UROP Project
misdemeanor courts, criminal justice system,
Research Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Copp, She/Her
Department, College, Affiliation: Criminology and Criminal Justice, Criminology and Criminal Justice
Contact Email: jcopp@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Criminology and Criminal Justice, Criminology and Criminal Justice
Contact Email: jcopp@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 6
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors, but geared toward criminology/criminal justice, sociology, law, and other related fields.
Project Location: Multiple courtroom locations throughout the 2nd Judicial Circuit
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8-10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Sept 3rd from 3-3:30: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96560037162
Sept 6th from 3-3:30: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/93952200115
Number of Research Assistants: 6
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors, but geared toward criminology/criminal justice, sociology, law, and other related fields.
Project Location: Multiple courtroom locations throughout the 2nd Judicial Circuit
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8-10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Sept 3rd from 3-3:30: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96560037162
Sept 6th from 3-3:30: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/93952200115
Project Description
Recent research has highlighted some of the concerns related to the misdemeanor system of justice in the United States, including violations of due process and practices that contribute to inequities. The current research intends to explore the misdemeanor system in Florida's Second Judicial Circuit to understand the extent to which misdemeanor courtrooms are complying with the law and to understand some of the factors associated with non-compliance and other potential sources of unfairness. To accomplish this, the research team will compose a process for systematic courtroom observations and research assistants will attend arraignment hearings throughout the circuit to assist in data collection. This work will be conducted in collaboration with the Leon County Public Defender's Office. The findings will be issued in a final report, and may result in additional published materials.Research Tasks: Literature review, courtroom observation, data collection, data analysis, attendance at project team meetings.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Recommended skills include attention to detail, time management, and an openness to collaborative research.