About
The Center for Rule of Law, Justice, and Emerging Technology is a multidisciplinary university center at Â鶹ӳ»Ó°Òô, Beaumont, Texas. Founded in 2026 by the Center's Director, Dr. Sanaz Alasti, the Center serves as a focal point for interdisciplinary research, education, service, and innovation at the intersection of the rule of law, justice, and emerging technologies, engaging faculty, students, and partners from multiple academic departments and disciplines.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries across the world. The impact of AI on law and justice is something we are continually evaluating.
Mission
The Center for Rule of Law, Justice, and Emerging Technology is a multidisciplinary university center dedicated to advancing the rule of law, public safety, and justice through interdisciplinary research, applied research, education, innovation, workforce development, and strategic partnerships. By integrating expertise from law, criminal justice, artificial intelligence, computer science, data science, public policy, political science, education, business, and related disciplines, the Center develops evidence-based solutions that benefit Southeast Texas while contributing to stronger justice systems, criminal justice and penal system reform, border security, counterterrorism, democratic governance, peacebuilding, the responsible use of emerging technologies, and the protection of human rights at the state, national, and international levels.
The Center fulfills its mission by:
- Conducting multidisciplinary and applied research to address challenges related to the rule of law, justice, public safety, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, border security, counterterrorism, democracy, peacebuilding, and criminal justice and penal system reform.
- Developing evidence-based policies, innovative technologies, and best practices that strengthen justice systems, improve public safety, support economic and workforce development, and address the needs of Southeast Texas.
- Providing professional education, executive training, workshops, conferences, and technical assistance for law enforcement, courts, prosecutors, corrections, policymakers, educators, technology professionals, and other public and private sector leaders.
- Supporting multidisciplinary graduate education and student success through research opportunities, fellowships, internships, mentoring, experiential learning, and collaborative research.
- Establishing regional, national, and international partnerships with government agencies, universities, industry, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders to advance research, innovation, workforce development, and regional prosperity.
- Promoting the responsible and ethical application of emerging technologies to strengthen justice, public safety, democratic institutions, and the rule of law.
- Disseminating research findings, policy recommendations, educational resources, and best practices to inform policy, improve professional practice, and enhance the safety, resilience, and quality of life of communities in Southeast Texas and beyond.