A process whereby the major political parties compete with each other to be 'tougher on crime'
Penal populism
Generally associated with a public perception that crime is out of control
Tends to manifest at general elections when politicians put forward hard-line policies which would remand more offenders into prison prior to sentencing and impose longer sentences
Penal populism
Reflects the disenchantment felt by a distinct segment of society, crime victims and their representatives who believe they have been left out, or simply forgotten, by justice processes which focus on the offender
