Mission Statement

 

The National Center for Justice and the Rule of Law is a part of the University of Mississippi School of Law. It focuses on issues relating to the criminal justice system and receives funding from the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs. Its purpose is to promote the two concepts that make up the title of the Center. The concept of "justice" appeals to basic notions of equality, equity, and fairness. It often has an emotive component: the result was simply not fair. In contrast the phrase, the "rule of law," refers to the requirement that certain procedures and principles must be followed in each case to reach a correct result. Neither concept is sufficient; both must be utilized to ensure that the criminal justice system fulfills its function in society. The Center implements its mission through projects, conferences, educational programs, and publications that examine important criminal law and procedure issues.