J. Alexander Atwood

Judge Atwood

Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice

Education

LL.M. (General Studies-Constitutional, Criminal, and International Law), Georgia State University School of Law (Summa Cum Laude)
J.D. Law, John Marshall School of Law (Cum Laude)
M.A. International Relations (focusing on Low Intensity Conflict and Terrorism), Webster University
B.S. Criminal Justice, Georgia State University

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
My teaching portfolio encompasses a full range of undergraduate courses in criminal justice and public administration, delivered through diverse modalities including in-person, hybrid, and distance learning formats. Courses taught include Introduction to Criminal Law, Constitutional Law for Criminal Justice, Courts and Criminal Procedure, and specialized topics such as Organized Crime, and Ethics in Criminal Justice. These offerings reflect a commitment to bridging theoretical foundations with practical applications drawn from extensive experience in law enforcement, legal practice, and public service. My research interests center on Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, International Law, and Criminal Procedure, with particular emphasis on the intersection of legal doctrine, enforcement policy, and governance. Scholarly activities include presentations and publications addressing judicial interpretation, free speech, civil discourse, and counterterrorism policy. Selected works and/or presentations include Judicial Interpretation as Viewed Through District of Columbia v. Heller, The Erosion of Free Speech in Western Europe, Canada, and the United States, and From Law Enforcement to Armed Conflict: The Legal Transformation of U.S. Counter-narcotics Policy. These contributions underscore an ongoing commitment to advancing discourse on constitutional governance, ethics, and the evolving challenges of law enforcement in a global context.