Penal Populism and Public Opinion: Lessons from Five Countries, J.V. Roberts, L.J. Stalans, D. Indemaur and M. Hough
Giles Renaud · Alberta Law Review · 2003
Judges, Crown prosecutors, defence counsel, probation officers, and police officials face increased media attention and political rhetoric in all areas of their work, notably in the field of sentencing.It is therefore necessary that we understand the concept of"penal populism," how it influences public opinion and, by parity ofreasoning, how it is influenced by public opinion.Thankfully, we can look to a single research tool to assist us in our efforts to understand the forces that shape (and distort) public opinion: Penal Populism and Public Opinion Lessons from Five Countries 1 provides an in-depth, comprehensive, and compelling examination of the interplay between politicians and voters as it influences the selection of a fit and proper sentence.