Alisa Smith

Dr. Alisa Smith is a Professor at the University of Central Florida's Department of Legal Studies within the College of Community Innovation and Education. She holds a Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice (1998) and a Juris Doctorate in Law (1988), both from Florida State University. Her research focuses on access to justice in misdemeanor courts, empirical legal studies, and the integration of social science into judicial processes. Dr. Smith has authored over 25 peer-reviewed articles, reports, and three books, with notable works examining public defender well-being, racial disparities in court outcomes, and procedural fairness.

Her educational background includes advanced studies at Florida State University, where she specialized in criminology and legal systems. Before academia, she practiced criminal trial and appellate law for nearly three decades.

Research trends in her articles emphasize systemic challenges in misdemeanor courts, including due process violations, economic barriers to justice, and the impact of legal representation. She also explores interdisciplinary topics like pharmacogenomics and privacy expectations in the digital age.

Dr. Smith has no listed awards or grants in the provided information. She advises no current students, though her work impacts legal education and reform efforts nationally.