Field Research Projects in Criminal Justice

A research paper can discuss the relation between human rights and treatment of terrorism.suspects.

Criminal justice is referred to as the system of practices and governmental institutions that resolves disputes in crime prevention. This is the reason why some research projects can be based on the main principles of criminal law. An effective research topic might be the incorporation and observation of human rights by public authorities. Other related topics include comparative approach towards international criminal justice systems, the imposition of the death penalty and the criminalization of omissions.

Observation of Human Rights

Human Rights laws guarantee personal freedoms and the rights of individuals. However, objections are being raised by public authorities about the balance of criminal accountability, while still observing personal liberties. Consider researching U.S. human rights case law on prohibiting torture -- and parallel the exploration of security forces during suspected terrorism. The paper should focus on whether concern for national security is justification to ignore basic human rights. It can further discuss whether innocent suspects should be so subjected to strong-arming for the general good.

Comparative International Criminal Justice

This paper can weigh in on comparative international justice and its legal implication in different states. Similar approaches are used by law scholars as they determine the strength of domestic laws versus those in foreign jurisdictions. Focus on the different types of systems, such as Islamic criminal justice and the common law systems, like those in the U.S. and the United Kingdom.

The Death Penalty

Discussion of the death penalty can focus on the established U.S. practices of rarely granting deviation on such a sentence. Use statistics, as public opinion needs to be considered along with legal scholars' positions. For example, as of November 2010, the Gallup News Agency reports that 64 percent of the U.S. public favor death penalty in murder cases. Add a discussion on death penalty and human rights. Legal expert Richard Dieter says that by not using relevant legislation for human rights and the death penalty, the U.S. enables justifying the use of lethal force -- through injections or electrification -- on convicted criminals.

Omissions

Omissions entail the passive act of not intervening to prevent a crime. This means walking away from a crime scene, without summoning police or attempting to help. Research whether criminalizing such acts contributes productively to society, as well as whether moral considerations should be taken into account. The right of individual freedom will need to be covered, such as the right to not have to intervene. Also, mention existing criminalized omissions, such as the U.K. law requiring citizens to disclose any information related to terrorism activity. If they fail to do so, they are prosecuted.

References

• House of Lords/House of Commons Joint Committee on Human Rights; "Counter-Terrorism Policy and Human Rights"; Third Report of Session 2005-06.; November 2005
• "The Death Penalty and Human Rights"; Richard C. Dieter
• Gallup: In U.S., 64% Support Death Penalty in Cases of Murder
• London International: Actus reus: Omissions;