In the United States today, roughly 1 in 25 children has a parent in prison. This insightful volume provides an authoritative, multidisciplinary analysis of how parental incarceration affects children and what can be done to help them. The contributors to this book apply a wide array of tools and perspectives to the study of children of…

This article explores the practical relevance of pragmatism as a research paradigm through the example of a piece of pragmatic research that not only used both quantitative and qualitative research methods but also exploited the inherent duality of the data analyzed. Thus, the article aims to make the case that pragmatism as a research paradigm…

This document analyzes the sentencing of young adult defendants in comparison with older adult and younger juvenile offenders, and disputes prior research which held that young adults received more lenient sentencing, perhaps because of the restrictions on disclosing juvenile delinquency histories. The document presents data from samples of young…

This exploratory study of 42 cases with sexual abuse allegations and polygraph results found that polygraph findings were unrelated to other evidence of likelihood of sexual abuse, including the child's statements, medical evidence, psychological symptoms, or indicators of sexual abuse. When alleged offenders passed polygraphs, criminal…

This document gives the findings and recommendations of a study designed to identify interventions which can reduce the criminality of chronic juvenile offenders. The findings presented should be of interest to researchers and practitioners who are attempting to devise methods of reducing the crimes of chronic offenders that are more effective and…

Uses five unusual indifference curve exercises to show how changing the jail sentence and changing the reward for good behavior can influence the crime rate. Recommends eliminating minimum sentencing while raising sentencing and increasing the rewards for good behavior. Includes illustrative graphs for each exercise. (MJP)

In response to this survey, recent graduates of the Criminal Justice program at Sam Houston State University (Texas) evaluated both the University and the College of Criminal Justice highly. The research team received 277 completed responses from the 762 questionnaires distributed to all 1988, 1990, and 1992 recipients of baccalaureate degrees in…

Three case histories elucidate a discussion of the developmental nature of the behaviors of juvenile male sexual offenders. The sexual assault cycle is defined in the stages of negative self-image, predicting rejection, isolation, fantasies, planning the offense, and committing the offense. Tools for treating the offender are outlined. (Author/JDD)

Asserts that the emphasis on criminal deviance in deviance textbooks creates too much overlap between what should be separate courses in deviance and criminology. Suggests that sociology courses focus on theories of deviance while criminology courses emphasize prevention. Discusses topics currently covered in both courses. (MJP)

Reports on a study of the determinism-free will debate presented in 15 textbooks published between 1956-1965 and 38 texts published between 1983-1992. Finds that most textbooks still favor a deterministic position. Issues a call to sociology teachers to reflect carefully about the way the choice debate is depicted. (CFR)

Recounts a criminology class exercise that consisted of staging a mock trial using the murders from Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" as source material. Students research the case and role play various lawyers, jury members, and witnesses. Identifies and discusses four educational objectives attainable through the staging of mock trials. (MJP)

Reports on a study of the depiction of women in 54 college criminology textbooks published between 1956 and 1992. Finds that, although recent textbooks have made important strides about discussing women as victims, they say far less about women's ability to resist oppression by words and deeds. (CFR)

Discusses and criticizes criminal justice's deviation from its roots in sociology and adaptation of a more career-oriented perspective. Maintains that the symbiotic relationship between law enforcement agencies and criminal justice as an academic discipline has corrupted the discipline and inhibited academic inquiry. (MJP)

Maintains that U.S. society's emphasis on individuality and pragmatism renders theoretical study of criminal deviance difficult for many students. Presents a structured approach to this problem that includes an emphasis on practical applications, comparative analysis, analytical skills, and the substantive content of theories. Describes teaching…