Leading statewide efforts in criminal justice and criminology education, research and service, the UAA Justice Center is a top choice among criminal justice schools in Alaska and the U.S.
Justice Center
The UAA Justice Center, established by the Alaska Legislature in 1975, has a mandate to provide statewide justice-related education, research, and service. The Justice Center is an interdisciplinary unit that provides undergraduate and professional education; conducts research in the areas of crime, law, and justice; and provides services to government units, justice agencies, and community organizations throughout urban and rural Alaska to promote a safe, healthy, and just society.
The Justice Center is an academic and research unit within the College of Health at the University of Alaska Anchorage. We offer academic programs in Justice and in Legal Studies. The Legal Studies programs are approved by the American Bar Association. Our faculty conduct research in a number of areas including violence and violent crime, law and the courts, substance abuse, rural justice issues, homelessness, policing, and juvenile justice.
Academic Programs
The Legal Studies BA program trains you in American law, legal processes and policy. You’ll expand your legal knowledge and develop technical job skills in legal research, analysis and writing.
News & Stories
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Explore Theories of Crime and Criminal Offending this fall!
June 2, 2022
Register for JUST A251 (CRN: 77052) and examine the multifaceted nature of crime and criminal offending, and the prevailing psychological, sociological, biological, situational, and environmental perspectives in criminology. You also can earn your Social Science GER! For more information, please contact Dr. Brad Myrstol at bamyrstol@alaska.edu.
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Dr. Allan Barnes named professor emeritus
May 5, 2022
Allan Barnes was named professor emeritus of justice in the College of Health. Barnes received his Ph.D. in Criminology from Florida State University in 1983 and has been at UAA for 38 years. His research, instruction, and mentoring of faculty and students has had a lasting impact on the university and multiple generations of Alaska criminal justice practitioners.
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We're Hiring: Legal Studies Assistant Professor
March 30, 2022
Our Legal Studies program is seeking applications for a full-time permanent, tenure track, nine-month appointment commencing in August 2022 at the rank of Assistant Professor. Review of applications will begin on May 9, 2022, and continue until the position is filled. Questions? Contact Legal Studies program coordinator Ryan Fortson at hrfortson@alaska.edu.
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Faculty, staff, and students come together for Society of Law & Justice Social
March 28, 2022
The Society of Law & Justice held a spring social event on March 28 at PSB 166 that featured two guest speakers from the legal field, a donation drive, free swag, and free pizza.
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Justice Center participates in 2022 COH Academic Preview Day
March 18, 2022
Justice Center director Brad Myrstol spoke to high school students about the Justice and Legal Studies programs; student organizations such as the Society of Law & Justice and Alphi Phi Sigma; as well as other student opportunities.
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Legal Studies students learn about Willamette Law partnership program
March 3, 2022
UAA Legal Studies met with Willamette Law Dean Brian Gallini to learn more about the law school application process and the direct admission program.
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Slideshow: Legal Studies students have their day in court
February 14, 2022
In mid-February, students in UAA legal studies professor Dr. Ryan Fortson's Trial and Advanced Litigation course (LEGL A487) had the opportunity to practice arguing a motion in front of a U.S. District Court judge in his courtroom in the James M. Fitzgerald U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building in downtown Anchorage.
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Dr. Ingrid Johnson interviewed for Oxygen true crime series
February 2, 2022
In the summer of 2021, the Oxygen channel visited Alaska to film a true crime series on homicide and violence against women in Alaska. The film crew interviewed Dr. Ingrid Johnson, Justice Center assistant professor, to give background information on crime and other relevant cultural dynamics. The series was released under the title "Fatal Frontier: Evil in Alaska" in November 2021.
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UAA ranks in 25 Best Bachelor's in Legal Studies for 2022
November 30, 2021
Congratulations to our Legal Studies program and its faculty for making the cut! UAA's Legal Studies program has been named one of the best bachelor's in legal studies for 2022! BachelorsDegreeCenter.org editors focused on reputable, accredited institutions known for quality. Questions? Contact Dr. Ryan Fortson at hrfortson@alaska.edu.
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2020 Alaska Victimization Survey results released
October 6, 2021
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Alaska Council on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault and the University of Alaska Anchorage Justice Center have released the results of the 2020 Alaska Victimization Survey. The 2020 phone survey included 2,100 women in Alaska over the age of 18 who answered questions related to their experiences with physical and psychological intimate partner violence, stalking, and sexual violence.
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AJiC recommends standardized database for tracking use of deadly force
May 18, 2021
The Alaska Justice Information Center (AJiC) at the University of Alaska Anchorage has released Alaska Police Officer Use of Deadly Force: 2010-2020, a new report that compiles 11 years of case files from the Alaska Department of Law Office of Special Prosecutions (OSP) involving police officer use of deadly force from 2010 to October 2020, covering a total of 92 incidents, 100 citizens, and 295 officers. This is the first time Alaska-specific data have been compiled and examined across a multi-year time span—representing a valuable new resource for data-informed decision making.
Research & Centers
Alaska Justice Information Center
The Alaska Justice Information Center (AJiC) compiles, analyzes, and reports on criminal justice topics in order to improve public safety, to increase criminal justice system accountability, and to reduce recidivism.
The Alaska Victimization Survey (AVS) provides comprehensive statewide and regional data to guide planning and policy development and to evaluate the impact of prevention and intervention services.
The Alaska Justice Forum is a research journal focusing on justice and legal issues in Alaska. It was published by the Justice Center at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
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CONTACT US:
(907) 786-1810
uaa_justicecenter@alaska.edu
LOCATION:
UAA Justice Center
UAA Professional Studies Building
2533 Providence Dr., Suite 234
Anchorage, AK 99508
MAILING ADDRESS:
UAA Justice Center
3211 Providence Dr., PSB 234
Anchorage, AK 99508