Policy Analyst

Emily Tsai

Emily is a passionate and inquisitive individual who finds joy in the simple act of reading. As a current junior, she has cultivated her fervor within the realm of gender rights, criminal justice, and public policy.

Her mission is to leverage her knowledge and dedication to address the gender and educational gaps, striving for a more equitable and just society.

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All articles by the author

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Policy Briefs by the author

Breaking Chains, Building Futures: Policy Solutions for a Rehabilitative Juvenile Justice System

Criminal Justice

December 4, 2023

This brief explores whether the juvenile justice system accomplishes its goals of effectively rehabilitating youth offenders, or if it instead creates paranoia and instigates repeat offenders. It will recommend programs, practices, and legislation that could minimize the system’s incriminating effect on young lawbreakers and focus on rehabilitation.

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Democracy Beyond Bars: Bringing Political Prisoners to Light

Criminal Justice

November 21, 2023

The term “political prisoner” refers to a person detained, incarcerated, or facing legal consequences due to their political beliefs and activities. Over the years, the criminal justice system has inhabited many political prisoners for several reasons, mainly due to controversial movements and opinions. While free speech and the freedom to express oneself is a concrete law in the Constitution, there is still an increasing controversy around political prisoners and how they affect national security, individual rights, and government transparency.

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Equal Justice for All? An Impartial Look at Gender Disparities within the Criminal Justice System

Criminal Justice

September 15, 2023

This brief aims to analyze gender disparities in the criminal justice system and propose legislation to enforce equality. We find that sexism in criminal justice is an expansive issue affecting all gender identities and that policy solutions should target reproductive health, mental health, and intersectional disparities between LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals.

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Ending the "War on Drugs": Highlighting Effective Treatment for Substance Abuse in the Criminal Justice System

Criminal Justice

January 23, 2024

The policy brief provides an overview of the historical trajectory of drug policies in the United States, discussing the shift from punitive measures to evidence-based, rehabilitative approaches within the criminal justice system. It highlights the effectiveness of various solutions such as cognitive therapy, medical interventions, and sustained support in mitigating recidivism and addressing the broader complexities of substance abuse and mental health within the justice system.

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Breaking the Silence: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Domestic Violence Courts

Criminal Justice

February 13, 2024

This brief explores the efficacy of domestic violence courts and how to optimize them for fair and comprehensive rulings. This brief will acknowledge the flaws within the court system and provide solutions to fix those issues and ensure justice for all.

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Betrayal Behind The Bars: Curbing Corruption in Prisons

Criminal Justice

March 1, 2024

This brief examines prison corruption on the different levels of the criminal justice system, from guard bribery to corrupt private prisons. This brief also explores solutions to minimize prison corruption on all levels.

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The Pitfalls of Surveillance Technology: Policy Analysis and Solutions

Criminal Justice

May 29, 2024

This brief analyzes the pitfalls of surveillance technology and how to counteract biased systems in an increasingly digitized world.

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Sexual Abuse in Prisons: Prioritizing Rehabilitation and Safety

Criminal Justice

May 29, 2024

This brief aims to analyze the complex issue of sexual abuse in prison, including but not limited to prison rape and abuse, sexual assault, and both inmate-inmate and inmate-staff sexual conduct. It will propose policy solutions to protect incarcerated people and minimize the effects that sexual abuse has on prisons.

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Police Actions Against Nonviolent Resistance

Criminal Justice

July 27, 2024

This brief analyzes police actions towards nonviolent forms of protests. It will consider existing guidelines on the use of force against peaceful activism.

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A Closer Look at Drug Courts

Criminal Justice

August 25, 2024

This brief analyzes potential shortcomings in drug courts and arguments over how to improve resources and rehabilitate offenders.

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Streamlining the Asylum Application Process: Addressing Inefficiencies in Pathways

Immigration Policy

September 29, 2024

This brief will analyze various reasons behind current inefficiencies inside the United States’s asylum process. It will also consider the various stakeholders and proposed policies regarding this issue.

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Unpacking the Impact: The US Immigration Ban and Its Effect on Particular Countries

Immigration Policy

December 8, 2024

This brief discusses the impact that Executive Order 13780, or the ‘Muslim Ban,’ had on immigration from Muslim and African countries. The brief puts this ban into historical context, discussing how the affected countries were impacted by this order, and how it came to be rescinded under the presidency of Joe Biden.

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