The Centre for Crime and Justice Studies’ working paper series publishes research and analysis of an exploratory nature. Working papers are not formally peer-reviewed, but are intended to stimulate reflection and discussion on current and relevant areas.
Expression of interest
You will first need to email us to submit an expression of interest. This should include:
- a little bit about your background,
- a brief outline of the premise of your paper, and
- an attached written sample of previous work, max 300 words (it does not need to be related to the premise of your working paper).
The working paper does not need to be completed in order to submit an expression of interest. After submission, we will be in contact regarding the next steps and will also agree on a timeframe that works for you. Please keep in mind that missing this timeframe may mean that the paper is not published.
Criteria for acceptance
To be considered suitable for publication, working papers should be:
- In keeping with the Centre’s interests: crime and criminal justice. Papers covering related areas of policy are sometimes published, but only if there is a clear linkage or read across to the Centre’s core interests.
- Working papers must offer a fresh and interesting perspective on topical criminal justice issues, with a link to the UK criminal justice system. There should be a clear argument, rather than a statement of facts.
- An original piece of writing that has not been published previously.
In submitting an article for consideration you are confirming that it is entirely your own work and is accurate and fair, to the best of your knowledge.
Publication, even of invited working papers, cannot be guaranteed. We reserve the right to edit where necessary. Working papers can only be accepted on this basis.
Following publication, we are not able to make further changes to the article, except to correct factual inaccuracies.
Written style
Working papers should be:
- Between 3000-5000 words.
- Written in concise, jargon-free and accessible prose, rather than a formal, academic style. Complex sentences and a series of subordinate clauses should be avoided.
- Statistical and data analysis should be kept to a minimum, and only used to illustrate a key point in the argument. We do not publish working papers that are predominantly statistical in nature.
- Not include any diagrams, figures, or graphics.
- Not discuss individuals or individual crimes, except to illustrate a wider point. Even in these cases, any references to individuals or individual crimes should be kept to a minimum.
- Proofed and publication-ready. The Centre does not have the resources to undertake significant editing of working papers prior to publication.
