| Many countries In the western world are experiencing a revival of punitive crime policies. This is most notable in the United States and it is from the US that many of the new punitive policies (such as "three strikes") are being exported. Australia has just experienced a crisis in sentencing policy precipitated by mandatory sentencing laws in two of its jurisdictions. What marked this crisis and has become characteristic of the new punitiveness elsewhere, has been the justifications for the new "tough" approach. The approach is no longer justified as necessary to reduce crime or as a way to ensure safety in the community. Politicians know that the figures will not support them if they mount that argument. The new policies are justified on the basis of popular appeal. It is what is perceived to be popular that has become the most important criteria of choice in crime policy. There is now a "direct feed" between immediate popularity and penal policy. This link has been engendered to some extent by the increasing reach, relevance and packaging of the media. This paper will discuss the changing of dominant concerns Iin crime policy and the role of the media in this process. Using examples from the US, Australia, Canada the UK and Australia populist crime policy will be discussed. The remedies and responses to this new policy environment hinge on understanding the appeals and weaknesses of populism. It is argued that well informed critics will have the power to break the Voodoo charms of crime policy "game show" hosts. |
Updated 05/20/2006