Penal policy reform at the micro level

Anne-Marie McAlinden

Chapter 23 in Research Handbook on Penal Policy, 2026, pp 441-449 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Chapter 23 offers a micro-level, personal reflection on real-world penal change concerning the criminalization of grooming for child sexual abuse. Drawing on the experiences of doing engaged research and authoring a REF2021 Impact Case Study related to a change in the law on ‘grooming’ throughout Australia, it offers a window into penal policymaking in action. It highlights two key themes on penal policymaking relating to audience and agency: (i) the dynamics and challenges of engaging with policy actors and lawmaking bodies, including managing multiple audiences and stakeholder expectations; and (ii) the role of human agency, including the importance of research design and researcher practices, in shaping systemic policy change.

Keywords: Penal policy change; Micro level; Internal dynamics; Audience; Agency (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035308521
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