Robert J. Norris is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Criminology, Law, and Society at George Mason University. He was previously an Assistant Professor in the Department of Government and Justice Studies at Appalachian State University.  He received his BA in sociology with a history minor at UNC-Greensoboro, and his MA and PhD from the School of Criminal Justice at the University at Albany (SUNY). 

His research generally focuses on the social, cultural, and political dynamics of criminal justice reform and legal decision-making. More specifically, he examines issues related to wrongful convictions, social policy, public opinion, and criminal admissions (interrogations, confessions, and plea bargaining).

He has authored or co-authored three books and more than a dozen scholarly articles, as well as several reports and other publications.