Categorization
How are populations labeled and categorized by institutions, by others, and by themselves? This is a central question to our research group. It intersects with our focus on identity and institutions, and allows us to research and challenge the often harmful labels and categories imposed on disenfranchised populations.
Place and Space
The study of space refers to where law and policy operate, whether through physical and social divisions, groups of people, or contested areas. Our research focuses on how these spaces influence the processes of place-making, belonging, and removal. We are also interested in the construction of these spaces, their conditions, and how they may change over time.
Identity
Identity is an important aspect of how law and policy are understood and experienced. Lab members study how these and other aspects of identity are formed, as well as how they relate to categorization, social control, inclusion/exclusion, access to justice, legal consciousness, and rights.
Institutions
Institutions are the systems that create and enforce law and policy. Our research focuses on how institutions exert authority over, surveil, criminalize, control, punish, traumatize, make decisions, and stratify inequality. Members also study how individuals are actively engaging with and/or resisting these structures.