Penal policy and penal change

Ashley T. Rubin

Chapter 2 in Research Handbook on Penal Policy, 2026, pp 21-43 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Chapter 2 explores both the extent and the limits of our knowledge of penal change. It begins by noting the varied definitions and operationalizations of penal change, including the use of different dependent variables to signify penal change as well as the different categories of independent variables and types of causal mechanisms (direct and indirect) for explaining penal change. Next, it explores some of the common theories of penal change: while most theories of penal change relate to changes in some aspect of society (including its politics, economics, and culture) that impact changes in punishment, we also explore endogenous theories of penal change that locate the source of penal change within the criminal justice system itself. Finally, the chapter discusses those obstinate challenges to theorizing penal change that future research will need to confront.

Keywords: Penal change; Punishment; History; Theory; Causal mechanisms; Penal endogeneity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035308521
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