As researchers, the Institute seeks to understand the behavioral and socio-economic impact that law and public policy has on racial minorities and underrepresented communities.

The Institute examines the full process of improvement, and employs teaching, communication and publishing to make its findings known. The Institute advocates and encourages innovation, including the use of technology to expand and improve the quality of services.

The Institute promotes high standards of professional conduct, while encouraging all sectors of society to address the current failures of the various systems of law and public policy.

The Institute's research is grounded in an interdisciplinary approach which borrows insights from the social sciences and critical theories on issues of race, class and gender. The Institute actively engages in complex analysis of Race, Law and Public Policy, and publishes and reports on timely issues including: Criminal Law; Education Policy; Mental Health Law; Juvenile Law; Health Law; Family Law; Law and People of Color; Minorities and the Criminal Justice System; Law and Psychology; Minorities in the Workforce; Law and Social Science; International Law; and International Public Policy.