Research Ethics in Criminology: Dilemmas, Issues and Solutions.

Abstract

This edited volume by Malcolm Cowburn, Loraine Gelsthorpe, and Azrini Wahidin examines the complex ethical challenges that arise in criminological and criminal justice research. It brings together a range of contributors to critically explore how ethical principles are applied in practice when studying crime, justice systems, and vulnerable populations. The book focuses on the tensions between producing rigorous academic knowledge and ensuring the protection, dignity, and rights of research participants. It discusses issues such as gaining informed consent, managing confidentiality, working with sensitive or at-risk groups, and navigating institutional ethics review processes. The contributors also highlight how power relations, funding pressures, and institutional constraints can shape ethical decision-making in real research settings.