Risk penology: The transformation of Europe’s penal order

Abstract

Shall we consider the dark realities of Black Mirror? Contemporary penalty represents a paradigm shift in criminal justice, moving from punishing past actions towards reducing risks of reoffending. Risk penology emphasises prevention through tailored interventions, such as rehabilitation programmes, mental health support, education and employment, to address the root causes of criminal behaviour and promote desistance. Our chapter examines how information economies have transformed legal justice and extended prevention thinking beyond criminal systems, thereby legitimising penal sanctions in broader societal contexts. While concepts like Beck's Risk Society or Garland's Culture of Control provide context, little attention is paid to how technological and social developments challenge traditional penal cultures. By focusing on prevention, risk penology seeks to reduce recidivism and enhance public safety by addressing the underlying factors contributing to crime. This approach recognises that effective crime prevention requires addressing social, economic and psychological dimensions rather than solely punishing individuals for past actions. It aims to break cycles of crime and incarceration while fostering a more just and equitable society. This chapter asks a critical question: What is the price of this shift?.