About GCRCJS

The GNLU Centre for Research in Criminal Justice Sciences (GCRCJS) is a Research Centre under the aegis of Gujarat National Law University. The Centre, established in 2019, has conducted various academic activities to promote research and study into the subject of Criminal Law.

The purpose of the Centre is to create a platform where students, academicians, and professionals engage in academic research, analysis and discourse; and create innovative solutions for the issues in the criminal justice system.

The Centre achieves the same through research conferences, expert sessions, legislative drafting competitions, and other such meaningful activities, which contribute to the evolving field of criminal justice.

GCRCJS collaborates with scholars, organises events, and promotes student participation throughout the year, giving students opportunity to research, lead, and organise.

Conferences

Over the span of its existence, the Centre has conducted various conferences being the 13th Asian Criminology Conference under the aegis of GNLU and Asian Criminological Society; the GCRCJS International Conference on Crime & Technology as well as the 2nd GCRCJS International Conference on Crime & Technology.

Best Papers from the GCRCJS International Conference, 2024 have been also published as a collection, in collaboration with Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

Crime & Justice: A Discourse Series

The Discourse Series is an initiative of GCRCJS that encourages thought-provoking discussions on contemporary and controversial issues in criminal justice. Each session involves contradicting view points and open discussions where students critically analyse legal and social developments.

Anybody can join our discourse sessions. The discourse offers a number of responsibilities for the GCRCJS team, including, moderating the session, preparing reading material, researching, and suggesting creative ideas to engage more people.

Launched in August 2021 I 18 Chapters

Expert Sessions & Webinars

GCRCJS regularly organises expert sessions to bridge academic theory with practical experience. These sessions bring together judges, senior advocates, law enforcement officials, scholars, and other specialists, offering students deep insights into the criminal justice system.

Some of the topics our sessions have covered are:

Electronic Evidence Admissibility
Evidence & Trial Process
National Security @75
IPC Reform & Evolution
Bail & FIR Quashing
Zero Tolerance of FGM
Women in Justice
Stress Management Session
FIR & Legal Rights
Abortion Law Limits
Criminal Justice @77
Parole & Restorative Justice
Witchcraft & Law
Women Legal Leadership

Certificate Courses & Workshops

GCRCJS conducts specialised workshops and certificate courses that offer practical exposure and learning beyond classroom theory. The Police Image Building Workshop, conducted under the aegis of the Police-Academia Interaction Forum, focused on enhancing the public perception of law enforcement through discussions and interactive quizzes. Our GNLU-NFSU Certificate Course on Cyber Crimes, Cyber Forensics, and Law provided an in-depth understanding of cybercrime investigation, digital forensics, and related legal frameworks, embedding participants with cross-disciplinary insights.

GCRCJS, in collaboration with the Centre for Information Communication Technology and Law at MNLU Mumbai, organised its first international workshop-cum-seminar on Artificial Intelligence and Data Protection.

Competitions

Essay Writing

GCRCJS has conducted two editions of its Criminal Law Essay Writing Competition which have tackled contemporary themes such as sentencing reforms, independent policing, miscarriage of justice, and India’s criminal justice evolution post-independence. The editions drew nationwide participation with cash prizes up to ₹10,000.

Legislative Drafting Competition

GCRCJS has, till date, conducted 3 editions of the yearly Legislative Drafting Competition which has covered a variety of different topics.

This practical experience challenged participants to draft bills on Artificial Intelligence in Crime Investigation, Prevention of Substance Abuse in Educational Institutions, and more, sharpening policy-drafting skills.

Core Team