Home > Science Seminar > Spring 2005 Seminar Schedule > Religion, Crime and Criminal Justice
The Science Seminar Series: March 17, 2005
Religion, Crime and Criminal Justice
Dr. Spencer Li, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Florida State University
Room 1011 Biology/Chemistry BuildingTime: 4:00 -5:00pm
Although religion has a profound impact on crime and criminal justice, its influences in these areas have not been adequately discussed. This seminar provides an overview of the relationships among religion, crime, and criminal justice in American society. The seminar focuses on three issues: (1) how religiosity affects deviance and crime on individual level and institutional level; (2) how religion operates as both a protector against crime and a motivation for crime; and (3) how religious values and norms shape American criminal justice policy. The influences of religion on crime and criminal justice are examined from historical, sociological, and criminological perspectives. The seminar also reviews key empirical findings and methodological issues related to the study of religion, crime and criminal justice policy.