Research Guides: Criminal Justice: Web

Using websites as sources...

Remember:

Caution is appropriate in evaluating all sources. Determine who is providing the data or information, where the funding is coming from, and why you should trust them. If you cannot determine those things- do not use that source. Determine a source's purpose, bias, and agenda. Healthy skepticism will help you avoid misinformation.

The source below are reliable starting points.

Selected Web Resources

Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics
The Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics brings together data from more than 200 sources about many aspects of criminal justice in the United States. It has been compiled by the Utilization of Criminal Justice Statistics Project since 1973 and is funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics.

Bureau of Justice Statistics / Office of Justice Programs
The Bureau of Justice Statistics is a good source of data regarding crime and incarceration in America. Use the tabs on the left side of the page to navigate through various topics.

National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS)
Established in 1972, the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) is a federally funded resource offering justice and drug-related information to support research, policy, and program development worldwide.
United States Department of Justice
Official govenment site offers links to a multitude of agencies and official reports and publications.
Pew Research Center - Legal Topics
The Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that provides information on the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. The center conducts public opinion polling, demographic studies, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. It does not take positions on policy issues.
Supreme Court Opinions
This search tool through the Legal Information Institute at Cornell University Law School is a great resource for finding Supreme Court opinions on cases regarding criminal law, drug, due process, etc.
Statistical Analysis Center, Washington State
The SAC was established as a clearinghouse for the state's criminal justice information, providing access to data, publications, and links to other state and federal resources.