معرفی
Michael A. Hallett is a Professor of Criminology & Criminal Justice at the University of North Florida and holds dual Senior Research Fellow positions at Baylor University's Institute for Studies of Religion and Pepperdine University's Center for Faith and the Common Good. With over $1 million secured in research grants, he has published extensively in top-tier journals including Punishment & Society, Justice Quarterly, and The Prison Journal, alongside contributions to Christianity Today and America Magazine.
His research critically examines the intersection of neoliberal economics and prison policy, demonstrating how faith-based programming functions as non-profit privatization within correctional systems. Fieldwork spans maximum-security facilities nationwide, notably a five-year study at Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola—the nation's largest maximum-security prison. Current work focuses on protecting prisoners' religious liberties through collaborations with The Becket Fund, while his Supreme Court-cited research has directly influenced national correctional policy debates.
Dr. Hallett founded and chaired UNF's Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice (2005-2013) after previously leading Sociology, Anthropology & Criminal Justice. He has directed 20+ funded projects involving student researchers, including designing Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Pretrial Services and partnering with Prisoners of Christ and Operation New Hope. His testimony before five state legislatures combated prison privatization efforts, particularly in Tennessee, while community initiatives with Hubbard House and city agencies advance evidence-based rehabilitation models.
