A Multiple Case Study of Memorial Crime Control Legislation and the Disconnect Between Legislative and Empirical Success

Abstract

This thesis includes a qualitative, multiple case analysis by which “memorial crime control” (MCC) laws that were passed (successful) are compared to proposed MCC laws, which were not ultimately passed (unsuccessful). This comparison of MCC laws which were passed with those which were not allows for a better understanding of the nature and appeal of these laws. Additionally, the available peer reviewed research for MCC laws suggests that these laws are ineffective and can be counterproductive to their intended goals. In short, the available evidence indicates that the MCC laws that are “successful” in the political sense, are empirical failures. The goal of this thesis is to document and acknowledge the disconnect between legislative policy creation and scholarly research regarding, and to highlight the need for academic criminologists to take greater interest in the ‘hot topics’ that dominate legislative policy creation.