Concise presentation of contextual article: The regulation of criminal justice detention by multisectoral actors. Prof Philippa Tomczak and Dr Tom Kemp

• In Event: The regulation of criminal justice detention by multisectoral actors

Abstract

The regulation of detention settings is increasingly seen as essential to the protection of human rights in prisons. Detention regulation is written into international standards such as OPCAT and national regimes continue to develop and expand. However, the effects of OPCAT and the impact of regulation of prison systems have not yet been rigorously examined despite ostensible potentials and material limitations in impact. Moreover, the limited existing accounts have centred the activities of the state, erasing the substantive actions of voluntary organisations, prisoners and bereaved families from narratives. This introduction gives a critical introduction to the concept, potentials and limitations of ‘regulation’, paying attention to multiple sectors and scales of action. Building on fledgling attempts to connect regulation studies with studies of ‘correctional oversight’, we analyse the benefits of using a regulation lens to remodel detention oversight frameworks.

Authors

• Philippa Tomczak, University of Nottingham

• Tom Kemp, University of Nottingham School of Sociology and Social Policy