Sentencing and Other Federal Case Data Analysis

Instructor(s):

• Brian Johnson, Criminal Justice, University of Maryland
• Staff from U.S. Sentencing Commission & Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS)

In partnership with the U.S. Sentencing Commission and the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice is introducing a new workshop on sentencing and other Federal case data analysis. The purpose of the workshop is to promote Federal court research by improving:

• Understanding of Federal case processing from arrest through sentencing and post-release stages (e.g., sentencing guidelines);
• Familiarity with data compiled by BJS’ Federal Justice Statistics Program and data manipulation techniques (e.g., standard analysis and linking files); and,
• Knowledge of multi-level and multi-stage statistical techniques (e.g., Hierarchical Linear Modeling).

The four-day workshop will use lecture, demonstration, and sentencing data exercises which require experience with regression analysis and SPSS. HLM software will be demonstrated.

Applicants with applied research or academic backgrounds ― including legal studies, criminology, criminal justice, sociology, political science, anthropology, and economics ― are encouraged to apply.

Stipend: Support for non-Federal employees (up to $1,250) will be made available to qualified applicants for travel and living expenses.

All applicants must submit a curriculum vitae and a cover letter indicating interest in Federal court research and the above learning objectives, as well as relevant experience. Supporting materials can be submitted electronically through the Summer Program registration portal on each applicant's Summer Program page.

Application deadline: Monday, April 27, 2009. Early application submissions are encouraged. Applicants who are selected will be contacted after May 1, 2009.

Research and Related Materials

Dates:  July 20-23 

Fee:  There will be no tuition fees for accepted participants.

This course is limited to 20 participants.