Jack Levin
Jack Levin: A Pioneer in Criminology and Expert on Hate Crimes
Full Name and Common Aliases
Jack Levin is the founder of the Brudnick Center on Violence and Conflict at Northeastern University's Institute on Conflict Resolution.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on November 12, 1942. Still active as an author and researcher.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American, Professor Emeritus in Sociology and Criminology, Northeastern University.
Early Life and Background
Jack Levin was born to a Jewish family in New York City, growing up during a time of significant social change and upheaval. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Columbia University before pursuing graduate studies at the University of Chicago, where he received his Ph.D. in Sociology.
Levin's early career focused on criminology and penology, with an emphasis on understanding the motivations behind violent behavior. His research interests expanded to include hate crimes, domestic terrorism, and conflict resolution. He has taught and conducted research at several institutions, including Northeastern University, where he founded the Brudnick Center in 1987.
Major Accomplishments
Jack Levin's contributions to criminology are multifaceted:
As a researcher, he has authored numerous studies on hate crimes, conflict resolution, and terrorism.
His work has been funded by various organizations, including the National Institute of Justice and the U.S. Department of Education.
He is a sought-after expert in media, providing commentary on high-profile cases and current events related to violence and conflict.Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works include:
"Hate Crimes: Causes, Controversies, and Consequences" (2002) - This comprehensive book examines the causes of hate crimes, their consequences for individuals and society, and the challenges associated with prevention.
Levin has also published numerous articles in academic journals and popular media outlets, providing analysis on current events related to violence and conflict.Impact and Legacy
Levin's work has had a lasting impact on the field of criminology:
His research has informed policy decisions at both the state and federal levels.
He has trained law enforcement professionals in hate crime prevention and response.
Levin continues to be an influential voice in public discourse, offering insights into the complexities of violence and conflict.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Levin's expertise and commitment to understanding and preventing violence make him a respected and sought-after authority. His contributions to criminology have improved our understanding of hate crimes and terrorism, while his engagement with the public has raised awareness about these critical issues.
Quotes by Jack Levin

These are people who are alienated and don't really identify with their fellow residents in any positive way. They feel the tragedy is an opportunity for them.

Gossip, then, is content, a message about people; rumor is a process. It takes a bit of gossip and reshapes it, modifies it in some way, and passes it along from individual to individual in different ways.


I think healthy competition is good for business, and really at the end best for end-users. Just think about what Android would have been if it was not for iPhone - a better blackberry?


In some cases, this may actually make the difference. It has an impact on those people who aren't rigidly in favor of the death penalty, but who could still change their minds.

These things take a while to sink in before people decide they're not going to take it anymore. I don't think we're there yet.

apparently nobody noticed before this disaster that the crime rate was always extremely high in New Orleans.

