Professors Trevor Gardner and Sheldon Evans recently shared their latest scholarship at the John Mercer Langston Annual Writing Workshop, held at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. The workshop, known for its focus on innovative and impactful scholarship, brought together leading scholars from across the country to discuss and critique emerging ideas in the legal field.
Professor Gardner presented his paper titled “Police Diversity Theory.” Gardner’s research examines the complex relationship between police diversity and its effects on policing outcomes. His work challenges existing paradigms by examining whether increased diversity within police forces truly leads to better policing practices and outcomes, or if it merely serves as a superficial solution to deeper systemic issues.
Professor Evans presented his paper, “Punishment as Placebo.” Evans explores the psychological and societal effects of punitive measures within the criminal justice system. His research suggests that much of the public’s support for harsh punishments is rooted in a placebo effect, where the appearance of strong action against crime creates a false sense of security and satisfaction.
