A developing body of research within the fields of criminology and rural sociology has emphasized the importance of considering geographic place in the study of interpersonal violence, and domestic violence in particular. Exploring how place is related to domestic violence lends itself to considerations of geographic variation in socio-structural conditions. A handful of studies since the 1980s have explored structural correlates of intimate abuse largely rooted in one of two theoretical contexts: social disorganization or gender inequality/patriarchy. However, knowledge regarding the relationship between place, social structure, and specific types of violence remains limited. The present study is intended as an examination of the relationship between place, social structure, and intimate homicide. Specifically, this study explores the influence of rurality, social disorganization and gender inequality on male perpetrated-female victim intimate partner homicide (femicide). Analyses are also conducted on non-domestic homicide to serve as a comparison to femicide findings. Several research questions are explored including, (1) does rurality have a significant relationship with femicide rates, (2) does structural gender inequality have a significant relationship with femicide rates, and is this relationship conditioned by rurality, (3) does social disorganization have a significant relationship with femicide rates, and is this relationship conditioned by rurality. All research questions are also explored for non-domestic homicide rates. The data come from several sources including the 2000 U.S. Census (theoretical indicators and control variables), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service (measure of rurality), the North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics (measure of homicide), and the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence (measure of femicide). A unique contribution of this study is the use of non-official data sources for homicide measures which are not bound by the same limitations (e.g., accuracy, voluntary reporting) that limit the commonly utilized UCR and SHR data. Negative binomial regression is used to analyze county-level rates of femicide and non-domestic homicide for the population of North Carolina counties (N=100).The results indicate that (1) place does matter, as illustrated by significantly higher risk of femicide and non-domestic homicide victimization in rural counties compared to non-rural counties; (2) increasing female equality in rural counties may serve as a protective factor against femicide victimization, but this relationship is mediated by social disorganization; and (3) increasing social disorganization in non-rural counties is associated with higher risk of non-domestic homicide. The present study has several implications for femicide and disaggregated homicide research. First, the findings demonstrate the importance of considering geographic location in modeling structural theoretical indicators and processes. Second, the significance of certain theoretical indicators representing both gender inequality and social disorganization contribute to the development of a matrix of risk that can be used to encourage and/or justify the more arduous task of testing fully specified models of the theories across place. Third, the present study contributes to the literatures extending social disorganization to rural places and to domestic violence, and the role of structural gender inequality in gendered violence. Future research exploring structural explanations for intimate partner homicide are urged to make comparisons across disaggregated homicide types and, most importantly, consider the influence of rurality.

Current sex offending legislation and public opinion present an image of sexual offenders as specialized predators who are likely to exhibit continued sexually deviant behavior over the life-course. Although sex offending continuity and post-release recidivism has been independently assessed in prior research, the potential link between sex offending continuity and post-release recidivism has yet to be investigated. Using data collected on random samples of sex offenders from a Northeastern state, the present study examines the predictability of sex offender continuity and its potential linkages with general and sex recidivism, as well as identifying distinguishable risk factors related to these outcomes. Logistic regressions provided support for all but one of the four key hypotheses proposed. Specifically, results indicate a low rate of sex offending continuity among the sample, and the presence of identifiable risk factors that distinguish sex offenders who demonstrate continuity from those adult sex offenders who do not display sex offending continuity. Specifically, non-juvenile sex offending is the most notable of the numerous risk factors found to be associated with those displaying sex offending continuity from adolescence into adulthood. Analyses also reveal a significant association between sex offending continuity and sexual recidivism, but not general recidivism. Evidence of identifiable risks factors for both sex and general recidivism are reported. Policy implications, study limitations, and directions for future research are also presented.

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Since its first use in criminal investigations in 1987, DNA profiling has become the new gold standard for investigations and prosecutions. Academics, politicians and law enforcement officials have presented DNA evidence as a ??scientific hero?? that is capable of solving crimes and preventing miscarriages of justice. However, in spite of this reputation, few studies have explored the impact of this technology on criminal justice practitioners, or on the process of investigating and processing criminal offences. This dissertation provides a comparative study of the use of DNA profiling in two jurisdictions: New South Wales (NSW) in Australia and the Thames Valley in the United Kingdom (UK). Interviews canvassed the perspectives and experiences of police officers, scene of crime officers (SOCOs), forensic scientists, criminal lawyers, and judicial officers from these areas. These interviews were analysed in conjunction with appeal judgments and police statistics to reveal how DNA evidence has been used in the NSW and Thames Valley. The research presented in this dissertation indicates that DNA profiling is having a number of far-reaching effects on both criminal justice systems and is seen as a reliable forensic tool by criminal justice practitioners. Practitioners routinely use DNA evidence throughout the various stages of the criminal justice process and are actively changing their practices to utilise the technology more effectively. One of the main impacts of the introduction of DNA evidence into criminal investigations has been the need to provide substantial resources and infrastructure for the collection, analysis, and storage of samples. Both jurisdictions encountered a number of problems because they provided insufficient resources to effectively use DNA profiling. This study also offers insight into how criminal justice practitioners perceive the dangers of using DNA evidence and how miscarriages of justice can occur. Finally, through an analysis of the combined experiences of criminal justice practitioners, this dissertation challenges the widespread acceptance and routine use of forensic DNA profiling. It further suggests that it is now time to re-consider current practices in relation to how resources are devoted to the technology, and how criminal justice practitioners are using the technology.

Thesis (doctoral)--Universität Giessen.

Thesis (doctoral)--Universität Giessen.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2004. / Document formatted into pages; contains 264 p. Includes bibliographical references. Abstract available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center; full text release delayed at author's request until 2005 June 4.

Thesis (M.A.)--Carleton University, 2000. / Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Dade County (Miami, Florida) government officials, made various attempts in recent years to reduce the number of robberies committed against tourists in the Greater Miami area. This exploratory, descriptive study reviewed those efforts focusing on the most recent attempt, a problem-oriented police response, the Tourist-Oriented Police Program (TOP). TOP's area of assignment was examined to determine if robberies were reduced and if robberies increased in the surrounding area, indicating possible displacement. Additionally, the robbery and tourist robbery rates of the county were examined to determine if TOP may have been a causal factor in any change. Data from area police departments of robberies occurring from 1989 through 1994 were retrieved and analyzed. Utilizing an interrupted time series design model, raw numbers and percentages of robberies in several geographic areas were compared. A subjective interpretation of the data suggests that TOP was a causal factor in reduction, and that robberies were not significantly, if at all, displaced into other areas.

The aim of this research is to examine the criminal justice system in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to illustrate the role of judges, and to describe the current scale of judicial independence within the realm of Chinese legal culture and the current political system. The importance of this research is to collect evidence which defines the nature of policy debate on China's judicial reform project to promote greater independence. The thesis begins with an overview of the current Chinese judicial system. Chapter One takes account of the considerable problems of the judiciary and the debate over reform which is addressed in existing literature, including the most recent policy guidelines of judicial reform announced in late 2007. According to the policy, it is clear that judicial reform is ongoing; what the Chinese Communist government requires is a mature, realistic and overarching reform program that promotes justice, ensures rule of law, and serves to engender political and social stability in China. Put simply, judicial reform towards greater independence must be compatible with the characteristics of Chinese society. Based upon such a background, the research questions and methodology are introduced in Chapter Two. This thesis focuses on two research questions:  Question One - How can ‘Chinese characteristics’ be understood in relation to judicial reform?  Question Two - What are the current factors that have limited judicial independence? Three methods were employed to obtain data relevant to my research. Firstly, I employed content analysis of secondary data, whereby I reviewed Chinese constitutional and criminal legal codes, and literature on Chinese judicial culture, independence and reform. Secondly, I generated primary empirical data, and employed a structured interview with 60 judges in order to understand judges’ feelings regarding judicial independence. Thirdly, I undertook participant observation, in which I acted as a lawyer's assistant involved in a criminal case, in which a suspect had pleaded not guilty. During this period, I conducted unstructured interviews with five lawyers and one county-level Chief-Prosecutor. Chapter Three aims to answer the first research question by illustrating ‘Chinese characteristics’ relevant to judicial reform. On considering Chinese characteristics, according to the most recent CPC guideline policy, judicial reform invokes relationships with legal culture, contemporary political and economic circumstances. Therefore, an analysis of relevant literature is made in order to understand Confucian legal traditions, Marxist and Maoist legal ideology, current political principles and economic conditions. At the end of this chapter, a brief of analysis of the significant relationship between rule of law and economic growth is made in order to explain why China needs greater judicial independence. Chapter Four, Five, Six and Seven form the core of the dissertation, and answer the second research question, intended to provide an overview of the extent of existing judicial independence in China, and highlight the major factors that could influence judges’ decisions. I have analysed judges’ responses regarding the current constitutional and institutional design, and on the recommendation of some judges, selected some additional evidence to highlight influences over the judiciary from other government bodies. In Chapter Four, findings from the interviews with judges concerning their occupational environment are analysed, to give a picture of the judge's position in China today. Chapter Five explores the Congress’ lawful power of supervising judicial decisions on individual cases. This presents one of the core Socialist constitutional configurations, whereby all state organs are answerable to the Congress. Following this, findings are given from the participant observation of a criminal trial in which a suspect pleaded not guilty. These findings are analysed in Chapter Six in order to provide a detailed examination of the links between the executive and the judicial branches. Chapter Seven analyses the relationship between the Communist Party and judges, which is the most sensitive, yet unavoidable topic regarding judicial reform in China. Chapter Eight brings the findings of the two research questions together to engage in a comprehensive debate of policy and draft possible judicial reform suggestions which may promote judicial independence within the parameters of established ‘Chinese Characteristics’.