Faculty Publication A new book by a UIC criminologist shows how language practices shape culture and the law, particularly in the social and legal construction of rape. In "Law and the Language of Identity: Discourse in the William Kennedy Smith Rape Trial" (Oxford University Press), Greg Matoesian, associate professor of criminal justice and sociolinguist, recounts the dialogue in the 1991 rape trial of William Kennedy Smith and examines linguistic strategies from both the defense and prosecution standpoints. More information.

Grant Awarded The Center for Research in Law and Justice has been awarded a grant from Cook County to evaluate the GIRLS LINK Collaborative, a program targeting young women in the county's juvenile justice system. The one-year, $149,755 grant funds research that will contribute to the general body of knowledge regarding gender-responsive services and lead to more informed funding and policy-making processes. More information.

Grant Awarded Professor Sarah Ullman has been awarded a grant from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. The major goals of the four-year research project are to improve knowledge of psychosocial factors (particularly social reactions to victims disclosing assaults) related to PTSD and drinking problems in sexual assault victims and to understand women's experiences of mental health service seeking post assault.

Grant Awarded The Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation was awarded a grant to John Hagedorn, University of Illinois at Chicago associate professor of criminal justice, to study urban violence. As part of the grant, Hagedorn and his research team will study the roles of gentrification and the displacement of public-housing residents play in contributing to instability and persistent high rates of violence in Chicago. The study's central issue is to explain why homicide rates have not fallen in Chicago as they have in New York City. To read the full story, click here.

2002 University of Illinois Alumni Humanitarian Award Recipient Vickii Coffey received the 2002 University of Illinois Alumni Humanitarian Award for her contribution toward eliminating domestic violence in our nation. Coffey earned her bachelor's degree from UIC in 1981. To read more, click here.