National Center for Justice and the Rule of Law

The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects recommended by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-117, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.

The University of Mississippi will continue the National Center for Justice and the Rule of Law's (NCJRL) ongoing work of research and training. In partnership with the National Association of Attorneys General, the NCJRL offers the only national training program for state attorney general offices to develop expertise to fight cyber crime. In partnership with the National Judicial College, the NCJRL offers the only national training program for state trial and appellate judges on search and seizure. Each year, hundreds of prosecutors, law enforcement officers, judges, and others receive in-person education and training in NCJRL programs and thousands of others receive cyber crime training and knowledge about search and seizure principles from NCJRL publications and its website. Through this grant, the NCJRL will also develop and provide national models and training in cyber crime, search and seizure, and other aspects of criminal law and procedure to the next generation of legal professionals.

NCA/NCF