Center for Studies of Law in Action Robert F. Borkenstein Courses

The Center for Studies of Law in Action builds on the work of Professor Robert F. Borkenstein, inventor of the Breathalizer, the first practical instrument for testing breath alcohol. The Center provides students and professionals with the latest information in the field of chemical tests for breath alcohol and other drugs.

Twice a year, in May and December, the Center offers one-week expert-level program of on-campus instruction and interaction, on medical and legal topics related to the consumption of alcohol. 

It is an honor to have The Center for Studies of Law in Action on the IU Bloomington campus this week offering the Robert F. Borkenstein Course on Alcohol and Highway Safety: Testing, Research and Litigation.  The course was founded in 1958, by Professor Robert F. Borkenstein, the inventor of the Breathalyzer® and a professor of Criminal Justice at Indiana University. It is a requirement in many state programs for analysts to complete the training before they go to court. 

More Information on the Borkenstein Courses

The Herald-Times Guest Column: Research team working to find a new way to approach probation and reduce recidivism

Dr. Northcutt Bohmert, Michelle Ying, Carmen Diaz, Evan Lowder, and Eric Grommon were guest columnists for The Herald-Times discussing their research and work with Monroe County to reduce probation revocations and recidivism. 

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Read The Herald-Times guest column dated November 23, 2022.  

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Learn more about the Indiana University research team's prior research in Monroe County.

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Dr. Northcutt Bohmert is an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Students for the Department of Criminal Justice.  Her research interests involve prisons, jails, community supervision, social psychological influences and environmental contexts, gender and intersectionality.

Carmen Diaz is a graduate student in the Department of Criminal Justice focusing on racial and ethnic disparities, pretrial and prosecutorial decision making.

Dr. Arvind Verma Publishes Two Books in 2022

"She Must Not Die, Extraordinary Tales of Policing India, My Life in the Service" is a compilation of stories based upon true incidents reflecting the humane and responsible manner in which India's police officers solve issues using ingenuity and creativity. The stories are intended to touch the lives of readers, inspiring academics, practitioners, and all those who remain committed to challenging deep-seated social inequalities. Dr. Verma traveled to India for the book launch in August. 

"How Countries Count Crime, An Exercise in Police Discretion" is an edited collection illuminating the weaknesses and strengths of crime reporting across a wide range of countries, with a focus on democratic countries in which the police bear some accountability to citizens. In one compendium, for the first time, this book documents how different countries record (or fail to record) crimes.  With chapters written by native authors who are experts on the practices of their respective countries, the book explores practices in 15 different countries accross the globe.

Click here for more information on Dr. Verma's publications and those of the entire department.