Main Content
In partnership with community, the Initiative supports research, education, and capacity building on policy and practice relevant issues related to law, societies, and justice.
The criminal legal system is a central institution in the lives of many people living and working in the United States, reflecting historical –and shaping contemporary –patterns of inequality. Texas has been an important bellwether regarding the expansion of the criminal legal system and efforts at reform. Meanwhile, researchers at The University of Texas have made vital and important scholarly contributions to the study of policy development, surveillance, policing, the courts, prisons and jails, intersections with immigration, and the consequences of criminal legal contact for educational, economic, health, political, and social outcomes. The Initiative for Law, Societies, and Justice at The University of Texas brings together scholars, students, policymakers, and practitioners to work together to advance research, education, and community engagement on related issues.
Research
Teaching
The Initiative supports educational activities both on- and off-campus. The Initiative supports research experiences for undergraduate and graduate students.
Community Engagement
Community is at the center of everything we do. We host regular community conversations to better understand the needs and interests in our local community.
BECKY PETTIT
Advisory Board Chair
NOEL BUSCH-ARMENDARIZ
Advisory Board Member
HELEN GAEBLER
Advisory Board
Director of Community Engagement
CHANTAL HAILEY
Advisory Board Member
MICHAEL ROY HAMES-GARCIA
Advisory Board Director of Education
HANNAH WALKER
Advisory Board Director of Research