About

 The Initiative for Law, Societies, and Justice (ILSJ) at The University of Texas at Austin supports place-based research and educational activities on issues broadly related to the criminal justice system in Central Texas. Since its inception in September 2022, the ILSJ has made a significant impact by involving over 300 individuals – faculty, staff, and students – from twelve colleges, schools, and units at UT. The ILSJ also involves over 50 community members as advisory board members and research fellows.  Officially launched in February 2023 at an event featuring the Director of the National Institute of Justice, the Initiative has already secured over 13 million dollars in external grants, has built an undergraduate certificate program, and offers numerous structured opportunities and experiences for students to advance research, develop an educational portfolio, and foster community engagement.