Katherine Bennett

A Large-Scale Multidimensional Test of the Effect of Prison Education Programs on Offenders' Behavior

This study examined the prison behavior and postrelease recidivism of more than 14,000 inmates released from Texas prisons in 1991 and 1992. Comparisons were made between participants and nonparticipants in prison education programs on a variety of behavioral outcomes. The findings suggest that these programs may be most effective when intensive efforts are focused on the most educationally disadvantaged prisoners. Implications for correctional education policy and correctional program research are discussed.

Transforming Citizens into Suspects: Factors that Influence the Formation of Police Suspicion

The present study examines the formation of police suspicion and the mental processes and decisions officers make prior to stopping and questioning citizens. Furthermore, the authors include a brief discussion of the outcomes of stops made. The authors use both quantitative and qualitative data drawn from an observational study of police decision making in Savannah, Georgia. The reasons officers gave for becoming suspicious of citizens were coded into four categories: appearance, behavior, time and place, and information. The results do not support the speculation that it is during this prestop stage in the officers’ decision making when major levels of discrimination take place. However, the authors did uncover some stops based on nonbehavioral criteria, which are potentially problematic. The implications of these findings for understanding police decision making during the prestop stage of the decision-making process are discussed.

Juvenile Curfews and the Courts: Judicial Response to a Not-So-New Crime Control Strategy

There is widespread sentiment that juvenile crime is out of control. Although this perception is incorrect, it has led to a number of changes in how juvenile offenders are dealt with, such as increased use of waiver to adult court and more frequent use of confinement as a sanction. This article examines the constitutionality of juvenile curfews, another currently popular response to the supposed juvenile crime wave. Because the Supreme Court has not provided guidance on this issue, the authors examine recent lower court decisions and discuss the legal implications of juvenile curfew laws.

The readiness of local law enforcement to engage in US anti-trafficking efforts: an assessment of human trafficking training and awareness of local, county, and state law enforcement agencies in the State of Georgia

Human trafficking represents one of the largest criminal enterprises worldwide. International anti-trafficking efforts depend on the cooperation of individual governments to incorporate anti-trafficking measures within all levels of law enforcement. Millions of dollars have been appropriated for training and awareness programs within the USA. Research indicates, however, that there may be a lack of human trafficking awareness and training among local and state law enforcement agencies. Findings from a survey within the State of Georgia support the notion that training and awareness initiatives may not be reaching local counterparts.

University Faculty Attitudes Toward Guns on Campus

A number of states are currently reviewing legislation expanding handgun legislation, and studies examining the publics attitudes toward gun control legislation are abundant. This article examines attitudes of university faculty toward expanding the places where concealed handguns may be carried to include college campuses and churches. An opinion survey was administered to 287 faculty/administrators. Bivariate relationships are discussed, as well as three regression models examining the effects of six independent variables on support for current gun legislation, support for expanding concealed carry on college campuses, and support for expanding concealed carry in places of worship. Results showed that a substantial majority of faculty opposes such legislation, but support or opposition is significantly determined by political party and gun ownership.

Legal and Social Issues Surrounding Closed-Circuit Television Testimony of Child Victims and Witnesses

Summary Prosecution of crimes involving child victims and witnesses is particularly difficult because of the age of the children involved. Facing the alleged offender in court and the experience itself of testifying in an open court with dozens of onlookers are acutely difficult. The effect on children may be traumatic, with the potential to produce substantial psychological and emotional harm. Various court procedures have been implemented in the United States in an effort to minimize these effects. Court procedures can include erecting screens to shield the child victim or witness, presenting videotaped testimony, or testifying via one-way or two-way closed-circuit television. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) testimony, which is especially controversial, involves both legal issues surrounding the constitutionality of such testimony and social issues regarding the effectiveness of closed-circuit television testimony. Substantial variation across states in provisions for closed-circuit television testimony for child witnesses is problematic. Consideration is given to how social science research directly influenced the Supreme Courts decision in Maryland v. Craig(1990), and the current state of research regarding use of CCTV and court outcomes. Some research suggests a pro-defense bias when CCTV is used.

A Review and Analysis of Prison Litigation Reform Act Court Decisions: Solution or Aggravation?

On April 26, 1996, Congress enacted landmark legislation aimed at curtailing meritless inmate litigation and restricting remedies for prison condition lawsuits. This legislation, the Prison Litigation Reform Act (PLRA), is briefly summarized in this article. Five areas of constitutional challenges to the PLRA at the appellate and district court level are reviewed. Eleven legal issues raised by the PLRA are inconsistent decisions among circuit and district courts, particularly in the areas of separation of powers and due process violations.

State-Created Liberty Interest in Prisons: What the Court Giveth, The Court also Taketh Away

The concept of state-created liberty interest has been a part of postconviction jurisprudence for more than 2 decades. When agencies limit their actions through state law, agency rules, or self-imposed regulations, those limitations must be observed; invoking due process where none otherwise constitutionally exists. The article looks at a 1995 United States Supreme Court decision that has had a significant impact on this concept. Sandin v. Conner rejects the “language used” approach to determine whether a state-created liberty interest exists, in favor of the “nature of the deprivation.” This article examines the evolution of state-created liberty interest, what the Court said in Sandin v. Conner, how federal courts of appeals have thus far interpreted Sandin, the problems it has created, and the unresolved issues that have yet to be addressed. It concludes that although due process in prisons is far from dead, Sandin has certainly diminished it.