Understanding Crime Control and Punishment in Lithuania

This edited book provides a comprehensive study of punitive practices in modern-day Lithuania, highlighting its significance as a democratic European state navigating the continuing consequences of its Soviet-era criminal justice system. Punitive attitudes and practices are explored through a thematic framework, examining their socio-political, cultural, and historical contexts. Part I traces the cultural, psychological, and historical origins of punishment, highlighting the influence of collective memory and transitional reforms on penal debates. Part II examines the uneven application of criminal justice, showing how it unfairly punishes marginalised and disadvantaged communities. Part III explores advancements in probation, imprisonment, crime prevention, and victim support, showing how reforms can become both symbolic and oppressive. The book offers various criminological viewpoints that contribute to policy discussions about reducing excessive punishment, exploring alternatives, and promoting meaningful justice reform. This vital resource supports the work of scholars in criminology, sociology, law, and related fields focused on social justice and democratic reform.

Presents research-based knowledge on punitiveness in eastern Europe Explores punishment and criminal justice systems in a post-communist society Criticall explores the measures employed for social surveillance and control

Autorentext

Aleksandras Dobryninas is Professor of Sociology at the Department of Criminology at the Institute of Sociology and Social Work, Faculty of Philosophy, Vilnius University, Lithuania.

Simonas Nikartas is Associate Professor at the Department of Criminology at the Institute of Sociology and Social Work, Faculty of Philosophy, Vilnius University, Lithuania.

Inhalt

Chapter 1. Lithuania As A Punitive Society: An Introduction (Aleksandras Dobryninas And Simonas Nikartas).- Part I: Understanding Punitiveness.- Chapter 2. Psychology Of Punishment: Why Do We Punish Others? (Kristina Vanagait And Violeta Cimalanskait-Kazlauskien).- Chapter 3. The Social And Cultural Context Of Punitiveness In Lithuania (Aura Pocien).- Chapter 4. Lessons From The Abolition Of The Death Penalty In Lithuania: Looking Through A Kaleidoscope Of Professional, Political And Public Discourses (Aleksandras Dobryninas).- Chapter 5. Punitive Thinking In Different Times And Generations (Laima ilinskien).- Chapter 6. Punitive Attitudes Toward Difference: Bullying Perception In The 19802000 Generation (Goda Damaeviit And Jovita kait-Maconko).- Part II: Suitable Punishable Subjects.- Chapter 7. Disciplining The Poor: The Politics Of Responsibilizing The UnderclassInLithuania (Arnas Poviliunas And Arnas Juka).- Chapter 8. Technology And Future Trajectories Of Punitivity: Lessons Learned From Selective Persecution Of Online Offenders In Lithuania (Maryja upa, Vytautas Kaktinas And Egl Stankeviit).- Chapter 9. Punishing Drug Users? A Sight At Lithuanian Drug Control Policy (Mindaugas Lankauskas).- Chapter 10. Female Offender: Doubly Deviant And Hounded By The Media (Rimant Gaievskyt).- Part III: Institutional Punitiveness.- Chapter 11. A Reform Again? Explaining Reorganisation Processes And Perspectives Of Imprisonment In Lithuania (Jolanta Alekneviien).- Chapter 12. A Prison Without Bars: Prisonisation Of Probation Through Intensive Supervision In Lithuania (Simonas Nikartas, Loreta Matait And Neila Sventickyt).- Chapter 13. Crime Prevention And Victim Support: New Actors In The Field Of Criminal Justice (Algimantas epas).