Justice System Research Articles

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE MANAGEMENT: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

This systematic review, based on 37 articles, explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in criminal justice, focusing on its applications in predictive policing, judicial risk assessments, and surveillance, as well as the associated ethical and regulatory challenges. AI has demonstrated substantial potential for improving efficiency and accuracy in criminal justice systems, from optimizing law enforcement resource allocation to providing data-driven risk assessments that support judicial decisions. However, the review identifies significant ethical issues, especially related to algorithmic bias, which can perpetuate existing societal inequalities and disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Concerns around transparency and accountability are prevalent, as the "black-box" nature of many AI algorithms complicates public understanding and trust in AI-driven outcomes. Surveillance tools, including facial recognition and behavioral analysis, enhance real-time threat detection but raise privacy and civil rights concerns, highlighting the need for regulatory oversight. Gaps in legal frameworks suggest the urgency for standardized policies that address data privacy, algorithmic fairness, and accountability in AI applications. The findings underscore that interdisciplinary collaboration, transparent practices, and comprehensive regulatory measures are essential to responsibly integrate AI into criminal justice, balancing technological advancements with justice, equity, and public trust.

CONFLITOS DE INTERESSES: UMA ANÁLISE HISTÓRICA DAS PRÁTICAS DE PUNIÇÃO E MEDIAÇÃO

This article investigates the historical evolution of punishment and mediation practices, focusing on the Brazilian context. Starting from the premise that conflict resolution should go beyond punishment, it seeks to explore alternatives that promote reparation and the reintegration of offenders into society. Human dignity, as discussed by Guedes (2018), is considered a central principle in justice practices, highlighting criticism of the traditional punitive system, as analyzed by Foucault (2013). Contemporary examples of mediation, such as peace circles and restorative justice programs implemented in Brazil, are examined in light of Lima's (2017) contributions and relevant legislation. The study concludes that implementing restorative practices represents a viable path toward building a more inclusive and humane justice system, capable of promoting social peace and respect for the dignity of all involved.

The utility of Moffitt’s developmental taxonomy in predicting being processed through the criminal justice system

ABSTRACT Moffitt’s (1993) developmental taxonomy has guided a great deal of research and has had a profound impact on the field of criminology. Much of this research has focused on her explanation of life-course-persistent offenders, wherein she argued that a combination of being reared in an adverse environment and having neuropsychological deficits would lead to lifelong offending. The current study used this explanation to extend tests of Moffitt’s theory by examining whether the combination of childhood maltreatment and neuropsychological deficits would have application that moves beyond the prediction of life-course-persistent offending and was able to account for participants being processed through the criminal justice system. Analysis of data drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) revealed that childhood maltreatment and neuropsychological deficits were both independently associated with being arrested, being convicted, and being incarcerated, but that the interaction between these two measures was largely null in the prediction of the outcomes.

Cost and cost-effectiveness of abstinence-contingent wage supplements for adults experiencing homelessness and alcohol use disorder

BackgroundAlcohol use disorder, unemployment, and risk of homelessness are linked and often co-occurring, but most interventions do not address both alcohol use disorder and unemployment. The Abstinence-Contingent Wage Supplement (ACWS) model of the Therapeutic Workplace offers participants stipends or wage supplements contingent on both their abstaining from alcohol and engaging with an employment specialist or working in a community job. Wearable biosensors continuously tracked alcohol use. Methods and dataThe study randomized participants to Usual Care (UC) (n = 57) and ACWS (n = 62). We used micro-costing methods to identify the resources and costs of the 6-month ACWS intervention. The study team tracked the cost of incentives for wearing biosensors, stipends, and wage supplements. We used 6-month cost and effectiveness data to calculate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves. ResultsOver the 6-month study period, average intervention costs per participant were $7282, with contingent stipends and wage supplements accounting for 50 % of intervention costs. We also reported average per participant costs for healthcare (UC: $17,785; ACWS: $26,734), justice system (UC: $131; ACWS: $153), and public welfare (UC: $1107; ACWS: $1275). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) at 6 months were $80,911 for an additional participant abstinent, $3894 for an additional drinking free day, $22,756 for an additional participant employed, and $1514 for an additional day worked. ConclusionsThe ACWS intervention for adults with an alcohol use disorder and experiencing homelessness increased costs and improved alcohol use and employment outcomes compared with Usual Care. For policymakers seeking a solution to alcohol use and unemployment with populations experiencing homelessness, ACWS may be a cost-effective solution.

Public confidence towards judiciary court: An empirical study in Bangladesh

The judiciary is the most significant component of the criminal justice system, which ensures the legal rights of citizens and is strongly linked to public confidence. The judiciary system of Bangladesh is ineffective and inadequate in safeguarding citizens' rights, highlighting the need for the building of trust between citizens and the judiciary system. The main objective of this study was to explore the nature of public trust in the judiciary system in Bangladesh. Moreover, it also identified the entire public perception of the judicial system, which influences public trust in the judiciary. The study was quantitative in nature which followed the survey method, and the data was collected from 52 respondents. This study found that around 63.5% of the participants expressed a negative perception regarding the court's integrity and meticulousness in dealing with people. At the same time, specifically 38.5% who agreed and 48.1% who strongly agreed, believe that corruption has a substantial impact on the level of public confidence in the judiciary court system. Additionally, 51.9% of the respondents believed that unfriendly behavior has an impact on the level of public confidence in the judiciary court system. Most importantly, the majority of respondents (76.9%) assess the courts' performance in ensuring responsibility as either low (53.8%) or average (23.1%). Finally, this study suggests that the government and concerned authorities should take proactive measures to enhance public confidence in the justice system.

The Context of Poverty and Cancer: Denying Human Potential.

Poverty is a carcinogen and a leading cause of cancer disparities and overall mortality in the United States. Poverty is often viewed as an individual failure for "being poor," but in fact, poverty is structurally driven, intergenerational, and place-based that socially deprives and denies human potential. Disparities in timely cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and survival disproportionally impact people living in poverty and especially in persistent poverty areas, an extreme form of place-based poverty that affects communities over multiple generations. There has been some progress made to address place-based conditions that exacerbate poverty, such as the NCI's initiative on persistent poverty. However, gross inequality and cancer disparities continue to exist and persist. The time is now to accelerate the development of research-informed strategies and solutions with communities along with multisectoral collaborations with education, housing, occupation/workforce, foster care, criminal justice, transportation, and data collection systems. This commentary discusses the structural, place-based, and generational context of poverty, illustrates how entrenched inequities shape poor cancer outcomes, and describes opportunities for future research.

The School-to-Prison Pipeline: Long-Run Impacts of School Suspensions on Adult Crime

Schools must balance student behavior management with the potential negatives of strict discipline. These policies can deter misbehavior but may stigmatize students and expose them to the criminal justice system early. We assess the impact of attending a strict discipline school on achievement, educational attainment, and adult criminal activity. Using data from a boundary change and principal switches, we find that higher suspension rates have significant negative long-term effects. Students at such schools are 15–20 percent more likely to be arrested and incarcerated as adults. Negative impacts on educational attainment are particularly pronounced for males and students of color. (JEL H75, I21, I28, J15, K42)

Social Identity Mapping With Justice‐Involved Young People: Exploring Identity Pathways to Aid the Desistance of Criminal Offending

ABSTRACTSocial groups and the environments they create play a prominent role in the desistance versus persistence of young peoples' criminal offending. Social Identity Mapping (SIM) provides a quantitative method for understanding the social network of young offenders. This exploratory study was guided by two broad research questions: (1) using the SIM task, we wanted to investigate the experiences of young people moving through the Youth Justice System in Aotearoa New Zealand, and (2) through the use of the SIM task combined with qualitative interviews, we wanted to gain novel insight into the influences that important social groups had on young people's behaviour. The participants were nine young people currently working their way through the Youth Justice System in Aotearoa New Zealand. The average number of groups identified in the SIM task was four (range: 3–6), with the most common groups identified being friends, family, and Gisborne (i.e., the town in which participants all lived). Through the semi‐structured interviews, participants noted that they were excluded from some groups (e.g., school) due to their delinquent behaviour. In addition, despite strong motivation to join the workforce and develop a career, participants' social networks and low educational attainment made achieving this goal very challenging. Our findings suggest that desistance efforts would be well served by broadening young offenders' social networks.

THE ROLE OF PRESIDENTIAL PARDONS AND PARLIAMENTARY AMNESTIES IN UZBEKISTAN'S CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

This research examines the development, implementation, and impact of presidential pardons and parliamentary amnesties in Uzbekistan's criminal justice system from independence in 1991 through the present day. Through systematic analysis of legal frameworks, institutional mechanisms, and documented practices, this study investigates how these clemency powers have evolved and their role in shaping criminal justice outcomes. Drawing on primary legal sources, international organization reports, and scholarly analyses, this research contributes to the understanding of post-Soviet legal development and criminal justice reform in Central Asia. The findings reveal the complex interplay between executive and legislative clemency powers while highlighting both achievements and challenges in their implementation.

Warnings from the West: Identification and Expert Evidence as Causes of Wrongful Convictions and the Implications for South Africa (Part 2)

In Part 1 of this study, the existing literature on eyewitness misidentification evidence as a cause of wrongful convictions, as well as adversarial safeguards upon which criminal justice systems rely to identify errors in fact-finding, are reviewed. In Part 2, a similar investigation is conducted of improperly applied and faulty forensic expert evidence in criminal trials in the comparator countries, and how such evidence contributes to legal and root causes of injustice. Parallels are drawn to the adversarial system as it functions in South Africa and predictions are offered regarding the possibility that in South Africa too, the reliance on questionable expert evidence and the sometimes over-reliance on valid expert evidence may lead to wrongful convictions. Worldwide, much effort has been invested in developing admissibility criteria for expert forensic evidence. In the United States of America, for example, more than 100 years of admissibility jurisprudence has been dedicated to developing admissibility standards that would filter out unreliable evidence. Yet our investigation reveals admissibility criteria have had less success than expected. We also investigate the abilities and inabilities of cross-examination and acquired defence expertise to reveal errors in forensic evidence. The article concludes with critical commentary on the way forward for the South African criminal justice system.

Accuracy and Reproducibility of Bullet Comparison Decisions by Forensic Examiners

Few previous studies have assessed the accuracy and reproducibility of bullet comparison decisions by firearms examiners, and none have evaluated accuracy of examiners’ decisions when comparing damaged bullets, comparisons of questioned bullets, or the effects on decision rates of using jacketed hollow-point vs. full metal jacket bullets. In this study, 49 practicing forensic firearms examiners conducted 3,156 comparisons of bullets, including bullets ranging in quality, bullets from different types of ammunition, and bullets fired from various makes/models of firearms. The study evaluated two scenarios commonly used in casework: questioned-questioned (QQ) comparisons of two bullets from unknown sources, and known-questioned (KQ) comparisons in which a bullet from an unknown source is compared to three known exemplars from a single firearm. Key findings: after controlling for other factors, QQ vs. KQ comparisons had relatively limited effects on decision rates; rates of inconclusive responses were inversely related to bullet quality; bullets fired from polygonally-rifled pistols resulted in more inconclusive or unsuitable responses than conventional rifling; on nonmated comparison sets, the rate of (true) exclusions was particularly high when comparing different caliber bullets, and was higher on comparisons of different makes/models of firearms vs. the same model of firearm; comparisons in which different types of ammunition were fired from the same firearm had a high rate of erroneous exclusions; decision rates differed notably by firearm model; decision rates varied notably among the participants. Because the measured rates vary dramatically due to these various factors, we recommend against using overall decision rates to summarize the results of this study. Significance StatementComparisons of bullets by forensic firearms examiners are a critical part of the criminal justice system, seeking to determine whether recovered bullets from crime scenes can be attributed to specific firearms. This paper reports the results of a research study designed to assess the accuracy and reliability of forensic bullet comparison decisions, which is important to assess scientific validity for admissibility in court. Few studies have been conducted assessing the accuracy of forensic bullet comparison decisions, and no previous studies have evaluated the accuracy and reproducibility of decisions made by practicing forensic firearms examiners when comparing bullets of varying quality or bullets of different types, or when making comparisons of questioned bullets.

Homicides by offenders with psychotic illness in Italy and Turkiye: A comparison of offender and crime-scene profiles

ObjectiveThe primary aim of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of homicide cases and their perpetrators with psychotic illnesses in Italy and Turkiye, identifying the extent to which country-specific factors influence offender profiles and crime-scene characteristics. MethodThis cross-national chart review study recruited individuals with psychotic illnesses from forensic psychiatric centers in Italy and Turkiye who were referred for criminal responsibility assessments. Data were collected on the offenders' background characteristics, psychiatric history, victim profiles, and crime-scene details. ResultsCompared to the Italian sample, a higher prevalence of hospitalizations, contact with mental health services, and past offending history prior to the index homicide in the Turkish sample highlight inadequate community mental health care and monitoring systems, as well as insufficient supervision by the criminal justice system in Turkiye. Turkish offenders were less likely to exhibit organized crime scenes and post-crime behavior, with fewer stressors preceding the offense, suggesting a greater role of positive psychotic symptoms in their homicidal acts. ConclusionDespite certain similarities, the differences between the two samples highlight the impact of sociocultural, healthcare, and legal systems on offender profiles and crime-scene characteristics. These findings emphasize the need for tailored mental health services, forensic psychiatric assessments and legal supervision that take into account country-specific factors.

Mental Health and Crime: Exploring the Link

This paper discusses the complex connection present in factors of mental health and criminality in people, or how various psychological disorders may shape the inclination towards crime and the manner in which crime is dealt with by the justice system. We critique and evaluate literature catered towards various aspects such as the extent of mental illness in offenders, the influence of mental conditions on making decisions and addressing the factors related to mental illnesses that may hinder rehabilitation such as stigma. To add on, we assess in what ways such sociocultural structures as socio- economic positioning, and availability of mental care, relation to crime and mental health. Using a transdisciplinary perspective, we seek to develop implementation strategies and proposals that would serve people with mental health illness in correctional facilities, in a way that would not compromise fairness and encourage rehabilitation. The data indicate that enhancing mental health services and embedding mental health care into the criminal justice system can minimize the rates of reoffending and beneficially impact individual’s lives as well as the overall society.

The Future of Children in the Criminal Justice System: Restorative or Retributive Approach

The future of children within criminal justice systems raises fundamental questions about the best approach to both punishment and rehabilitation. This paper explores the competing paradigms of restorative and retributive justice, examining their impact on child offenders. Restorative justice focuses on rehabilitation, reconciliation, and reintegration into society, while retributive justice emphasizes punishment proportionate to the crime. Through an analysis of global case studies, legal frameworks, and criminological theories, this study assesses the effectiveness of each approach. It argues that restorative justice, though underutilized, offers more promising outcomes for reducing recidivism among child offenders, while retributive measures often fail to address the root causes of juvenile delinquency. The paper concludes by recommending a shift towards a more restorative model in juvenile justice systems, emphasizing the need for comprehensive policy reform to prioritize the long-term welfare of child offenders.

The outrage heuristic

Abstract Many moral judgments are rooted in the outrage heuristic. In making such judgments about certain personal injury cases, people's judgments are both predictable and widely shared. With respect to outrage (on a bounded scale of one to six) and punitive intent (also on a bounded scale of one to six), the judgments of one group of six people, or 12 people, nicely predict the judgements of other groups of six people, or 12 people. Moreover, outrage judgments are highly predictive of punitive intentions. Because of their use of the outrage heuristic, people are intuitive retributivists. People care about deterrence, but they do not think in terms of optimal deterrence. Because outrage is category-specific, those who use the outrage heuristic are likely to produce patterns that they would themselves reject, if only they were to see them. Because people are intuitive retributivists, they reject some of the most common and central understandings in economic and utilitarian theory. To the extent that a system of criminal justice depends on the moral psychology of ordinary people, it is likely to operate on the basis of the outrage heuristic and will, from the utilitarian point of view, end up making serious and systematic errors.

Justice for Children: Exploring Juvenile Criminal Law in Indonesia

AJuvenile justice is a significant aspect of any criminal justice system, especially in countries where children's rights are enshrined in law. In Indonesia, the juvenile criminal justice system has evolved considerably, with a focus on rehabilitation and protection of the child’s welfare. This article delves into Indonesia's juvenile criminal laws, specifically Law No. 11 of 2012 on the Juvenile Criminal Justice System, which introduced a more restorative approach to dealing with child offenders. The paper explores how Indonesia balances punishment with rehabilitation, analyzing the effectiveness of this system compared to global standards. By examining case studies, legal frameworks, and rehabilitation programs, the study evaluates how well these laws serve the interests of both society and juvenile offenders. The article also discusses challenges such as inconsistencies in implementation, socio-economic disparities, and public perceptions of juvenile justice. Finally, recommendations are provided to enhance the efficiency and fairness of juvenile criminal law in Indonesia.

The Troubling Case(s) of Noncitizens: Immigration Enforcement Through the Criminal Justice System and the Effect on Families

The Troubling Case(s) of Noncitizens: Immigration Enforcement Through the Criminal Justice System and the Effect on Families

Understanding the Complexity of Executions in Religious Courts: Between Legal Mandates and Field Realities

This article examines the complexities in the implementation of rulings in religious courts, highlighting the division between legal theory and its practical implementation in the field. Religious courts, as important institutions in a country's legal system, aim to uphold justice in the legal context of Islam or other religions. However, behind the clear legal mandate, there are real challenges in the execution of judgments, reflecting the reality of social, cultural, and political complexity. The analysis in this article refers to the difference between an ideal legal theory and the often complex reality of the field. Factors such as social norms, gender inequality, and changes in societal values can affect executions in religious courts. In addition, limited resources, lack of legal infrastructure, and administrative challenges are also major obstacles. Using a multidimensional approach, this article explores various aspects that influence the effectiveness of executions in religious courts. This provides a deeper understanding of the complexities of the legal system and highlights the need for a holistic approach in understanding and addressing these challenges. In this context, the article also evaluates reform efforts that can be undertaken to improve efficiency and fairness in the implementation of rulings in religious courts. In conclusion, this article asserts that to understand and address the complexities of executions in religious courts, a comprehensive approach is needed that considers both legal aspects and social, cultural, and political realities on the ground. Thus, this article is expected to serve as a basis for further discussion and reform efforts in the religious justice system.

Penerapan Konsep Plea Bargaining Dalam Sistem Peradilan Pidana Terpadu Di Indonesia

Introduction: The principle of simple, fast and low cost justice is a principle in the Indonesian judicial system that requires the implementation of law enforcement to be able to provide protection and legal certainty in the judicial process. The plea bargaining system is one of the alternatives that can be used to overcome the burden of cases in court and realize the principle of simple, fast and low cost justice as a principle in the Indonesian criminal justice system optimally.Purposes of the Research: The purpose of this paper is to review and analyze the application of the plea bargaining system and the obstacles in the application of the plea bargaining system in the Indonesian justice system.Methods of the Research: The method used in this writing is normative juridical with a statutory approach, comparative approach, and concept approach.Results of the Research: Based on this paper, it can be concluded that plea bargaining system is a part of criminal justice system that is developed and maintained by many countries up to now, both countries with common law system and countries with civil law system. Plea bargaining system is a system that has not been recognized in the Indonesian judicial system, however, this system can be a solution to the problem of accumulation of cases in the courts, the implementation process must be carried out comprehensively, and adjustments need to be made to the Indonesian criminal justice system so that it can be implemented and implemented optimally and effectively.

If It Ain't Broke, Break It - How the Tennessee General Assembly Dismantled and Destroyed Tennessee's Uniquely Excellent Justice System

If It Ain't Broke, Break It - How the Tennessee General Assembly Dismantled and Destroyed Tennessee's Uniquely Excellent Justice System