Dr. Ronald Huff, a professor of criminology, law and society and dean of the School of Social Ecology at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), will deliver a lecture about the controversial topic of wrongful convictions on Thursday, May 2, at The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD).
Huff’s talk, entitled “Wrongful Conviction and Public Policy: Justice and Public Safety Issues,” will take place at 2 p.m. in Room 2.410 of the McDermott Library and is free and open to the public.
The discussion will address the social implications of, and reasons for, such convictions, including factors that contribute to unjust accusations. Huff also will talk about public policy and offer solutions for reducing the incidence of the problem.
Prior to the lecture, Huff will meet with educators and policymakers from throughout the state for an informal discussion about crime and justice issues relevant to Texas.
Huff, an expert in the areas of sociology, psychology and social work and immediate past president of the American Society of Criminology, has studied a wide range of crime and justice problems. His recent work on gangs is widely recognized, and his past research has covered policing, courts and corrections. Huff’s findings are relevant to offenders, victims, administrators and the public. His contributions to understanding many criminal justice policy topics have been recognized by awards from the American Society of Criminology, the National Council on Crime and Delinquency, the Western Society of Criminology and Choice Magazine.
Huff is the author of 11 books, including Gangs in America III, Youth Violence: Prevention, Intervention and Social Policy and Convicted but Innocent: Wrongful Conviction and Public Policy, and more than 60 articles.
Huff received his Ph. D. from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining U.C. Irvine, he served in numerous capacities at Ohio State, including as director of the School of Public Policy and Management and director of the Criminal Justice Research Center.
Huff’s lecture is sponsored by UTD’s Center for Crime and Justice. For additional information about Huff or the lecture, please call (972) 883-4969.