The new penology: a grid for analyzing the transformations of penal discourses, techniques and objectives

Abstract

“New penology” is the name given to an analytical grid used in the study of current changes emerging in penal discourse, techniques and objectives. The notion was first introduced by Feeley and Simon in 1992. This article explores the new penology by presenting and interconnecting the main transformations in the penal field. We aim to highlight the changes in discourses about crime and about the criminal offender; we also present the transformations that have triggered a redefinition of the aims of the penal system, and we observe how these new aims have led to the development of specific procedures and techniques. To illustrate the various dimensions of the change called new penology, the example of parole will be regularly resorted to.