Department of Government and Justice Studies

Dr. Marian Williams joined the Department of Government and Justice Studies in 2008 and is a Professor of Criminal Justice. She serves as one of the pre-law advisors in the Department . She teaches courses in both the Criminal Justice and Political Science programs. Dr. Williams has conducted research on a number of law and court-related topics, such as the effectiveness of public defenders, the use of bail, race and gender disparities in capital punishment, and civil asset forfeiture. Her research has been published in the top journals in the criminal justice field, including Criminology, Justice Quarterly, and Criminology & Public Policy .

Areas of Expertise and Interest:

• The court system
• Constitutional law
• Civil rights and liberties

Education:

• Ph.D., Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida State University (1998)
• M.S., Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida State University (1995)
• A.B.J., Journalism, University of Georgia (1993)

Courses Taught:

Undergraduate

• The Judicial Process
• Constitutional Law
• Civil Rights and Liberties
• Writing in Criminal Justice
• Criminal Law
• Criminal Procedure
• The Fourth Amendment 

Graduate

• Court Administration
• The Criminal Court