School Philosophy
In 1969, the faculty of the School of Criminal Justice adopted a School Philosophy statement that opened with: “The prevention of crime, the protection of life and property, the preservation of peace, the safeguarding of civil rights, and the maintenance of social order with justice and freedom for all, are essential to the functioning of a democratic society.” Today, the School remains committed to using research, education, and engaged outreach to enhance what the National Academies of Sciences’ Committee on Law and Justice has called the balance of “fairness and effectiveness.” Specifically, the mission of the School is to generate new knowledge, to apply that knowledge to solve justice-related problems, and to educate future leaders with a commitment to enhancing both effectiveness in reducing crime and victimization and fairness through the preservation of basic human and civil rights.
The School’s philosophy is evident in its strategic agenda.