Date

12-7-2023

Department

Helms School of Government

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice (PhD)

Chair

Larry Anthony

Keywords

criminal justice reform, legislation, constructivist view, grounded theory, Louisiana, qualitative coding

Disciplines

Political Science | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

While best practices in criminal justice reform have been studied and identified, the point at which reform legislation is decided upon and factors related to its passage is a traditionally understudied. My research will explore the factors that influence the political will of legislators who pass criminal justice reforms. Using a constructivist view of grounded theory, my research uses qualitative data to determine patterns of words and generalities implicit in decision-making for legislators in the state of Louisiana by way of semi-structured interviews with current and former state legislators. Coded results will show patterns associated with participants' willingness to support criminal justice reform. Advanced qualitative coding software will contribute to the results of thematic interviews with participants. Data gathered through purposeful open-ended interviews and will further the field of criminal justice by ascertaining ways to garner legislative support for criminal justice reforms.

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