Criminal Justice Unit launched to drive research and reform

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Shadd Maruna delivering a lecture at CJU launch
Professor Shadd Maruna, Head of the Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology, delivered the lecture.

The School of Law and Social Justice launched its new research cluster, the Criminal Justice Unit, which aims to shape the future of criminal justice policy and practice through interdisciplinary research. The launch event, which took place 30 January 2025, brought together leading academics, professionals, and social justice advocates to address key issues facing the criminal justice system. 

The event provided a platform for discussions on political change and criminal justice reform both in Liverpool and beyond. Attendees included experts from various fields, including law, sociology, criminology, history, psychology, and philosophy. 

The Criminal Justice Unit’s mission is to conduct agenda-setting research that informs policy, improves practice, and promotes fairness within the justice system. By integrating expertise from multiple disciplines, the Unit aims to offer fresh insights and evidence-based solutions to contemporary challenges. 

Dr Ellen Reeves, Co-Director of the Criminal Justice Unit, emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing systemic issues, sharing: “The launch of the Criminal Justice Unit represents a significant step forward in bridging the gap between research and real-world impact. Our work will not only inform academic discourse but also drive meaningful change in policies and practices that affect communities across the UK”. 

For more information on the Criminal Justice Unit and its upcoming activities, visit the website.