual and cultural differences. Explore related research topics like the ethical implications of profiling and propose improvements or alternative approaches to enhance the accuracy and ethical integrity of criminal profiling practices.

#3 Effects of Video Games on Aggressive Behavior

Video games have long been the subject of scrutiny for their potential impacts on youths’ brains. This is a criminal justice topic where you can conduct a nuanced exploration of the correlation between violent video games and aggression. Dive into psychological theories, examining how exposure to virtual violence may influence real-world conduct and even lead to criminal behavior. Consider age, individual differences, and gaming habits to provide a comprehensive analysis. 

#4 The Role of Family Structure in Juvenile Delinquency

Investigate the intricate connections between family dynamics and juvenile delinquency. Your research project can analyze how factors such as parental involvement, family structure, and socioeconomic status impact the likelihood of juvenile involvement in criminal activities. Explore potential intervention strategies, focusing on strengthening familial bonds and providing support systems to reduce the risk of delinquent behavior among adolescents. 

#5 Cybersecurity and Digital Crimes

Embark on an exploration of the digital frontier by investigating the rise of cybercrimes and their multifaceted impact. Examine various forms of digital criminal activities, from hacking to online fraud, and assess their implications for individuals and businesses. Propose strategies for blistering cybersecurity awareness and preventive measures, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy and responsible online behavior in today’s interconnected world. 

#6 White-Collar Crime and Corporate Ethics

Uncover the ethical dimensions of white-collar crime within corporate environments by examining cases of financial misconduct, fraud, and corruption. Explore the role of corporate culture, governance structures, and individual decision-making in fostering or preventing white-collar crimes. Propose measures for enhancing corporate ethics, transparency, and accountability, contributing to discussions on creating a more ethical and responsible business landscape. 

#7 The Impact of Economic Inequality on Crime Rates

Explore the intricate relationship between economic inequality and crime rates. Analyze statistical data to understand how disparities in wealth distribution may contribute to criminal behavior. Examine the role of socioeconomic factors, education, and employment opportunities in shaping crime patterns. Your research can provide valuable insights into the systemic issues that perpetuate criminality, paving the way for informed discussions on socioeconomic reforms and policies that address the root causes of criminal activity. 

Tell us how you feel...

Interested in Psychology? We'll match you with an expert mentor who will help you explore your next project.

#8 Criminal Justice System and Mental Health

Investigate the intersection of mental health issues and the criminal justice system. Examine how mental health conditions are addressed within the legal framework, from arrest to incarceration. Explore alternative approaches, such as mental health courts and diversion programs, aiming to provide individuals with mental health challenges appropriate support and treatment. Your research can contribute to the ongoing dialogue on fostering a more compassionate and effective criminal justice reform system for individuals with mental health needs.

#9 The History of Criminal Justice Reform

Trace the historical evolution of criminal justice reform, exploring pivotal moments, key legislation, and societal shifts that have shaped the criminal justice ethics landscape. Analyze the successes and challenges of past reform efforts, considering their impact on issues such as mass incarceration, sentencing practices, juvenile justice, hasty criminal investigations, and policing. 

#10 Public Perception of Organized Crime

Conduct surveys to understand how public perception of organized crime aligns with crime rates. Explore factors influencing public opinion, such as media coverage, community experiences, and demographic variables. Analyze the impact of perception on community engagement, policy preferences, and trust in law enforcement. 

Embarking on criminology or psychology research projects in high school can be a transformative experience, offering students the chance to engage with real-world issues and contribute to the collective understanding of crime and its complexities. If you’re interested in pursuing any of these projects or your ideas, work with us at Polygence to bring your criminal law research ideas to fruition!

If you’re interested in criminology law, check out our other articles on law career paths and projects !

Polygence Scholars Are Also Passionate About

Marquette University

Raynor Library

  • marquette.edu //
  • Contacts //

Raynor Library at Marquette University logo

  • Research Guides
  • Subject Guides
  • Criminology and Criminal Justice
  • Pick A Topic

Criminology and Criminal Justice: Pick A Topic

Topics in criminology and justice, controversial issues in criminology.

  • Background and Facts
  • Evaluating Sources
  • Book Search
  • Selected Web Resources
  • Data & Data Sets
  • NCJRS A-Z Topics Topical Index from the National Criminal Justice Reference Service
  • NCJRS Term Search - National Criminal Justice Reference Service Identify the correct vocabulary and/or relevant search terms
  • List of Criminology Topics - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
  • The CQ Researcher Online (MU only) Pro/Con reports that will help you generate ideas. Look for the "Browse" tab and select "Law and Justice."
  • CQ Researcher from CQ Press This link opens in a new window Full-text articles on controversial issues.
  • << Previous: Home
  • Next: Background and Facts >>
  • Last Updated: Jul 31, 2024 12:32 PM
  • URL: https://libguides.marquette.edu/criminology
  • Guide Owner

1355 W. Wisconsin Ave.

Milwaukee , WI 53233

Information Services: (414) 288-7556

Key Resources

  • Library contacts
  • Library floor plans
  • Borrowing policies
  • Library accounts
  • eMarq (email)
  • Desire2Learn (D2L)

Libraries A to Z

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Problem with this webpage?

Report an accessibility problem. To report another problem, please contact: [email protected]

Privacy Policy Legal Disclaimer Non-Discrimination Policy

Criminal Justice Research Topics: 150 Ideas for Your Legal Essay

research topic ideas criminology

The field of criminal justice offers a wide array of intriguing topics for legal essays, providing opportunities to delve into the complexities of law enforcement, court systems, and corrections. From exploring the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs to discussing the ethical implications of new surveillance technologies, there's no shortage of thought-provoking issues to examine. In this article, we've compiled 150 research topics to inspire and guide your exploration of these fascinating areas within criminal justice. Our expert essay writers are ready to help if you are pressed for time.

What Is Criminal Justice Research Paper

A criminal justice research paper is an academic document that explores various aspects of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, and related societal issues. These papers typically involve thorough investigation, analysis, and interpretation of relevant data, literature, and legal precedents to address specific research questions or topics within the field. 

Criminal justice research topics may examine the effectiveness of policies or programs, analyze trends in crime rates, explore the impacts of legal decisions, or propose solutions to address pressing issues within the criminal justice system. Additionally, they often contribute to broader discussions surrounding crime prevention, rehabilitation, social justice, and the protection of individual rights. Since you’ll need to rely on external sources for writing read guide of our research proposal writing service on citation format for research paper . 

Why Students Write a Criminal Justice Research Paper

Students write criminal justice research papers for several reasons, each aimed at enhancing their understanding of the field and developing critical thinking and analytical skills. Firstly, these assignments serve as a means for students to delve deeper into specific criminal justice research topic ideas within the criminal justice system, allowing them to explore areas of interest or concern in greater detail. Through research, students can understand the complexities surrounding law enforcement, judicial processes, corrections, and societal responses to crime. This exploration fosters a deeper appreciation for the nuances and challenges inherent in the criminal justice field, preparing students for future careers in law enforcement, legal practice, policymaking, or academia.

Moreover, criminal justice research papers allow students to hone their research and writing abilities, essential perks for success in both academic and professional settings. Conducting research requires students to gather and critically evaluate relevant literature, data, and legal precedents, enabling them to develop well-informed arguments and conclusions. 

Through writing, students refine their ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, organize their thoughts coherently, and adhere to academic writing conventions. Furthermore, crafting research papers encourages students to engage in thoughtful analysis, synthesis, and interpretation of information, fostering their ability to think critically and creatively about issues within the criminal justice system and beyond. Do you have ideas on how to start a research paper ? If not, feel free to consult our guide.

Want to Advance Your Criminal Justice Assignment?

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

How to Choose a Good Research Topic Rules

Good criminal justice research topics are the driving force behind the success of your project, as they will guide your exploration and shape the direction of your study. To select an effective research topic, consider the following steps:

How to Choose a Good Research Topic Rules

  • Identify your interests

Start by reflecting on your interests and passions within criminal justice. Consider topics that intrigue you or issues you feel strongly about. Research is often more engaging and fruitful when genuinely interested in the subject.

  • Review existing literature

Conduct a preliminary review of academic literature, textbooks, journals, and reputable websites to identify current trends, debates, and gaps in knowledge within the field of criminal justice. Look for areas where ongoing discussion or emerging research piques your interest.

  • Consider relevance and significance

Choose a topic relevant to contemporary issues or debates within the criminal justice system. Consider how your research can address real-world problems, inform policy decisions, or advance theoretical understanding in the field.

  • Narrow down your focus

Once you've identified a broad area of interest, narrow your focus to a specific research question or problem. A well-defined research question will help you maintain clarity and focus throughout your study, ensuring that your research remains manageable and achievable.

  • Evaluate feasibility

Assess the feasibility of your research topic by considering factors such as access to data, resources, and expertise. Ensure that your chosen topic is feasible within the constraints of your time, budget, and available resources.

  • Seek feedback

Discuss your research topic with professors, advisors, peers, or professionals in criminal justice. Their feedback can help you refine your ideas, identify potential challenges, and ensure that your topic is well-suited to your academic goals and interests. If the feedback from your peers and teachers leaves much to be desired, use our coursework writing service to deliver a first-class paper that checks all the quality boxes.

  • Stay flexible

Remain open to revising and refining your research topic as you delve deeper into your study. Be prepared to adapt your focus based on new insights, findings, or changes in the research landscape.

Criminal Justice Research Topics: The List

Coming up with strong criminal justice research topics for college students matters because they are the foundation for meaningful inquiry, shaping the direction and scope of academic exploration within a specific field. A well-chosen topic not only captures the researcher's interest but also holds significance within the broader context of the discipline, offering opportunities for original insights, critical analysis, and scholarly contributions. Opt for a custom research paper , and our writers will select compelling and relevant topics that can engage readers, advance knowledge, and address pressing issues or gaps in understanding. 

List of Criminology Research Topics

Begin with the broad research topics in criminology that immediately captivate your reader's attention:

  • The impact of social media on crime rates.
  • Rehabilitation vs. retribution: effectiveness of different punitive measures.
  • Juvenile delinquency: causes and prevention strategies.
  • The psychology of criminal behavior.
  • Cybercrime: trends and countermeasures.
  • The role of gender in criminal justice.
  • Illegal substance trafficking and law enforcement challenges.
  • White-collar crime: Patterns and detection.
  • Community policing: Building trust and reducing crime.
  • Mental health and criminal justice system interaction.
  • Human trafficking: Modern-day slavery.
  • Restorative justice: Healing communities after crime.
  • Police brutality and accountability.
  • Environmental criminology: Understanding crime hotspots.
  • Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED).
  • The economics of crime: Cost-benefit analysis.
  • Hate crimes: Motivations and impact on society.
  • Criminal profiling techniques and accuracy.
  • Witness reliability in criminal trials.
  • The influence of poverty on crime rates.
  • Rehabilitation programs for incarcerated individuals.
  • The intersection of race and criminal justice.
  • Firearms and violence: Policy implications.
  • The role of technology in crime detection and prevention.
  • Gangs and organized crime: Structure and activities.
  • Domestic violence: Causes and intervention strategies.
  • The ethics of punishment: Balancing justice and mercy.
  • Crime mapping and geographic information systems (GIS).
  • Biological explanations for criminal behavior.
  • Crime and deviance: Sociological perspectives.

List of Realistic Crime Research Topics

Continuing with our exploration of criminological research topics, here are some additional options that reflect current global issues in our society, offering a more realistic perspective for study.

  • The impact of neighborhood characteristics on crime rates.
  • Factors influencing the likelihood of reoffending among convicted criminals.
  • The effectiveness of community policing in reducing crime.
  • Patterns of illegal substance-related crimes in urban vs. rural areas.
  • The role of technology in modern crime detection and prevention.
  • Gender disparities in crime victimization and perpetration.
  • Strategies for reducing juvenile delinquency in at-risk communities.
  • The influence of socioeconomic status on involvement in white-collar crime.
  • Cybercrime trends and challenges in the digital age.
  • The relationship between mental health issues and criminal behavior.
  • The effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for offenders.
  • The impact of sentencing guidelines on crime rates.
  • Trends in organized crime activity in different regions.
  • The role of peer influence in youth involvement in criminal activities.
  • Arms control policies and their effects on arms-related crimes.
  • The correlation between unemployment rates and property crime.
  • Cultural factors influencing attitudes towards crime and punishment.
  • The prevalence of hate crimes and strategies for prevention.
  • The role of media in shaping perceptions of crime and criminal justice.
  • Environmental criminology: Exploring the link between crime and urban design.
  • The impact of immigration on crime rates in host countries.
  • Psychological profiles of serial offenders.
  • The effectiveness of restorative justice programs in reducing recidivism.
  • The relationship between substance abuse and criminal behavior.
  • Policing strategies for reducing gang-related crime.
  • The influence of family dynamics on youth involvement in crime.
  • Corporate crime: Investigating fraud and corruption in business.
  • The effectiveness of early intervention programs for at-risk youth.
  • The role of poverty in driving criminal behavior.
  • The ethics and implications of using predictive policing technologies.

List of Basic Criminal Justice Topics

Here is a list of fundamental topics in criminal justice. Assess the available information on each issue carefully. Ultimately, the choice of study topics in criminal justice is entirely yours.

  • Overview of the criminal justice system.
  • Importance of due process in criminal justice.
  • Key components of criminal law.
  • Role of law enforcement in society.
  • Basics of criminal investigations.
  • Types of criminal offenses.
  • Understanding criminal courts and procedures.
  • Principles of criminal sentencing.
  • Purpose and function of corrections.
  • Victim rights in the criminal justice system.
  • Evolution of criminal justice policies.
  • Ethics in criminal justice professions.
  • Impact of technology on criminal justice.
  • Challenges in administering justice fairly.
  • Role of forensic science in solving crimes.
  • Rehabilitation versus punishment debate.
  • Alternatives to incarceration.
  • Importance of community policing.
  • Mental health and the criminal justice system.
  • Restorative justice approaches.
  • Juvenile justice system basics.
  • Trends in crime rates and patterns.
  • Intersection of race and criminal justice.
  • Role of probation and parole.
  • Challenges in addressing recidivism.
  • International perspectives on criminal justice.
  • Role of private security in society.
  • Importance of evidence in criminal cases.
  • Impact of illegal substances and abuse on crime.
  • Contemporary issues in criminal justice reform.

List of Criminal Justice Topics on Racial Discrimination

Let's narrow down our focus to specific topics within the realm of criminal justice for research papers. Here, we'll categorize the prompts based on aspects of racial discrimination.

  • Racial profiling in law enforcement.
  • Disparities in arrest rates among racial groups.
  • Impact of implicit bias on criminal justice outcomes.
  • Race and sentencing disparities.
  • Effects of socioeconomic status on racial disparities in the criminal justice system.
  • Policing practices and their differential impact on racial minorities.
  • Racial disparities in juvenile justice system involvement.
  • Role of race in jury selection and trial outcomes.
  • Disproportionate representation of racial minorities in prisons and jails.
  • Effects of mandatory minimum sentencing laws on racial disparities.
  • Racial disparities in pretrial detention and bail decisions.
  • Impact of race on interactions with probation and parole officers.
  • Challenges in addressing systemic racism in the criminal justice system.
  • Role of media portrayal in perpetuating racial stereotypes in crime reporting.
  • Effects of the school-to-prison pipeline on communities of color.
  • Racial disparities in access to legal representation.
  • Intersectionality of race with other factors such as gender and socioeconomic status in criminal justice outcomes.
  • Effects of racial trauma on interactions with law enforcement.
  • Role of community activism in addressing racial discrimination in criminal justice.
  • Historical roots of racial disparities in criminal justice.
  • Impact of illegal substance policies on racial disparities in arrests and incarceration.
  • Role of implicit bias training in reducing racial discrimination in law enforcement.
  • Effects of racial segregation on policing practices and community trust.
  • Racial disparities in use of force incidents and police brutality.
  • Role of accountability measures in addressing racial discrimination in criminal justice.
  • Impact of racial diversity within law enforcement agencies on community relations.
  • Effects of racialized fear and stereotypes on criminal justice decision-making.
  • Role of sentencing reform in addressing racial disparities.
  • Racial disparities in access to diversion and rehabilitation programs.
  • Strategies for promoting racial equity and fairness in the criminal justice system.

List of Crime Research Topics (Crime Types)

Finally, examine the topics for research papers in criminal justice categorized by different types of crime.

  • Burglary patterns and prevention strategies.
  • Trends in cybercrime and cybersecurity measures.
  • Understanding the psychology of serial perpetrators.
  • Illegal substance trafficking routes and law enforcement responses.
  • White-collar crime: Fraud, embezzlement, and corporate misconduct.
  • Human trafficking: Prevalence, victims, and intervention approaches.
  • Homicide investigation techniques and case studies.
  • Identity theft: Impacts and prevention tactics.
  • Robbery dynamics and risk factors for victimization.
  • Hate crimes: Motivations, perpetrators, and legal responses.
  • Carjacking trends and prevention measures.
  • Arson investigations and forensic analysis.
  • Money laundering methods and detection strategies.
  • Gang violence: Origins, structures, and intervention efforts.
  • Stalking behaviors and legal consequences.
  • Art theft: High-profile cases and recovery efforts.
  • Wildlife poaching: Impacts, perpetrators, and conservation efforts.
  • Online scams: Common schemes and protective measures.
  • Domestic violence: Patterns, risk factors, and support services.
  • Child abuse and neglect: Identification and prevention strategies.
  • Environmental crimes: Illegal dumping, pollution, and enforcement challenges.
  • Smuggling operations: Contraband and border security.
  • Extortion tactics and responses in law enforcement.
  • Organized crime syndicates: Structures, activities, and global impact.
  • Counterfeiting: Trends in production methods and law enforcement actions.
  • Art forgery: Authentication techniques and case studies.
  • Food fraud: Adulteration, mislabeling, and consumer protection efforts.
  • Political corruption: Types, impacts, and anti-corruption measures.
  • Intellectual property theft: Piracy, counterfeiting, and legal responses.
  • Terrorism: Ideologies, tactics, and counterterrorism strategies.

Final Thoughts

In summary, writing research papers in criminal justice is incredibly important for students. It helps them learn about various aspects of the criminal justice system and develop skills like critical thinking and research. 

where search for criminal topics

Choosing the right criminal justice research topic ideas allows you to set the direction for your research and ensure that you stay engaged and interested. By picking a topic they're passionate about or relevant to current issues, students can make the most of their learning experience and even contribute new insights to the legal field. If you’re stuck on such a paper while other assignments have already started to stack up, buy essays online to manage the workload more effectively. 

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.

Daniel Parker

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

research topic ideas criminology

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Social Studies Topics: Philosophy, Economics, Culture & More!

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

NCJRS Virtual Library

Quantitative studies in criminology, additional details.

2455 Teller Road , Thousand Oaks , CA 91320 , United States

No download available

Availability, related topics.

A group of criminal justice students attentively listens to their professor's lecture.

Criminal Justice vs. Criminology: Key Differences Explained

Author: University of North Dakota July 31, 2024

Crime is not caused by a single factor; it's a highly complex phenomenon influenced by various elements.

Request Information

It varies dramatically across cultures and historical periods. For instance, while alcohol consumption is legal in the USA for people 21 and over, it is completely banned in several Muslim countries. Crime also comes in varying degrees, from minor infractions like jaywalking to severe offenses like murder.

This complexity necessitates specialized fields dedicated to understanding and managing crime, such as criminal justice and criminology. Though these disciplines share some similarities, they are distinct in their approaches and focuses. Read on as we compare criminal justice vs. criminology, and see if any of the two is something you'd want to look more into.

What is Criminal Justice?

Criminal justice is an interdisciplinary field that examines the structure, function, and processes of institutions designed to respond to criminal behavior. It encompasses various components of the system, including law enforcement, the judiciary, and correctional facilities. 

Criminal justice focuses on the practical aspects of managing and administering justice. This includes the procedures for investigating crimes, the protocols for arresting and prosecuting suspects, and the methods used in sentencing and rehabilitating offenders. Essentially, it is concerned with the operational mechanics of policing, courts, and corrections, aiming to maintain social order and ensure justice is served efficiently and fairly.

What is Criminology?

Criminology is a social and behavioral science dedicated to understanding the nature, extent, and causes of crime. Similar to psychology and sociology, it delves into human behavior, exploring the patterns and motivations behind criminal actions.

Criminologists study crime as a social phenomenon, analyzing how various personal, social, economic, and environmental factors contribute to criminal behavior. By examining these influences, professionals in the field aim to develop theories and frameworks that explain why crimes occur and who is likely to commit them. Their insights are critical in formulating effective policies and strategies to prevent crime and mitigate its impact on society. Through this comprehensive approach, criminology seeks to uncover the root causes of criminal behavior and inform the creation of more effective interventions and preventive measures.

Criminal justice professor and student engaged in discussion

Educational Pathways in Criminal Justice and Criminology

The field of criminal justice is diverse, offering a range of educational pathways depending on the specific career you aspire to. For instance, becoming a police officer in many states requires a high school diploma. From there, you can receive on-the-job training and gradually advance through the ranks to positions like detective and beyond.

Promotions in policing often require college degrees, which can also help make candidates more competitive in the job market. Additionally, roles in probation and parole typically require at least a bachelor's degree. Meanwhile, for roles such as a criminal justice instructor or professor, you'll need to pursue advanced degrees like a master's in criminal justice or a doctoral degree.

A career in criminology typically demands at least a master's degree in the field. Most professionals start with a bachelor's degree in criminology, psychology, or sociology and then advance to specialized criminology graduate degrees that prepare them for deeper analysis and research in criminology.

Typical Coursework

In criminal justice programs, students can expect to take courses related to criminal investigation, criminal law, and correctional alternatives, among many other topics. Moreover, these programs often provide opportunities to gain real-world experience through internships in areas like probation, law enforcement, victim advocacy, and legal settings, offering practical insights alongside theoretical knowledge.

For criminology, the curriculum often includes courses on criminological theory, social control (e.g., law and society), and other subjects that explore the social and psychological aspects of crime. These courses help students understand the complexities of criminal behavior and the societal reactions to it.

Skills Developed

There are many skills, especially soft ones, that criminal justice and criminology professionals have in common, including:

  • The ability to analyze situations, identify problems, and develop effective solutions
  • Adherence to ethical standards and integrity in handling sensitive information
  • Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to work well with others in various settings

However, in addition to these shared skills, the two fields also require unique skill sets tailored to their specific duties and responsibilities. For example, criminal justice professionals typically need:

  • Proficiency in various investigation methods, including interviewing witnesses, suspects, and victims
  • Skills in collecting, preserving, and documenting physical evidence to ensure its integrity in legal proceedings
  • In-depth understanding of criminal statutes, legal precedents, and court procedures
  • Expertise in conducting surveillance operations, both physical and electronic, to gather intelligence and monitor suspects

However, the exact skills needed often depend on the role they pursue. For example, in law enforcement, criminal justice professionals need to be proficient in handling firearms, self-defense techniques, and tactical operations. On the other hand, those working in forensic science may require a strong background in biology, chemistry, and analytical skills to process and interpret evidence accurately. Additionally, professionals in criminal rehabilitation must possess excellent communication and counseling skills to effectively work with offenders and support their reintegration into society.

Whereas criminology professionals are more focused on the following:

  • Deep understanding of criminological theories and concepts that explain the causes and consequences of criminal behavior
  • Skills in analyzing criminal behavior patterns and motivations to predict future actions and identify trends
  • Expertise in creating, evaluating, and recommending policies aimed at crime prevention and criminal justice reform
  • Skills in developing profiles of criminal suspects based on behavioral evidence and crime scene analysis
  • Understanding the psychological and social impact of crime on victims and developing strategies to support and protect them

Career Prospects in Criminal Justice vs. Criminology

The need for professionals trained to maintain public safety and manage crime is perpetual, even in an ideal world without crime; we still need experts to ensure it stays that way. This ongoing necessity ensures a steady demand for professionals in both criminology and criminal justice fields.

A female criminal justice student in a meetin

Common Roles

There are many roles in the field of crime and justice that accept both criminology and criminal justice degrees, such as becoming a detective or an FBI agent . These positions often require advanced analytical skills and a deep understanding of criminal behavior, which can be obtained through either area. Additionally, some roles related to crime, like becoming a police officer, do not require more than a high school diploma to start. These positions typically offer on-the-job training and exciting opportunities for advancement into specialized areas with further education and experience, promising a bright future in the field.

Some common examples of careers in criminology and criminal justice include roles such as:

  • Criminal profiler
  • Victim advocate
  • Parole or probation officer
  • Police officer
  • Criminal justice instructor or professor
  • Lawyer (with the degree serving as a foundation for law school)

Which Field is Right for You: Criminal Justice or Criminology?

Being informed is the most crucial step when choosing between any career option. While this blog aims to provide a general understanding of criminology vs. criminal justice, it's always beneficial to delve deeper. Speaking to professionals currently working in these fields, attending informational interviews, and seeking mentorship can offer invaluable insights into the daily realities and long-term prospects of various roles.

When deciding which path to pursue, consider your career goals and what you hope to achieve. If you are driven by a desire to directly enforce laws, protect the community, and work on the front lines of public safety, criminal justice might be the right fit. Roles in this field include police officers, probation officers, and FBI agents, which often require a proactive, hands-on approach.

On the other hand, if you are more interested in understanding the psychological, sociological, and economic factors that contribute to criminal behavior and you enjoy research and data analysis, criminology might be more suitable. Careers such as criminal investigators, researchers, and criminal profilers focus on analyzing crime trends and developing preventative measures.

Furthermore, consider your comfort level with various work environments. Criminal justice careers often involve high-stress situations and direct interactions with offenders and victims, requiring strong interpersonal skills and resilience. Criminology careers are typically more research-oriented, involving extensive data analysis and theoretical work, which may be better suited to those who prefer a more controlled environment.

Ultimately, your personal interests and passion should guide your decision. Reflect on whether you are more intrigued by the practical application of laws and the workings of the legal system or if you are fascinated by the underlying causes of crime and enjoy deep analytical work.

Additionally, think about your long-term career stability and financial goals. By thoroughly evaluating these factors, you can confidently choose a career that is both fulfilling and suited to your unique strengths and goals.

All in all, the difference between criminal justice and criminology lies in their focus, with one applying the law and the other analyzing the causes of crime, yet both fields are essential in maintaining public safety and security. We all benefit greatly from the dedication and expertise of professionals in both areas.

UND offers various programs to help train individuals to join the ranks of those fighting crime every day, whether through law enforcement, research, or policy development. Explore the  B.S. in Criminal Justice or the  accelerated option if you aim to advance to more specialized roles quickly. Embrace the opportunity to be a hero in your community, protecting and serving to make a difference in the world.

Is criminology the same as criminal justice? ( Open this section)

No, criminology focuses on studying the causes and patterns of criminal behavior, while criminal justice involves the application and enforcement of laws and the legal system.

Is the FBI criminal justice or criminology? ( Open this section)

The FBI is not exclusively criminal justice or criminology but rather an agency where individuals with degrees in either field can pursue specific roles.

Is the University of North Dakota's Criminal Justice Studies program criminology or criminal justice? ( Open this section)

Both! The program encompasses both criminology and criminal justice, reflecting different orientations within the same field of study.

What is the difference between a degree in criminology or criminal justice and a police academy? ( Open this section)

A degree in criminology or criminal justice provides a broad understanding of crime, criminal behavior, and the justice system, often involving theoretical and research-based coursework. In contrast, a police academy focuses on the basic training required for law enforcement officers, which may include some practical skills but is primarily intended to prepare recruits for entry-level positions in policing.

Is it like law school? ( Open this section)

While criminology and criminal justice degrees provide foundational knowledge relevant to law, they are not the same as law school. Law school prepares students for a variety of careers focused on legal theory, case law, and the practice of law. On the other hand, criminology and criminal justice programs cover a wider range of topics related to crime, justice, and the legal system.

By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies, Privacy Information .

  • FACULTY & STAFF PORTAL

research topic ideas criminology

School of Criminology

  • SFU Criminology welcomes criminal groups’ dynamics expert Marie Ouellet
  • Administration and Staff
  • Criminology Faculty
  • Applied Legal Studies Faculty
  • Adjunct Professors & Associate members
  • Emeritus & retired faculty
  • In Memoriam
  • Visiting Faculty & Term Lecturers
  • Director's Welcome
  • Why study criminology
  • Honours Program
  • Post Baccalaureate Diploma Programs
  • Second Degree Option
  • Directed Readings and Directed Studies
  • Application Process
  • Placement Opportunities
  • Guidelines for Field Placement Descriptions
  • Responsibility of the Agency Field Supervisor
  • Advising FAQ
  • Contact an Advisor
  • Sample Course Plan A (3 Term)
  • Sample Course Plan B (2 Term)
  • Sample Course Plan C (Lighter Option)
  • Program Completion Check Sheets
  • Alumni Testimonials
  • Graduate Director's Welcome
  • Faculty & Administration
  • Program Overview
  • BC Notaries Public
  • Research group
  • Alumni Profiles
  • Graduate Students' Association
  • MA Students
  • PHD Students
  • Upcoming Thesis Defence
  • Research Clusters
  • Institute & Centres
  • Research Connections
  • Presentations & Videos
  • Student Association (CSA)
  • Publications
  • The Founding Family
  • Annual Forum
  • Annual Lecture and Dialogue Series
  • The Ting Ocassional Forums

SFU Criminology welcomes criminal groups’ dynamics expert Marie Ouellet

research topic ideas criminology

SFU Criminology is excited to welcome criminal groups’ dynamics expert, Marie Ouellet, to our talented faculty team as an assistant professor.

Ouellet's research utilizes network science to explore how relationships and interactions influence criminal behaviour, mobility, and group evolution. She is currently leading a longitudinal study on police networks that aims to understand how officers form social relationships, and the impact of these networks on police behaviour, particularly in relation to misconduct and weapon use. Her work on these topics has received over one million dollars in support from the National Science Foundation's Early CAREER Award, the National Collaborative of Gun Violence Research, and the US Department of Homeland Security.

Learn more about professor Ouellet below

What made you choose simon fraser university.

SFU carries personal and professional significance for me. It is where I first developed many of my research ideas having completed a PhD in SFU’s School of Criminology in 2016. Professionally, SFU offers the opportunity to further integrate data science techniques with many of the School of Criminology’s established research clusters on policing, group dynamics, and cybercrime.

What is the most important issue that your research addresses, and why is it important to you in particular?

The key issue my research addresses is how networks shape the spread of criminal behaviour. Whether it’s police misconduct or cybercrime, my research suggests that how people are connected impacts who commits crimes, and how those crimes are committed. This is important to me as traditionally many criminologists focused on the personality traits or characteristics of individuals involved in crime, such as gender, education, or temperament. Whereas others sought to explain criminal behaviour by focusing on larger institutions and community structures. A network approach offers a middle ground across micro and macro perspectives by focusing on the relationships and interactions that connect individuals within these larger social structures. Network analysis offers concrete assessments of how individuals are linked, revealing the social worlds in which we are embedded.

What developments in your research or teaching are you most excited about?

I have recently compiled a longitudinal dataset on police officers’ professional social relationships – the colleagues, friends, and mentors with whom officers interact - across various large and small departments. A unique feature of our data collection effort is that we invited every officer in the department to participate in the study, which enables us to examine how officers are linked throughout the entire department. The data reveals the social worlds of officers, highlighting how officers build and maintain relationships, and the consequences of these relationships on the diffusion of officers’ behaviours and attitudes. Perhaps, most excitingly, the data allows us to design network interventions, including assignment protocols that aim to increase retention and curb police abuses, such as misconduct and the use of force.

What are you most looking forward to in your work at SFU and in the School of Criminology?

I am most looking forward to developing partnerships and working with community stakeholders in the area of policing and crime. Having roots in British Columbia, I look forward to applying my research in practical ways to assist practitioners and support criminal justice institutions. I hope to find ways to build partnerships that integrate the use of network methods to better tackle pressing issues, such as cybercrime, police misconduct, and violence more broadly.

What are your hobbies?

Tennis, kayaking, and exploring new areas of the city with my two kids.

  • Professor Ouellet's faculty profile
  • Our research clusters
  • Our undergraduate programs
  • Our graduate programs

Articles on Philadelphia police department

Displaying all articles.

research topic ideas criminology

Decades on, Delbert Africa’s surrender still provides powerful image of US racism and Black victimhood

Nicole Maurantonio , University of Richmond

research topic ideas criminology

Philly mayor might consider these lessons from NYC before expanding stop-and -frisk

Megan Kurlychek , Penn State

research topic ideas criminology

Philadelphia reduces school-based arrests by 91% since 2013 – researchers explain the effects of keeping kids out of the legal system

Amanda NeMoyer , Drexel University and Naomi Goldstein , Drexel University

Related Topics

  • crime reduction
  • Fourth Amendment
  • Juvenile justice
  • Philadelphia
  • Picture in 500 words
  • Quick reads
  • School suspension

Top contributors

research topic ideas criminology

Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Drexel University

research topic ideas criminology

Professor of Sociology, Criminology, and Public Policy, Penn State

research topic ideas criminology

Assistant Research Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Drexel University

research topic ideas criminology

Associate Provost of Academic Affairs | Professor of Rhetoric & Communication Studies, University of Richmond

  • X (Twitter)
  • Unfollow topic Follow topic

Wiley Logo

Press Release Details

How does an effective cancer therapy damage the heart.

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) is a protein receptor on T immune cells that prevents the cells from killing other cells, such as cancer cells. Blocking CTLA-4 with a specific antibody is an effective treatment for some cancers, but it can damage the heart. New research published in  The FASEB Journal  reveals the mechanisms involved in this side effect—a finding that could be used to help prevent it.

Experiments conducted in mice showed that blocking CTLA-4 activates certain T cells called Th17 cells, which increase inflammation. Inhibiting this activation reversed anti-CTLA-4–mediated heart damage.

“Targeting this axis could potentially offer a preventive or therapeutic strategy for managing cardiotoxicity in patients undergoing anti-CTLA-4-based immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy,” the authors wrote.

URL:  https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1096/fj.202400384R

Additional Information NOTE:  The information contained in this release is protected by copyright. Please include journal attribution in all coverage. For more information or to obtain a PDF of any study, please contact: Sara Henning-Stout,  [email protected] .

About the Journal The FASEB Journal  publishes multidisciplinary research covering biology and biomedical sciences at every level of organization: atomic, molecular, cell, tissue, organ, organismic, and population. The journal’s scope includes the spectrum of biological and biomedical sciences as well as interdisciplinary research cutting across multiple fields and extending into related areas.

About Wiley Wiley is a knowledge company and a global leader in research, publishing, and knowledge solutions. Dedicated to the creation and application of knowledge, Wiley serves the world’s researchers, learners, innovators, and leaders, helping them achieve their goals and solve the world's most important challenges. For more than two centuries, Wiley has been delivering on its timeless mission to unlock human potential. Visit us at  Wiley.com . Follow us on  Facebook ,  X ,  LinkedIn  and  Instagram .

Multimedia Files:

Placeholder Company

Media Contact

Please send us an email at [email protected] for any questions or media inquiries.

Wiley Logo

IMAGES

  1. RESEARCH TOPICS AND TITLES FOR CRIMINOLOGY STUDENTS

    research topic ideas criminology

  2. Write a Remarkable Criminology Research Paper with 20 Amazing Topics

    research topic ideas criminology

  3. 120+ Amazing Criminology Dissertation Ideas for Students

    research topic ideas criminology

  4. 256 Criminology Research Topics & Criminal Justice Topics for Papers

    research topic ideas criminology

  5. 256 Criminology Research Topics & Criminal Justice Topics for Papers

    research topic ideas criminology

  6. 120+ Amazing Criminology Dissertation Ideas for Students

    research topic ideas criminology

COMMENTS

  1. 428 Criminology Research Topics & Questions for Students

    428 Criminology Research Topics & Questions for Students. by StudyCorgi ®. Updated: Mar 12th, 2024. 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. 1 hour!

  2. 256 Research Topics on Criminal Justice & Criminology

    Here are 100 criminology research topics ideas organized by themes. 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.

  3. 200 Best Criminology Research Topics For Students

    Criminology research topics involve studying crime, criminals, and the justice system using scientific methods. This includes looking at: Why crimes happen. Patterns in criminal behavior. How crime impacts people and communities. How the justice system, like police, courts, and jails, work. Theories about the causes of crime.

  4. PDF Criminological Research Topics For Students

    justice landscape. Embracing these research topics for students embark on a transformative academic expedition that not only hones their research skills but also positions them as contributors to the ongoing discourse in the vital field of criminology. Here are 100+ criminological research topics for students:

  5. 35 Criminal Justice Topics for Students

    A PhD in Criminal Justice can prepare graduates for a number of positions, including police chief, corrections facility director, professor, and research consultant. 1. At Walden University, students pursuing a PhD in Criminal Justice can choose the General Program or one of several specializations: The courses you take and the area you ...

  6. Top 160 Criminal Justice Research Topics

    Reasonable Criminology Research Topics. Other reasonable criminology topics for students to explore are: Criminology as a social science - how criminology Is a social science because it deals with social science issues. Implications of hate crime: hate crime and how it affects the victims and society.

  7. Criminology Research Paper Topics

    The purpose of this page is to provide students with a comprehensive list of criminology research paper topics, organized into 10 categories, each with 10 topics. These categories include criminology, types of crime, correlates of crime, theories of crime, measurement and research in criminology, criminal justice system, criminal justice ...

  8. Criminal Justice Research Topics

    This collection provides overviews of 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.

  9. 100+ Incredible Criminology Essay Topics

    Step 1: Understand the Field of Criminology. Begin by gaining a broad understanding of the field of criminology. Explore various sub-disciplines, theories, and contemporary issues in criminology. This will help you identify areas of interest and potential research gaps. Step 2: Identify Your Interests.

  10. Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

    Criminal justice is an interdisciplinary field that involves the study of crime, law, and justice. It encompasses a range of topics such as criminology, criminal law, law enforcement, and the criminal justice system. As a student studying criminal justice, you may be required to write a research paper on a specific topic within this field.

  11. 250+ Criminal Justice Research Topics: Top List for Students

    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.

  12. 167 Stunning Criminology Dissertation Ideas for You

    Forensic Psychology Dissertation Ideas. A comprehensive analysis of competence to stand trial concept and its application in the UK. The age of criminal culpability: A review of the effectiveness of this idea in criminal justice. The ethics of death penalty: A review of the literature. Studying the mind of a criminal on death row: What goes in ...

  13. 230 Criminal Justice Research Topics for your Inspiration

    At EduBirdie, our expert writers came up with extensive list of 230 criminal justice ideas that will help you choose destination for future assignment paper. From list of basic criminal justice topics to international law, our experts can help you with any writing task, offering plagiarism free and timely, custom papers.

  14. Current PhD Topics

    Proposed research title: Children before court: young people's encounters with the law. Current PhD Students and Research Topics Monika Consent and the Rape Law in India: Interrogating the Implications of Consent Arosemena Burbano, Maria The association between family exposure to violence and the development of morality in early childhood.

  15. Criminology Dissertation Topics: 20+ Examples for Inspiration

    Masters and PhD. Criminology Dissertation Topic Ideas. Analyzing how marginalization and discrimination on the basis of religion contribute to crime. An examination of cybercrime laws and their role in preserving law and order. A critical examination of the United States government's response to terrorism threats.

  16. Criminology

    Predictive crime modelling can produce powerful statistical tools, but there are important considerations for researchers to take into account to avoid their findings being misused and doing more ...

  17. 135+ Amazing Criminal Justice Research Topics In 2023

    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.

  18. 10 Criminology Research Ideas for High School Students

    Criminology, the study of crime and its causes, offers an exciting avenue for young minds to engage in critical thinking and research. In this blog, we'll explore why high schoolers should consider studying criminology and present ten original research topic ideas that can ignite their curiosity and passion for this fascinating field.

  19. Criminology and Criminal Justice: Pick A Topic

    List of Criminology Topics - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The CQ Researcher Online (MU only) Pro/Con reports that will help you generate ideas. Look for the "Browse" tab and select "Law and Justice." Issues and [email protected] from Facts On File. Full-text balanced articles.

  20. Criminal Justice Research Topics for College Students

    List of Criminology Research Topics. Begin with the broad research topics in criminology that immediately captivate your reader's attention: The impact of social media on crime rates. Rehabilitation vs. retribution: effectiveness of different punitive measures. Juvenile delinquency: causes and prevention strategies. The psychology of criminal ...

  21. QUANTITATIVE STUDIES IN CRIMINOLOGY

    THE SIGNIFICANCE OF LONGITUDINAL RESEARCH IS REVIEWED IN THE FOLLOWING STUDIES; (1) A SYSTEMATIC TIME SERIES OF SPECTRAL AND CROSS SPECTRAL ANALYSIS OF CRIME WITH RESPECT TO MONTHLY AND YEARLY HOMICIDE RATES; AND (2) THE RELATIONSHIP OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY TO ADULT CRIME. RESEARCH DIRECTED AT DETERMINING THE EFFECTS OF EDUCATION ON POLICE ...

  22. Criminal Justice vs. Criminology: Key Differences Explained

    A career in criminology typically demands at least a master's degree in the field. Most professionals start with a bachelor's degree in criminology, psychology, or sociology and then advance to specialized criminology graduate degrees that prepare them for deeper analysis and research in criminology.

  23. SFU Criminology welcomes criminal groups' dynamics expert Marie Ouellet

    It is where I first developed many of my research ideas having completed a PhD in SFU's School of Criminology in 2016. Professionally, SFU offers the opportunity to further integrate data science techniques with many of the School of Criminology's established research clusters on policing, group dynamics, and cybercrime.

  24. Philadelphia police department

    Professor of Sociology, Criminology, and Public Policy, Penn State Amanda NeMoyer Assistant Research Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Drexel University

  25. A Framework for Determining Research Topics and Problems in Mixed

    This article addresses the essential yet often overlooked aspect of choosing a research topic in mixed methods research studies. Seven leading mixed methods textbooks are reviewed for insights into...

  26. How does an effective cancer therapy damage the heart?

    Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) is a protein receptor on T immune cells that prevents the cells from killing other cells, such as cancer cells. Blocking CTLA-4 with a specific antibody is an effective treatment for some cancers, but it can damage the heart. New research published in The FASEB Journal reveals the mechanisms involved in this side effect—a finding that could be used ...