College students' alcohol-related problems: A test of competing theories

This study examined binge drinking, drinking-driving, and other negative behaviors among college students. Specifically, this study tested the explanatory power of three criminological theories: self-control, social bonds, and routine activities. Data used in this research were collected from a survey of 558 students in a state university. Findings indicated that college students with low self-control were significantly more likely to engage in binge drinking, drinking-driving, and negative behaviors. Students who rarely participated in university-organized events or frequently attended parties were more likely to have problems of binge drinking, drinking-driving, and negative behaviors. Several control variables, such as gender and location of residence, were also predictive of alcohol-related problems among college students. Implications for future research are discussed.     

MAKING THE CONNECTION: LEGAL ADVOCACY AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Recent research documenting the magnitude of mental health needs among juveniles has intensified calls for interventions that both address clinical needs and decrease recidivism. This article first examines research supporting the movement toward community mental health treatment for juveniles and argues that effective legal advocacy requires interdisciplinary coordination to identify and address mental health needs. Next, we present one jurisdiction's model for increasing access to community‐based mental health services and discuss how attorneys can apply the model to achieve this end.     

Toward a biosocial theory of offender rehabiltiation: Why does cognitive-behavioral therapy work?

Objective

The growing insights from neuropsychological research, including within biosocial criminology, have not yet been systematically incorporated into the study of correctional rehabilitation. Given developments in related fields, we argue that moving toward a biosocial theory of offender rehabilitation or neurocriminology will enrich our understanding and effectiveness of these interventions. A particularly promising area to investigate is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In this regard, we examine research on the neural correlates of skills that are addressed in correctional cognitive skills programs.

Results

A review of the literature reveals that social skills, coping skills, and problem-solving skills are consistently associated with activation in the medial prefrontal cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, ventromedial prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, cingulate cortex, insula, and temporo-parietal junction.

Conclusions

CBT programs that effectively target social skills, coping skills, and problem-solving skills should correspond to increased activity in these regions. The implications of this research are discussed.     

The effects of self-control, gang membership, and parental attachment/identification on police contacts among Latino and African American youths

This study assessed the correlates of self-control and police contact in a sample of Chicago public high school students. The investigation examined the effects of parental attachment/identification, family structure, and peer association on self-control and the effects of parental attachment/identification, family structure, peer association, and self-control on police contact. Differences between African American and Latino youth on the predictors of the two dependent measures were tested in separate regression models. Weak parental attachment/identification and gang affiliation (peer association) predicted low self-control among all students. Among African American youth, only weak maternal attachment/identification predicted low self-control; both weak maternal attachment/identification and gang affiliation predicted low self-control among Latino youth. Gang affiliation predicted police stops (delinquency) among African Americans but not among Latinos. However, both African American and Latino students with lower self-control were more likely to be stopped by the police than those with higher self-control.     

Geophysics and the search of freshwater bodies: A review

Geophysics may assist scent dogs and divers in the search of water bodies for human and animal remains, contraband, weapons and explosives by surveying large areas rapidly and identifying targets or environmental hazards. The most commonly applied methods are described and evaluated for forensic searches. Seismic reflection or refraction and CHIRPS are useful for deep, open water bodies and identifying large targets, yet limited in streams and ponds. The use of ground penetrating radar (GPR) on water (WPR) is of limited use in deep waters (over 20 m) but is advantageous in the search for non-metallic targets in small ditches and ponds. Large metal or metal-bearing targets can be successfully imaged in deep waters by using towfish magnetometers: in shallow waters such a towfish cannot be used, so a non-metalliferous boat can carry a terrestrial magnetometer. Each device has its uses, depending on the target and location: unknown target make-up (e.g. a homicide victim with or without a metal object) may be best located using a range of methods (the multi-proxy approach), depending on water depth. Geophysics may not definitively find the target, but can provide areas for elimination and detailed search by dogs and divers, saving time and effort.     

Section 199 of the Equality Act 2010: How Not to Abolish the Presumption of Advancement

Section 199 of the Equality Act 2010 seeks to abolish the equitable presumption of advancement. The existence of that presumption, which discriminates according to gender because it applies in relation to husbands and fathers but not wives and mothers, is thought to prevent the United Kingdom from acceding to Protocol 7 to the European Convention on Human Rights. This paper argues that the presumption of advancement would not breach the protocol. It further argues that, even on the assumption that abolition was necessary before accession could occur, the legislation will not have the intended effect. The paper concludes that section 199 should be brought into force only in part.     

Fear of crime while camping: examining perceptions of risk,safety precautions,and victimization effects

Past research suggests that fear of crime is influenced by several factors including perceptions of risk and previous victimization. Fear of crime may also vary by location and context. The current study examines the influences on fear of crime among campers including perceptions of risk and past experiences with victimization while camping. Survey data collected from individuals camping in state and national parks were analyzed. Fear of crime was significantly related to perceptions of risk and taking safety precautions, however experiencing a previous victimization while camping was only marginally related to fear. Participants expressed higher levels of fear and perceptions of risk in their own neighborhoods compared to when camping. These results are discussed in terms of policy implications and suggestions for further research.     

STAYIN' ALIVE

This article analyzes the rapidly changing face of postmortem reproductive technology and its impact on the family. Postmortem reproduction is being used more frequently, and its implications for the resulting children's inheritance has sparked worldwide debate. This article provides support for posthumously conceived children's ability to inherit from their deceased parent when certain criteria have been met.