Punishment in Europe: A Snapshot
The common understanding is that European countries do not punish very much at all and that structural racism in courts is not a problem. Drawing on existing research, Justice Collective shows that this understanding is mistaken. The report provides a snapshot of harmful punishment practices across Europe.
States criminalize migrants. Significant resources target and punish people for being unable to afford life’s necessities. People of color are less likely to be released pretrial and face more serious sentences. These are all examples of how states punish harshly as social policy.
This tool is a starting point for discussion: Communities may use it to guide dialogue about the issues they are experiencing with punishment. They and others who are interested in change may use the tool’s issue-spotting as inspiration to learn more about their local situation, and to develop projects of resistance and policy change. The tool’s extensive bibliography is also a resource, including for policymakers.