About the Institute for Legal and Policy Studies
Located at the University of Illinois at Springfield, the Center for Legal Studies was developed in 1977 primarily to contribute to the understanding and improvement of the legal system in ways accessible to scholars, policymakers, practitioners and the public. In 2003, the Office of Administrative and Policy Studies was combined with the Center to form the Institute for Legal, Administrative and Policy Studies. The expanded institute has widened its focus to include a broader view of administrative and policy issues located in the agencies and programs of the Executive Branch of government. Rather than pursuing a narrow, technical approach to law and governmental operations, the Institute seeks an integrated understanding of legal phenomena, public policy and administrative practices through an interdisciplinary approach.
The Institute has a permanent core of staff and faculty on appointment with the Institute and academic programs. Additional faculty members are granted assignment to the Institute for specific projects. An interdisciplinary approach is reflected through the diversity of faculty and staff backgrounds of those affiliated with the Institute. The Institute works on projects in cooperation with other public affairs units at UIS and with other universities. UIS students also have opportunities to supplement academic pursuits in the Institute through graduate assistantships, internships, and undergraduate employment.
The Institute's projects include those independently undertaken and those funded on a grant or contract basis through public and private sector support. The Institute's substantive areas of concern include judicial processes, the philosophy and history of law, social services, criminal justice policy and practice (including the juvenile arena), the environment, public finance, education and economic development. Its activities include the writing of publications, legislation, and administrative rules; legal and social science research; legislative and policy analysis; and, the development of law-related educational materials, training curricula, workshops, and conferences.
At present, the Institute provides research and technical expertise to a number of state agencies and organizations. It also conducts training tailored to professional skills enhancement for variety of justice and other public agencies and community services providers. One of its major emphases is developing the application of technology, including computer-based applications, multimedia formats, and distance learning approaches, for professional certification, expanded service delivery and information dissemination throughout the state.
If you would like to know more about the Institute for Legal, Administrative and Policy Studies or are interested in working with the Institute, contact Nancy Ford at (217) 206-6358 or at nford1@uis.edu.