What is penal populism? Politics, the public and penological expertise

David Garland

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Abstract / Description of output

This paper explores the empirical, conceptual, and normative issues raised by the notion of ‘penal populism’. It discusses the relations between the media, the public, and political representatives. It considers the balance between professional expertise and community sentiment in the formulation of penal policy—especially in respect of measures where moral rather than instrumental considerations appear to predominate. It raises theoretical and empirical questions about the nature of ‘public opinion’; methodological questions about how best to take its measure; and political questions about its proper status in the democratic process. It discusses the historical conditions that brought ‘penal populism’ to prominence as well as institutional and comparative questions about its varying capacity to shape policy. And it considers the professional responsibilities of penal experts in relation to policy formation and political debate.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCrime, Justice, and Social Order
Subtitle of host publicationEssays in Honour of A. E. Bottoms
EditorsAlison Liebling, Joanna Shapland, Richard Sparks, Justice Tankebe
PublisherOxford University Press
Chapter11
Pages249-272
Number of pages24
ISBN (Electronic)9780191949975
ISBN (Print)9780192859600
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 Jan 2022

Publication series

NameClarendon Studies in Criminology

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • penal populism
  • criminological expertise
  • public opinion
  • democracy
  • penal politics

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