The Role of Shame: A Creative Look at Justice

The current criminal justice system is often brought under scrutiny for its perceived lack of procedural justice, low rates of victim satisfaction and a pattern of sentencing disparities among populations of racial minorities and people of low socioeconomic status (Palmer, 2015; Hamilton, 2017; Cornwell & Waite, 2009). Alternative justice programs have been growing in number for decades, as well as continually developing their processes to improve outcomes for victims and ameliorate sentencing disparities. This study examines the extant literature on alternative sentencing programs, specifically restorative justice programs, to provide empirical evidence contributing to the development of a creative justice framework as an alternative for traditional sentencing practices. This study aims to create an operational definition of creative justice distinct from restorative justice and deduce its applicability to multiple types of crimes. Semi-structured interviews with practitioners in the fields of criminal justice, law, and victim advocacy, and a content analysis of news articles about the utilization of practices that fit within a creative justice framework were conducted. The interview results describe the participants’ experiences with victims, offenders, and restorative justice programs. Additionally, the participants were asked their expert opinions on the development and implementation of a creative justice framework. Overall, participants acknowledged the potential benefits of creative justice, provided suggestions for its use, and discussed the need for the continuation of research in this area. The limitations, implications, and suggestions for the use of creative justice are discussed to guide future investigations and provide a theoretical basis for a creative justice framework

Personal and Political: LGBTQ+ Students’ Perceptions of Safety and Harassment in the Rural South

Youth who identify as LGBTQ+ are often at an increased risk for multiple forms of victimization and discrimination throughout the life course. The transition to college can be a source of stress for all students, and LGBTQ+ students face unique challenges during this transition. However, college can also provide LGBTQ+ youth with a safe space within which to develop coping mechanisms, feelings of efficacy, and community support. The present study employs semi-structured in-depth interviews with a diverse group of LGBTQ+ students conducted between 2013 and 2017. Data collection for this study is ongoing, and participants are recruited using social media, flyers, and advertisements with the university’s student organization for LGBTQ+ students and allies. In this paper, we identify participants’ common experiences with safety and harassment in the context of a University located in the rural South, and examine important differences using an intersectional theoretical approach. In addition, we examine the role of the 2016 Presidential campaign in shaping LGBTQ+ students’ perceptions of safety and harassment in this context. Finally, we ascertain the sources of social and institutional support that protect students from some of the negative effects of stress including drug abuse, depression, and suicidal ideation