Green Criminology and Justice: Perspectives on Protection, Punishment, and Rehabilitation

Session Submission Type: Pre-arranged Panel

Abstract

The intersection of environmental crime, justice, and rehabilitation is a growing area of concern within contemporary criminology. This panel explores various dimensions of green criminology, focusing on crimes against natural and cultural heritage, legal responses to such offenses, and the role of environmental initiatives in correctional programs.The session begins with an analysis of looting and destruction of underwater cultural and natural heritage, shedding light on the threats posed by organized crime, environmental degradation, and the insufficient legal protections for submerged cultural sites. This presentation highlights the necessity of international cooperation in safeguarding these fragile ecosystems and heritage locations.Next, the discussion shifts to acts of vandalism against trees and natural landscapes, emphasizing the interconnection between cultural and natural heritage. This segment examines legal frameworks for protecting green spaces, the criminological aspects of environmental destruction, and the challenges of enforcing laws against ecological vandalism.The panel then turns to the legal justice system with a study on sentencing of animal abusers in Poland, providing a detailed analysis of judicial practices, sentencing trends, and the effectiveness of the legal framework in addressing crimes against animals. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of how society perceives and penalizes offenses against living beings. Finally, the session explores the role of green criminology in correctional programs, examining the potential of environmental rehabilitation initiatives within Polish penitentiary institutions. This presentation discusses how integrating ecological programs into the correctional system can contribute to inmate rehabilitation, influence penitentiary policy, and align with sustainable development goals.By addressing these diverse yet interconnected topics, this panel provides a comprehensive perspective on the role of green criminology in shaping legal frameworks, enforcing justice, and developing rehabilitation strategies for offenders. The discussion highlights the need for a holistic approach to environmental crime, balancing protection, punishment, and opportunities for social reintegration.

Subtopic

• Topic 2: Types of Offending / Environmental/Green Criminology

Chair

• Joanna Narodowska, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn

Individual Presentations

• Looting and destruction of underwater cultural and natural heritage - Aleksandra Nowak, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn; Wiesław Plywaczewski, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn

• Trees as victims of vandalism. Green criminology towards the destruction of natural and cultural heritage - Maciej Andrzej Duda, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn; Joanna Narodowska, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn

• Sentencing of animal abusers in Poland: between justice and green criminology - Diana Dajnowicz-Piesiecka, University of Bialystok

• Green Criminology for Correctional Programs: challenges and opportunities based on the experience of Polish correctional facilities - Joanna Narodowska, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn; Aneta Łyżwa, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn; Maciej Andrzej Duda, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn