Concepts and conditions of penal moderation: Penal policy, public philosophy, and political ideologies
May 25th, 2026
We draw attention to the English-language article “Concepts and conditions of penal moderation: Penal policy, public philosophy, and political ideologies. Theoretical reflections from Italy (2010–2018)”, written by Zelia Gallo and published in 2025 in Theoretical Criminology.
The article examines the concept of “penal moderation,” understood as a spectrum ranging from non-punitiveness to a fully developed public philosophy of punishment, and investigates the conditions that enable its emergence and sustainability. Through an analysis of Italian penal policies between 2010 and 2018, the study highlights the dynamics that have both fostered and constrained forms of reduced punitiveness. The article thus offers a critical reflection on the relationship between politics and punishment, suggesting that the possibility of a more moderate penal policy depends not only on institutional arrangements but also on the overall quality of democratic life.
The full article can be accessed at the following link.