Liberty And Justice For All?: Examining Shortcomings In The Rights Of The Incarcerated
The Journal of Civil Rights and Economic Development (JCRED) is pleased to announce a Call for Papers for our upcoming Spring Symposium Issue. In addition to publication, the Journal will select three authors to participate in the JCRED Symposium Panel, hosted by St. John’s University School of Law. The symposium will bring together scholars, advocates, and policymakers to discuss current constitutional law topics concerning incarceration, prison conditions, and the rights of those incarcerated.
Incarcerated individuals in America are facing a human rights crisis. In the United States, there are approximately two million people incarcerated. [1] Jails and prisons have not adequately provided treatment, education, or rehabilitation to those incarcerated, but have subjected those inside to high levels of violence while neglecting their basic human needs. These issues have been highlighted by recent movements and protests, particularly those formed by prisoners inside correctional facilities such as Rikers Island. In 2021 alone, 15 inmates died in custody at Rikers Island, which has highlighted the inhumane conditions individuals are forced to live in and the lack of adequate medical access available to those at Rikers. [2] The COVID-19 pandemic also emphasized how prisons lack appropriate personal protective equipment and adequate testing methods, as evidenced by cluster outbreaks. [3] In addition to facing human rights violations, individuals who are incarcerated routinely face violations of their Constitutional rights, such as their Eighth Amendment right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment, and their First Amendment right to exercise their religion.[4]
The growing calls for reform make this an ideal time to explore this issue and possible solutions further. Some possible topics and themes for interested scholars to consider writing on include but are not limited to:
Analyses of current protections implemented by State and Federal governments to protect the rights of those in prison
Arguments in favor of or in opposition to the abolition of the prison industrial complex
Comparisons regarding the frequency of violated rights or disparate treatment of imprisoned individuals who belong to certain protected classes, or who face more frequent rights violations because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, or other status
Analyses of First Amendment violations of those who are imprisoned
Implications of the Eighth Amendment
Explorations into lawsuits regarding human rights violations within jails and prisons and how courts view such issues
Analysis on the effectiveness of prisons and jail in rehabilitating individuals and deterring future crimes
Analyses of the long-term effects on formerly incarcerated individuals who have had their rights violated while incarcerated
Arguments in favor or opposition of closing Rikers Island
Capital Punishment
The effect of sentencing guidelines
The effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic within Prisons
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSIONS
The Journal of Civil Rights and Economic Development seeks to elevate underrepresented voices in legal academia — academics and non-academics at all levels are encouraged to apply. We welcome full-length traditional law review articles up to 75 pages, as well as shorter essays of 10 or more pages, commentaries, and practice guides. We aim to ensure an array of perspectives and expertise. Thus, interdisciplinary approaches are welcome.
In addition to publication, the Journal will select 3 authors to participate in the JCRED Symposium Panel, which will take place in the Spring of 2023, in coordination with the availability of the authors. The selected authors will also each receive a $500 honorarium for their contribution.
Submission Deadlines:
Abstract Deadline: September 12th, 2022
Notification Date for Selected Authors: September 23, 2022
First Draft Deadline: October 17, 2022
Final Article Submission Deadline: January 6th, 2023
To Submit, Please Send the following materials for consideration to jcredstjohns@gmail.com or via this form:
Abstract with a minimum length of two pages;
Your name, title, and professional affiliation;
Your Curriculum Vitae/Resume;
Your contact details including phone number and email address.
Optional: Full Manuscripts are also welcome
Please submit your abstract (or manuscript/essay/commentary) for consideration to: jcredstjohns@gmail.com, or via this form.
If you have any questions about this call for papers, please contact the Research & Symposium Director, Katherin Valdez-Lazo, Katherin.valdezlazo.jcred@gmail.com, or the Editor-in-Chief, Abigail Sloan, Abigail.sloan.jcred@gmail.com.
