
Criminal Justice, Department of
Welcome back for the start of a new academic year!
The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology is excited to welcome back its new and returning students for the 2024-2025 academic year.
News
Emily Mordeson (CJC Major) Receives University Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Research
On April 5, 2025, senior Criminal Justice & Criminology major Emily Mordeson received the Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award at Loyola’s Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium. Her award-winning poster presentation showcased her Provost’s Social Justice Fellowship project, How Political Instability Affects Migration Crises and Refugees' Risk for Human Trafficking: A Chicago Case Study, completed under the mentorship of Dr. Maribeth Rezey. Using a mixed-methods approach, Emily examined global refugee crises, international prevention efforts, and the risks faced by refugees in Chicago—including the availability of local resources to protect them from human trafficking.
Congratulations, Emily!

Loyola’s Center for Criminal Justice emerges as a voice of reason
Illinois becomes the first state to overhaul the system
°µÍø½ûÇøChicago’s Center for Criminal Justice (CCJ) has become a key resource in a national debate around a controversial topic: cash bail. In 2021, the Illinois General Assembly passed House Bill 3653, an omnibus crime bill known as the SAFE-T Act.
Read the story
CJC Faculty a Finalist for 2025 Teaching Award
Dr. Mike Vecchio (CJC Lecturer) was selected as a top Finalist for the university’s St. Ignatius of Loyola Award for Excellence in Teaching (2025). The award recognizes faculty whose teaching involves a commitment to excellence, raises global awareness, promotes social justice, and educates the whole student. The award honors the faculty member who embodies true excellence in their teaching, including advising and mentoring students, teaching to mission, and actively engaging students in their learning. The award is given annually by the Office of the Provost and the Faculty Center for Ignatian Pedagogy.

Dr. Loretta Stalans discusses why people commit fraud scams in Season 2, Episode 3 of Accounts Deceivable.

The Center for Criminal Justice has launched a new website, tracking several ongoing research projects: bail reform in Illinois, prosecutorial performance indicators, gun violence, deferred prosecution. On the website, you can find ways to get involved in these and other Center projects.
More Information
Dr. Don Stemen talks about bail reform