Katherine Beckett

Katherine Beckett is a Professor in the Department of Law, Societies & Justice and the Department of Sociology at the University of Washington. She co-directs the Rethinking Punishment project and chairs the Law, Societies & Justice Department. Her research focuses on criminal justice reform, social inequality, and urban social control.

Education:

• Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles (1994)
• M.A., University of California, Los Angeles (1989)
• B.A., University of California, San Diego (1986)

Her work examines the intersection of law, race, and incarceration, particularly in drug enforcement, capital punishment, and sentencing disparities. Recent projects evaluate housing outcomes and sentencing reforms.

Her research trends (2024-2011) emphasize criminal justice policy, race, and urban governance, with subfields including prosecutorial discretion, life sentences, and socio-cultural theories of punishment.

Scientific Awards:

• University of Washington's Public Service Award
• Washington State Academy of Sciences member (2016)

She has advised students including Kaitlyn Laibe (2023), E. J. Munizza (2021), and Andrew Choi (2020), focusing on issues like early release and housing crises. Her grants include support from the National Science Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Open Society Institute.

Professor Beckett collaborates with civic organizations such as the Public Defender Association, Northwest Defender’s Association, and Columbia Legal Services. Her lab initiatives include the Rethinking Punishment project and partnerships with Seattle Clemency Project.