 Introduction to the Research Handbook on Penal PolicyAlessandro Corda Chapter 1 in Research Handbook on Penal Policy, 2026, pp 1-19 from Edward Elgar Publishing Abstract: This introductory chapter clarifies the meaning of “penal policy”, distinguishing it from related but conceptually distinct terms such as “crime policy”, “criminal policy”, and “criminal justice policy”. Although often used interchangeably, these terms reflect different intellectual traditions, institutional logics, areas of focus, and policy objectives. Penal policy is understood here as the formulation and application of measures and mechanisms through which the state defines deviance, maintains social order, and exercises its punitive authority. It encompasses the principles, strategies, and practices involved in framing, justifying, and implementing the state's power to punish. The chapter traces the evolution of penal policy from a long-overlooked aspect of public policy to its gradual, yet still underdeveloped, emergence as a distinct field of inquiry. It concludes by outlining the structure and contents of the volume, which brings together diverse contributions exploring the complexities and contemporary relevance of penal governance. Keywords: Penal policy; Penal governance; Criminal justice policy; Criminal policy; Crime and public policy; Punitive measures (search for similar items in EconPapers) Downloads: (external link) Related works: Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:elg:eechap:22152_1 Ordering information: This item can be ordered from Access Statistics for this chapter More chapters in Chapters from Edward Elgar Publishing |
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