Criminology-Review Criminal Justice Research Review Ricciardelli, R.,

Criminology-Review

Criminal Justice Research Review

Ricciardelli, R., Bell, J., & Clow, K. (2009). Student attitudes toward wrongful conviction, Canadian Journal of Criminology & Criminal Justice, 51(3), 411-427.

There has been considerable research addressing the underlying factors regarding wrongful conviction; however, minimal research has been completed that investigates attitudes toward wrongful conviction. First and third year Canadian undergraduate students in criminal and non-criminal justice majors were surveyed to determine their attitudes toward various facets of wrongful conviction, the need to educate criminal justice personnel regarding contributing factors to wrongful conviction, the Blackstone ratio ("better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer), and the question as to whether wrongful conviction causes individuals to lose faith in the criminal justice system.

The problem was sufficiently narrowed down into a researchable problem, and is certainly formidable enough to warrant formal research efforts. The authors complete a significant comparison to the most recent and relevant research and identify the problem in relation to it. The literature is logically and clearly organized and provides a relevant review and critique of pertinent studies. In a prior study by the same researchers, they determined that criminal justice students were at times more keenly aware of the underlying factors that can lead to wrongful conviction than non-criminal justice students; specifically with regard to the fallibility of hard evidence such as confessions, misinterpretation of DNA evidence, eye witness testimony, etc. In this current study the researchers build upon the prior research by investigating whether these differences in knowledge correspond to differing attitudes as well. The researchers hypothesis are: (1) Criminal justice students differ in their attitudes toward wrongful conviction in comparison to other students; (2) Criminal justice students would believe that wrongful convictions occur more frequently than non-criminal justice students would; (3) criminal justice students would be more supportive of the Blackstone ratio; (4) particularly senior criminal justice students would be more like to lose faith in the criminal justice system when they hear about wrongful conviction and (5) would be more likely to believe that criminal justice personnel should be educated about wrongful conviction that would other students.

For this study, 297 first and third year undergraduate students from a Canadian-based laptop university volunteered to participate. There were 107 men and 172 women. Seven pilot tested items were created to determine student attitudes toward wrongful conviction, with a scale numerically appointed from strong disagree (1) to strongly agree (5). Questionnaires were administered electronically over a period of two months.

Multivariate ANOVA between participant attitudes toward the frequency of wrongful conviction was used. Chi square tests were conducted on the ratio of wrongful convictions students considered acceptable. The statistical test used seems appropriate to meet the needs of the study. The charts and graphs were clear with a ledger provided for additional clarity. The result section was logically organized.

Results indicate 3rd year criminal justice students are more sensitive than their peers to issues surrounding wrongful conviction, and the program of study significantly affects their feelings regarding specific aspects of wrongful conviction.Findings cannot be generalized effectively to the larger population in that only one school in Canada was the source of the sample.

Baskin, D & Sommers, I. (2011). Solving residential burglaries in the United States: The impact of forensic evidence on case outcomes, International Journal of Police Science & Management, 13(1), 70-86.

Current research has focused on the processing of burglary incidents has focused primarily on the characteristics of burglary targets or offenders. The current study explores whether the optimism of using forensic evidence to bring burglary cases to a successful conclusion is warranted. The problem is clearly and concisely stated and has been put in a format that is researchable. The literature review is clear and provides relevant scholarly information that identifies gaps in the current literature. This study utilized a prospective analysis of the official record data that followed residential burglary in five jurisdictions. Data was taken from 1263 reported incidents for 2003.

The variables identified for both outcome and descriptive analysis include presence of crime scene evidence, laboratory submitted and examined evidence, and one that linked the suspect to the crime scene and/or victim. They hypothesis seems clear and flows logically. Data was pooled across the five sites with three dummy coded variables related to each site included. The charts were very clear, with each section broken down in very readable and understandable ways. The four hypothesis or outcomes the study explored included (1) whether a reported burglary resulted in an arrest; (2) whether an arrested case was referred to the prosecutor; (3) whether the district attorney formally charged the suspect(s); and (4) whether a prosecuted defendant was convicted.

Criteria selection for the sample was clear. The sample size seemed adequate and representative of the target population. The study did specify how selection bias was corrected for. With regard to the findings, the study illustrated the difficulties of bringing residential burglary cases in the U.S. To a successful conclusion, and made some plausible suggestions for addressing some of the deficiencies noted in the current study. Findings from the study may be successfully generalized to larger communities and particularly those similar to the ones in the study.

Hickle, K., & Roe-Sepowitz, D. (2010). Female juvenile arsonists: An exploratory look at characteristics and solo and group arson offences, Legal and Criminological Psychology, 15, 385-399.

The purpose of the study was to examine a sample of 114 female juveniles charged with arson in a large juvenile justice system, as there is limited descriptive literature about female juvenile arsonists. The methodology included looking into familial characteristics, abuse, neglect, school related issues, mental health, substance abuse, and crime characteristics. Individual and group offenders were explored in depth, and were followed over a five-year period of time.