Recent News
For over a decade, Professor Ann Frost has been helping facilitate the Law, Societies, and Justice (LSJ) Book Club at the men's and women's correctional facilities in Washington State. Meeting monthly on the second Saturday morning of each month, the LSJ Book Club brings together six LSJ students, approximately seven inmates, and Professor Frost, who supervises discussions on a variety of books. Professor Frost’s career has been deeply intertwined with the criminal justice system. This… Read more
The Law, Societies, & Justice department at the University of Washington has long been a hub for students who are passionate about exploring the niche intersections between various legal institutions, and how these critically affect social life. With the department growing exponentially each year, LSJ took a step forward during the 2023-2024 academic year by assembling the LSJ Student Engagement Council. This council was created with the clear mission of fostering a stronger sense of… Read more
As director of government relations for the Catholic Health Association, Paulo G. Pontemayor (BA, 2005) is dedicated to increasing equity and access to healthcare in the United States.
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With registration for Winter quarter approaching, the LSJ team wanted to give the community some more insight on our two new faculty members, Morgan Vickers and Sebastián Rubiano-Galvis, who will be teaching courses in the LSJ department following the new year. This interview elaborates on their academic backgrounds, their various professional roles, their complex and innovative research projects, and their aspirations following both of these two new assistant professors moving to the… Read more
The College of Arts & Sciences welcomes students and their families to connect with faculty and staff, learn about a variety of topics, and explore our spaces throughout Family Weekend.
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Dear Friends of LSJ,
I am honored to begin a three-year term as chair of the Law, Societies & Justice Department. I have seen the LSJ Department (formerly LSJ Program) come into existence and flourish under the visionary leadership of three earlier chairs and directors: Michael McCann, Steve Herbert, and Katherine Beckett. Today, LSJ is a popular department that contributes greatly to the intellectual and civic life of the University of Washington.
LSJ was created with a mission… Read more
"This time of year, aspiring elected officials insist that we must get tough on crime to keep us safe. 'Getting tough' almost always includes imposing more and longer prison sentences. Unfortunately, most of those claims are based on myths, fear, and half-truths. Therefore, voters should insist that calls for increased punishment be replaced by programs that can actually reduce crime, help victims, and increase public safety," writes David Trierweiler. Heather Evans, assistant professor of… Read more
The LSJ community is thrilled to be welcoming two new faculty members to our team this year. Morgan P. Vickers and Sebastián Rubiano-Galvis will be joining the Law, Societies, and Justice department as assistant professors, and will be leading courses focusing on their areas of expertise. Their diverse backgrounds and breadth of experience will no doubt be an incredible addition to the LSJ community.
Morgan P. Vickers… Read more
"Rather than learn these same painful lessons [of banishment programs] over again, we suggest looking to other successful initiatives that involve skillful regulation of space, enforcement of conduct expectations, and multidepartment coordination rather than banning specific people from parts of the city," write Katherine Beckett, professor of sociology and of law, societies and justice at the UW, and co-author Lisa Daugaard.… Read more
It has been five years since Washington’s signature “sanctuary” law went into effect, prohibiting most local officials from cooperating with immigration enforcement. Since then, Washington jail and law enforcement agencies have committed hundreds of alleged violations, according to a report by the UW’s Center for Human Rights. Angelina Godoy, professor of law, societies, and justice and of international studies, as well as director of the Center for Human Rights at the UW, is quoted.… Read more