Professor Jessica Jacobson
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Overview
Overview
Biography
Jessica Jacobson completed her PhD at the London School of Economics in 1996, on the topic of ethnic and religious identities among second-generation British Pakistanis (published by Routledge as Islam in Transition in 1997). Since then she has developed her expertise in criminal justice research, initially as a Home Office researcher, and then as an independent researcher and policy consultant. She has been based at ICPR since 2011.
As ICPR’s Director, Jessica oversees the institute’s ambitious and wide-ranging programme of academically-grounded, policy-oriented research on crime and justice. She has designed and led a large number of funded research projects and published widely on many aspects of justice including prisons, sentencing, criminal investigations, and lay participation in judicial proceedings. Her publications include Inside Crown Court: Personal experiences and questions of legitimacy (Policy Press, 2015, with Gillian Hunter and Amy Kirby); Imprisonment Worldwide: The Current Situation and an Alternative Future (Policy Press, 2016, with Andrew Coyle, Helen Fair and Roy Walmsley); and Participation in Courts and Tribunals: Concepts, Realities and Aspirations (Bristol University Press, 2020, co-edited with Penny Cooper).
Qualifications
- BA (Hons) Sociology, Trinity College, Dublin, 1991
- PhD Sociology, London School of Economics, 1996
Web profiles
Administrative responsibilities
- Director of ICPR
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Research
Research
Research interests
- Prisons and the use of imprisonment
- Sentencing
- Lay participation in judicial proceedings
- Investigation and prosecution of criminal offences
Research overview
While my earliest research was located within the sociology of race and ethnicity, my current research interests span many aspects of the criminal and wider justice system. Over the past two decades and more I have researched and published on such wide-ranging topics as prisons, policing and police-public relations, offender resettlement, youth offending, sentencing, criminal advocacy, and public attitudes towards and experiences of the justice system.
My research is predominantly empirical, involving use of various methodologies but particularly qualitative techniques such as semi-structured interviewing, focus groups and observations. The work is largely applied, in the sense that it seeks to inform policy and practice and to support justice reform, while maintaining high standards of academic rigour and independence. Much of my work is theoretically informed and inter-disciplinary, drawing on legal, socio-legal, criminological and other scholarship.
My current and recent research includes projects on the status and role of bereaved people at inquests; the meaning of 'effective participation' in the criminal and family courts and tribunals; trends and patterns in imprisonment in ten countries; and the handling of social media evidence in criminal investigations and prosecutions.
Research Centres and Institutes
Research projects
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Supervision and teaching
Supervision and teaching
Supervision
I welcome enquiries from prospective PhD students who are interested in conducting research on the topics of sentencing, imprisonment, and judicial proceedings.
Current doctoral researchers
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GILLIAN HUNTER
Doctoral alumni since 2013-14
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SHAILESH KUMAR
Teaching
Teaching modules
- Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice (LADD059S7)
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Publications
Publications
Article
- Cooper, Penny and Jacobson, Jessica and Kong, Camillia (2023) Techniques for questioning vulnerable lay participants. Counsel Magazine
- Kirby, Amy and Jacobson, Jessica (2022) Procedural justice in the courts. Clinks Evidence Library
- Fox, Anthony and Jacobson, Jessica (2021) How well do Regulation 28 reports serve future public health and safety ?. Medicine, Science and the Law ISSN 0025-8024.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Hough, Mike (2018) Missed opportunities and new risks: penal policy in England and Wales in the past 25 years. Political Quarterly 89 (2), pp. 177-186. ISSN 1467-923X.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Sabuni, P. and Talbot, J. (2017) Disability and the criminal justice system in Zambia. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour 8 (2), pp. 59-69. ISSN 2050-8824.
- Jacobson, Jessica (2016) Joint enterprise after Jogee: implications for sentencing. Sentencing News ISSN 0964-8461.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Kirby, Amy and Hunter, Gillian (2016) Joint enterprise: towards clarity and transparency?. Criminal Law & Justice Weekly 180, pp. 557-559. ISSN 1759-7943.
- Kirby, Amy and Jacobson, Jessica and Hunter, Gillian (2016) Prosecuting joint enterprise cases: seeking ways through the fog?. British Society of Criminology Newsletters 79, pp. 11-15. ISSN 1759-8354.
- Kirby, Amy and Jacobson, Jessica (2014) Public attitudes to the sentencing of drug offences. Criminology & Criminal Justice 14 (3), pp. 334-350. ISSN 1748-8958.
- Player, E. and Roberts, J.V. and Jacobson, Jessica and Hough, Mike and Robottom, J. (2010) Remanded in custody: an analysis of recent trends in England and Wales. The Howard Journal of Criminal Justice 49 (3), pp. 231-251. ISSN 0265-5527.
- Talbot, J. and Jacobson, Jessica (2010) Adult defendants with learning disabilities and the criminal courts. Journal of Learning Disabilities and Offending Behaviour 1 (2), pp. 16-26. ISSN 2042-0927.
- Roberts, J.V. and Hough, Mike and Jacobson, Jessica and Moon, N. (2009) Public attitudes to sentencing purposes and sentencing factors: an empirical analysis. Criminal Law Review 11, pp. 771-782. ISSN 0011-135X.
- Roberts, J.V. and Hough, Mike and Jacobson, Jessica and Bredee, A. and Moon, N. (2008) Public attitudes to sentencing offences involving death by driving. Criminal Law Review 7, pp. 525-538. ISSN 0011-135X.
- Smith, Melissa and Jacobson, Jessica and Webb, Barry (2004) Abandoned vehicles in England: impact of the End of Life Directive and new initiatives on likely future trends. Resources, Conservation and Recycling 41 (3), pp. 177-189. ISSN 0921-3449.
- Millie, A. and Jacobson, Jessica and Hough, Mike (2003) Understanding the growth in the prison population in England and Wales. Criminology and Criminal Justice 3 (4), pp. 369-387. ISSN 1748-8958.
- Jacobson, Jessica (2002) When is a nation not a nation? The case of Anglo-British nationhood. Geopolitics 7 (2), pp. 173-192. ISSN 1465-0045.
- Jacobson, Jessica (1997) Perceptions of Britishness. Nations and Nationalism 3 (2), pp. 181-199. ISSN 1354-5078.
- Jacobson, Jessica (1997) Religion and ethnicity: dual and alternative sources of identity among young British Pakistanis. Ethnic and Racial Studies 20 (2), pp. 238-256. ISSN 0141-9870.
Book
- Jacobson, Jessica and Cooper, Penny, eds. (2020) Participation in courts and tribunals: concepts, realities and aspirations. Bristol: Bristol University Press. ISBN 9781529211290. (In Press)
- Coyle, Andrew and Fair, Helen and Jacobson, Jessica and Walmsley, R. (2016) Imprisonment worldwide: the current situation and an alternative future. Policy Press Shorts Insights. Bristol, UK: Policy Press. ISBN 9781447331759.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Hunter, Gillian and Kirby, Amy (2015) Inside Crown Court. Bristol, UK: Policy Press. ISBN 9781447317050.
- Jacobson, Jessica (1997) Islam in transition: religion and identity among British Pakistani youth. London, UK: Routledge. ISBN 9781138007130.
Book Section
- Hough, Mike and Jacobson, Jessica (2023) Guilty pleas as mitigation. In: Roberts, J.V. and Ryberg, J. (eds.) Sentencing the Self-Convicted: The Ethics of Pleading Guilty. Oxford, UK: Hart Publishing. pp. 187-210. ISBN 9781509957439. (In Press)
- Jacobson, Jessica (2020) Introduction. In: Jacobson, Jessica and Cooper, Penny (eds.) Participation in Courts and Tribunals: Concepts, Realities and Aspirations. Bristol, UK: Bristol University Press. ISBN 9781529211290. (In Press)
- Jacobson, Jessica (2020) Observed realities of participation. In: Jacobson, Jessica and Cooper, Penny (eds.) Participation in Courts and Tribunals: Concepts, Realities and Aspirations. Bristol: Bristol University Press. ISBN 9781529211290. (In Press)
- Jacobson, Jessica (2018) Balancing accessibility and authority: towards an integrated approach to vulnerability in the criminal courts. In: Cooper, Penelope and Hunting, L. (eds.) Access to Justice for Vulnerable People. The Advocate's Gateway. London, UK: Wildy and Sons Limited. ISBN 9780854902675.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Harlow, L. (2017) Witness support. In: Cooper, Penelope and Norton, H. (eds.) Vulnerable People and the Criminal Justice System: A Guide to Law and Practice. Oxford: Oxford University Press. pp. 57-94. ISBN 9780198801115.
- Jacobson, Jessica (2017) Introduction. In: Cooper, Penelope and Norton, H. (eds.) Vulnerable People and the Criminal Justice System: A Guide to Law and Practice. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. pp. 1-21. ISBN 9780198801115.
- Jacobson, Jessica (2015) 'Community' knows best? Community involvement in criminal justice. In: Wasik, M. and Santatzoglou, S. (eds.) The Management of Change in Criminal Justice: Who Knows Best?. Basingstoke, UK: Palgrave Macmillan. pp. 80-97. ISBN 9781137462480.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Hough, Mike (2011) Personal mitigation: an empirical analysis in England and Wales. In: Roberts, J.V. (ed.) Mitigation and Aggravation at Sentencing. Cambridge Studies in Law and Society. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. pp. 60-80. ISBN 9780521197809.
- Hough, Mike and Jacobson, Jessica (2009) A Sentencing Council for England and Wales. In: Collins, J. and Siddiqui, S. (eds.) Transforming Justice: New Approaches To The Criminal Justice System. London, UK: The Criminal Justice Alliance. pp. 31-38.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Roberts, J.V. and Hough, Mike (2008) A sentencing commission for England and Wales?. In: Hough, Mike and Allen, R. and Solomon, E. (eds.) Tackling prison overcrowding Build more prisons? Sentence fewer offenders?. Researching Criminal Justice. Bristol, UK: Policy Press. ISBN 9781847421104.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Millie, A. and Hough, Mike (2008) Why tackle anti-social behaviour?. In: Squires, P. (ed.) ASBO Nation: The Criminalisation Of Nuisance. Bristol, UK: Policy Press. pp. 37-56. ISBN 9781847420282.
- Hough, Mike and Jacobson, Jessica (2004) Getting to grips with anti-social behaviour. In: Grieve, J. and Howard, R. (eds.) Communities, Social Exclusion and Crime. Smith Institute. pp. 35-42. ISBN 1902488679.
Monograph
- Hunter, Gillian and Jacobson, Jessica (2021) Exploring procedural justice and problem-solving practice in the Youth Court. Canterbury, UK: HM Inspectorate of Probation.
- Fair, Helen and Jacobson, Jessica (2021) Keeping COVID out of prisons: approaches in ten countries. London: ICPR.
- Heard, Catherine and Jacobson, Jessica (2021) Sentencing burglary, drug importation and murder: evidence from ten countries. London, UK: Institute for Crime & Justice Policy Research.
- Hunter, Gillian and Jacobson, Jessica and Kirby, Amy (2018) Judicial perceptions of the quality of criminal advocacy: report of research commissioned by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board. London, UK: Solicitors Regulation Authority.
- Fair, Helen and Jacobson, Jessica (2018) Process evaluation of the Restorative Prisons project. London, UK: Restorative Solutions.
- Fair, Helen and Jacobson, Jessica (2017) Peer relations: Review of learning from the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Prison Reform Fellowships – Part IV. London, UK: Prison Reform Trust.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Fair, Helen (2017) Sense of self and responsibility: a review of learning from the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Prison Reform Fellowships – Part V. London, UK: Prison Reform Trust.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Heard, Catherine and Fair, Helen (2017) Prison: evidence of its use and over-use from around the world. London, UK: Institute for Criminal Policy Research & Fair Trials.
- Fair, Helen and Jacobson, Jessica (2016) Family connections: a review of learning from the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Prison Reform Fellowships, Part II. London, UK: Prison Reform Trust.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Fair, Helen (2016) Problem solving approaches: a review of learning from the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Prison Reform Fellowships Part III. London, UK: Prison Reform Trust.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Fair, Helen (2016) Connections: a review of learning from the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowships. London: Prison Reform Trust.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Kirby, Amy and Hunter, Gillian (2016) Joint enterprise: righting a wrong turn?. London, UK: Prison Reform Trust.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Hunter, G. and Kirby, Amy (2015) Structured mayhem: personal experiences of the Crown Court. London, UK: Criminal Justice Alliance.
- Bath, C. and Bhardwa, Bina and Jacobson, Jessica and May, Tiggey and Webster, R. (2015) There to help: ensuring provision of appropriate adults for mentally vulnerable adults detained or interviewed by police. London, UK: National Appropriate Adult Network.
- Kirby, Amy and Jacobson, Jessica (2015) Evaluation of the pre-sentence RJ pathfinder: February 2014 to May 2015. London, UK: Restorative Solutions.
- Wigzell, Ali and Kirby, Amy and Jacobson, Jessica (2015) The Youth Proceedings Advocacy Review: Final Report. London, UK: Bar Standards Board.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Skrine, Oonagh and Kirby, Amy and Hunter, Gillian (2014) Crime and ‘Community’: exploring the scope for community involvement in criminal justice. N/A London, UK: Institute for Criminal Policy Research, Birkbeck, University of London.
- Kirby, Amy and Jacobson, Jessica and Hunter, Gillian (2014) Effective participation or passive acceptance: How can defendants participate more effectively in the court process?. Howard League Working Paper Howard League for Penal Reform.
- Hunter, Gillian and Jacobson, Jessica and Kirby, Amy (2013) Out of the shadows: victims' and witnesses' experiences of attending the Crown Court. London, UK: Victim Support.
- Jacobson, Jessica (2013) By mistakes we learn? A review of criminal appeals against sentence. London, UK: Transform Justice.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Kirby, Amy (2012) Public attitudes to youth crime report on focus group research. London, UK: The Home Office.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Kirby, Amy and Hough, Mike (2011) Public attitudes to the sentencing of drug offences. London, UK: Sentencing Council for England & Wales.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Phillips, C. and Edgar, K. (2010) "Double trouble"? Black, Asian and minority ethnic offenders’ experiences of resettlement. London, UK: Clinks and Prison Reform Trust.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Bhardwa, Bina and Gyateng, T. and Hunter, G. and Hough, Mike (2010) Punishing disadvantage - a profile of children in custody. London, UK: Prison Reform Trust.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Hough, Mike (2010) Unjust deserts: imprisonment for public protection. London, UK: Prison Reform Trust.
- Hough, Mike and Roberts, J.V. and Jacobson, Jessica (2009) Public attitudes to the principles of sentencing. London, UK: Sentencing Advisory Panel.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Gibbs, P. (2009) Making amends: restorative youth justice in Northern Ireland. London, UK: Prison Reform Trust.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Talbot, J. (2009) Vulnerable defendants in the criminal courts: a review of provision for adults and children. London, UK: Prison Reform Trust.
- Hough, Mike and Hunter, G. and Jacobson, Jessica and Cossalter, S. (2008) The impact of the Licensing Act 2003 on levels of crime and disorder: an evaluation. London, UK: The Home Office.
- Hough, Mike and Roberts, J.V. and Jacobson, Jessica (2008) Attitudes to the sentencing of offences involving death by driving. London, UK: Sentencing Advisory Panel.
- Edgar, K. and Jacobson, Jessica and Biggar, K. (2008) Time well spent: a practical guide to active citizenship and volunteering in prison. London, UK: Prison Reform Trust.
- Hough, Mike and Jacobson, Jessica (2008) Creating a Sentencing Commission for England and Wales: an opportunity to address the prisons crisis. London, UK: Prison Reform Trust.
- Jacobson, Jessica (2008) No one knows: police responses to suspects learning disabilities and learning difficulties: a review of policy and practice. London, UK: Prison Reform Trust.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Hough, Mike (2007) Mitigation: the role of personal factors in sentencing. London, UK: Prison Reform Trust.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Kimmett, E. (2007) There when you need them most: pact's first night in custody service. London, UK: Prison Reform Trust.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Millie, A. and Hough, Mike (2005) Tackling anti-social behaviour: a critical review. London, UK: Institute for Criminal Policy review.
- Millie, A. and Jacobson, Jessica and McDonald, E. and Hough, Mike (2005) Anti-social behaviour strategies: finding a balance. Bristol, UK: Policy Press.
- Hough, Mike and Jacobson, Jessica and Millie, A. (2003) The decision to imprison: sentencing and the prison population. London, UK: Prison Reform Trust.
- Jacobson, Jessica (2003) The Reducing Burglary Initiative: planning for partnership within a project setting. London, UK: Home Office.
- Jacobson, Jessica (2003) The Reducing Burglary Initiative: planning for partnership. London, UK: Home Office.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Maitland, L. and Hough, Mike (2003) The Reducing Burglary Initiative: investigating burglary. London, UK: Home Office.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Davison, T. and Tarling, R. (2002) Tackling abandoned and untaxed vehicles: an evaluation of Operation Cubit. London, UK: Home Office.
- Phillips, C. and Jacobson, Jessica and Prime, R. and Carter, M. and Considine, M. (2002) Crime and disorder reduction partnerships: round one progress. London, UK: Home Office.
- Jacobson, Jessica (1999) Policing drug hot-spots. London, UK: Home Office.
- Jacobson, Jessica and Saville, E. (1999) Neighbourhood warden schemes: an overview. London, UK: Home Office.
Other
- Jacobson, Jessica (2020) Effective participation in criminal proceedings: principle and practice. British Society of Crimonology.
- Jacobson, Jessica (2020) Policy Briefing: Participation in courts and tribunals. Bristol, UK: Bristol University Press.
- Jacobson, Jessica (2016) Joint enterprise: the need for clarity and transparency. The Justice Gap The Justice Gap.