About the Committee on Law and Justice

The Committee on Law and Justice (CLAJ) has been a standing committee within the National Research Council (NRC) since 1975. It was formed to increase scientific understanding of crime and justice issues and to provide assistance to the National Institute of Justice in increasing scientific understanding of crime and justice issues. The members of the committee represent a depth of expertise necessary for studies of policy issues, violence, international and transnational crime, juvenile crime, white collar crime, law enforcement, prosecution, corrections and sentencing, illegal drugs and the operation of illegal markets, and deterrence.

Through its regular activities the committee develops frameworks for identifying new areas of criminal justice research; assists in resolving scientific controversies; extends the research agenda in established areas; promotes theory development; and assists with planning for new research areas and large projects. The committee accomplishes these tasks through presentations and discussion at its regular committee meetings and by conducting workshops on topics of interest to the field. The topics to be explored will be drawn from the areas of prevention; science, technology, and crime; new models of justice; ethnicity and crime; white collar and economic crime; the performance of juries; or various issues with respect to international or transnational crime. The committee also acts in an oversight capacity for projects under CLAJ.