Publication Date

Spring 2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Justice Studies

Advisor

Alessandro De Giorgi; Ericka Adams; Wilson (Yue) Yuan

Abstract

Using a qualitative, exploratory approach, semi-structured interviews with first-generation and second-generation immigrants residing in San José, CA who were victimized by a crime were conducted to explore immigrant perspectives of the criminal justice system and the law. The guiding research questions of this study are: (1) what influences immigrants to report crimes and what are the barriers to crime reporting? and (2) what are immigrant perceptions/attitudes of local law enforcement? A total of 39 semi-structured interviews were thematically coded to understand immigrant experiences with police officers and how these perceptions of local law enforcement influence the mobilization of law and criminal justice resources, like the 9-1-1 emergency dispatch system. The theoretical framework of this thesis incorporates elements of social exclusion theory, legal cynicism, and Donald Black’s mobilization of law framework. Guided by the intersection of these theories, five themes emerged: (1) legal socialization, (2) immigrant-related barriers, (3) institutional legitimacy, (4) mobilization of law, and (5) police and community collaboration. Findings demonstrate that direct and indirect experiences with law enforcement and the criminal justice system and struggles resulting from immigrant related experiences, like language and cultural barriers, inform an immigrant’s understanding of the law and their social positionality within these legal systems. Their understanding, in turn, influences an immigrant's decision to/not to mobilize the law, like contacting the police or reporting a crime.

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