Dr. Maldine (Beth) Bailey
Assistant Professor of Criminology & Criminal Justice.
After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Valdosta State College in 1988, I attended and graduated from the University of Georgia’s Joseph Henry Lumpkin School of Law (1991). While in law school I took and successfully completed the Georgia Bar Exam and was employed as the legal clerk for several judges in the Alapaha Judicial Circuit in South Georgia. I also served as the juvenile court judge for the same five county circuit. As a practicing lawyer, I represented clients in criminal and civil matters. After practicing law for several years I decided that academia was where my interest truly lay. I then attended and received my Ph.D. (2002) from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville Texas. While in Huntsville I was fortunate to train and work as a Parole Specialist at the Gulf Coast Trades Center, the largest private juvenile parole system in America.
I have been teaching at associate colleges and universities, either as an adjunct or full-time, for the past thirteen years. During that time I have taught undergraduate and graduate courses in virtually every area of criminal justice academia, but my area of interest and the topic closest to my heart is law. I am intimately aware of the traditions, rules, and procedural regulations that are the basis of courtroom mechanics and the actual practices of the criminal justice system. As someone with both a Ph.D. in Criminal justice and a Juris Doctor in Law, I teach courtroom structure, methods and the analysis of statutes, policies, and regulations. The history of law and how law has affected law enforcement and the correctional system in America, as well as current legal issues, are of enormous interest to me.
I have performed research on a variety of vital issues, such as legal and policy analysis, legislative impact and change on law enforcement and prosecution of governmental employees for wrong-doing while on the job. Further, my research has been both qualitative and quantitative, thereby putting to practice and use statistical, sociological and criminological theory. My future research interests include reactionary lawmaking, courtroom policy and practices and systemic reaction to legislative changes in both the adult and juvenile systems in Florida.
Having taught and been in academia for over a decade, I believe it is essential to mentor students and assist them in attaining a "real world" view of their chosen profession. Having actually worked in the field allows me to use my knowledge and experience to the benefit of my students, the department and the University. I am looking forward to joining the team at the University of North Florida.
Contact Information:
- Phone:
- (904) 620-1660
- E-mail:
- beth.bailey@unf.edu
- Office:
- Building 51/Office 2120