Morris, Robert G., II

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10735.1/4018

Robert Morris is an Associate Professor of Criminology. He is also Director of the Center for Crime and Justice Studies. His research focuses on topics such as:

  • Life Course Criminology
  • Technology Driven Crimes
  • White-collar Crime
  • Recidivism
  • Corrections and Inmate Behavior
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Criminological Theory
  • Program/Outcome Evaluation

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Recent Submissions

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    Exploring the Non-Linear Relationship between Alcohol Consumption and Depression in an Elderly Population in Gangneung: The Gangneung Health Study
    (Yonsei University, 2015-02-09) Kim, Sang A.; Kim, Eunyoung; Morris, Robert G.; Park, Woong Sub; 0000 0001 2787 2376 (Morris, RG); Morris, Robert G.
    Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine a J-shaped relationship between alcohol consumption and depression among the elderly in South Korea.; Materials and Methods: Cross-section data were drawn from a community-based sample of individuals 60 years of age and older (n=1819). Respondents completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Intensification Test (AUDIT) and the Korean Beck Depression Inventory. Using a regression approach, the effect of alcohol consumption as a non-linear effect was assessed in relation to gender, marital status, exercise, smoking, age, education, and physical and mental health.; Results: AUDIT total score were found to exert linear and quadratic effects that were significantly associated with higher depression scores among sample respondents. The results lend support to a J-shaped relationship between alcohol use and depression, wherein abstainers and problem drinkers were at a higher risk of depression.; Conclusion: This study confirms a J-shaped (i.e., curvilinear) relationship between alcohol consumption and depression among elderly South Koreans, similar to that frequently found in studies of Western-based samples. The findings of this study, therefore, imply the applicability of the J-shaped relationship hypothesis for non-Western society samples and within different cultural contexts.;
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    The Effect of Medical Marijuana Laws on Crime: Evidence from State Panel Data, 1990-2006
    (Public Library of Science, 2014-03) Morris, Robert G.; TenEyck, Michael; Barnes, James C.; Kovandzic, Tomislav; 0000 0003 5627 7714 (Barnes, JC); 0000 0000 5311 5742 (Kovandzic, T); 2011138406 (Barnes, JC); 2006005160 (Kovandzic, T); 87819498‏ (Murdoch, JC)
    Background: Debate has surrounded the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes for decades. Some have argued medical marijuana legalization (MML) poses a threat to public health and safety, perhaps also affecting crime rates. In recent years, some U.S. states have legalized marijuana for medical purposes, reigniting political and public interest in the impact of marijuana legalization on a range of outcomes. Methods: Relying on U.S. state panel data, we analyzed the association between state MML and state crime rates for all Part I offenses collected by the FBI. Findings: Results did not indicate a crime exacerbating effect of MML on any of the Part I offenses. Alternatively, state MML may be correlated with a reduction in homicide and assault rates, net of other covariates. Conclusions: These findings run counter to arguments suggesting the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes poses a danger to public health in terms of exposure to violent crime and property crimes.

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