Reoffenders’ legal consciousness:- Living with or around justiciable problems

Beskrivelse

Typically, reoffenders speak from the midst of problematic circumstances and
their living situations are affected by significant ‘legal events’. Thus, legal
consciousness of reoffenders could be considered substantially more pervasive
than for ordinary people whose everyday lives are not repeatedly encountered
bylaw. This paper examines the legal consciousness of reoffenders in Denmark
and Norway through their interpretations of barriers to reentry from prison. It
draws on observational, focus group, and interview data and reveals how
reoffenders think and talk about core matters in daily living that have clear legal
aspects. My evidence shows that reoffenders find it extremely challenging to talk
about their problems and ask for help. On the contrary, they often lump their problems by doing nothing. Some of the reoffenders in this study attributed their
‘reaction’ to the pressure they expect to face if they take (legal) action and try to
better their living conditions. Others lump their problems as they hope that public
institutions will intervene if their problems intensify. The present findings show
how ‘lumping it’ is a strategy used more broadly than previously recognized.

Periode	9 maj 2023
Begivenhedstitel	NSfK Research seminar 2023 The future of punishment: Reducing recidivism and promoting societal integration?
Begivenhedstype	Seminar
Placering	FinlandVis på kort
Grad af anerkendelse	International