Northeastern Illinois University Justice Studies Department

In Justice Studies we seek to discover the social and historical roots of justice and injustice and examine how popular understandings of these shape public policies, including those of the criminal justice system. We study systematic explanations for the failure (or triumph) of justice in society and explore the potential for transformative justice. Through critical inquiry, social science investigation, and experiential learning, Justice Studies students develop an understanding of social and economic justice issues and critical criminology, which studies the structural roots of crime and takes up the legal and social concerns of diverse, urban, low-income and disenfranchised communities whose members are often clients of the criminal justice system.

The major is unique in that its starting point is from the perspective of the poor, socially disenfranchised people of color, women, refugees, and communities victimized by crime. The department makes a special effort to involve and serve community groups, minorities, and women. Field experience complements the academic program.