Introduction

This mini-conference brings together two networks of scholars: Empirical Research on Sentencing network and the Empirical Criminal Law Working group of the European Society for Empirical Legal Studies. Their joint focus is to study the criminal justice system and its underlying official and unofficial principles and mechanisms. Research employing a wide range of empirical approaches, including quantitative, experimental, qualitative, and mixed-method designs is welcome. The focus should be primarily on empirical legal aspects and criminal policies, not primarily focusing on crime and crime prevention. Research from all over the world is welcome, although slight preference might be given to research hailing from wider Europe.

The topics the two networks will be primarily interested in are:

• Sentencing
• Decision-making in criminal law (judges, prosecutors, police)
• Criminal legislation
• Criminal justice institutions
• Administration of criminal law
• Criminal justice policy

There will be two different types of presentations. The first one will be the normal presentation of a work in progress, typically of a working paper (20 minutes presentation, 10 mins discussion). The second is a new format: A research refinery, which will enable researchers to shortly present their advanced research plans – typically an experiment they plan to run (15-20 minutes altogether). For both either a working paper or an extended (2-pages long) abstract is needed. 

Acceptance decisions can be expected by November 2.

Those wishing to take part without presenting are also warmly welcomed to attend.

Registration

Registration is now open.

How to get around Prague?

Prague offers convenient and efficient public transportation that will get you to the workshop quickly and easily.

• Metro: Three lines – A (green), B (yellow), and C (red). The nearest station to the workshop is Staroměstská on A (green) line.
• Trams and buses: We recommend using the Právnická fakulta stop.
• Tickets: Available from ticket machines, at stops, or via the PID Lítačka app. A single ticket starts at 30 CZK and is valid for all types of transport. For easy trip planning, we recommend using the PID Lítačka app or Google Maps.

How to get to Prague?

Prague is easily accessible from all over the world:

• By Air: Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) offers direct connections to many cities. From the airport to the city center, you can take:
  • Trolleybus 59 → transfer to Metro (green) A line at Nádraží Veleslavín station.
  • Uber (official taxi service for Václav Havel Airport Prague).
• By Train: Direct train connections from cities such as Vienna, Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, Brussels, Amsterdam, Warsaw, Copenhagen and Budapest. The Main Train Station is located right in the city center.
  • Night Trains to Prague:
    • Brussels/Amsterdam (ES 453)
    • Zurich (EC 459 Canopus)
    • Budapest (EN 476 Metropol)
    • Warsaw/Krakow (EN 407 Chopin/EN 442)
    • Košice (EN 442 Slovakia)
  • Major Cities with Train Connections to Prague Under 10 Hours:
    • Vienna (approx. 4 hours)
    • Munich (approx. 5.5 hours)
    • Berlin (approx. 4.5 hours)
    • Dresden (approx. 2.5 hours)
    • Frankfurt (approx. 7 hours)
    • Hamburg (approx. 6.5 hours)
    • Nuremberg (approx. 3.5 hours)
    • Leipzig (approx. 4 hours)
    • Budapest (approx. 7 hours)

Organizers

Jakub Drápal (Charles University) and Michal Šoltés (Charles University)

Programme

20. – informal evening programme

21. – scientific programme

22. – scientific programme (until early afternoon)

Fees

Whole mini-conference is free of charge.

Contact

If you have any question, reach out to Jakub Drápal: drapalja@prf.cuni.cz