| Abstract [eng] |
Based on the ideas of social constructionism, this study aims to explore the perception of punishment functions among actors in the Lithuanian political discourse and to identify how different receptions influence the overall Lithuanian criminal policy. The paper examines the concept of punishment, different functions of punishment, the tradition of social constructionism, and its connection to ideologies and discourse. The penal system reflects the direction of the state's criminal policy, and attitudes toward punishment and its purpose have a significant impact on how punishment is determined. Criminal policy, representing different interests, constantly fluctuates between strict punitive tactics and measures focused on assistance and resocialization. Therefore, the goal was to understand how Lithuanian political discourse actors, as shapers of criminal policy, perceive the functions of punishment. A qualitative study revealed that well-informed citizens understand the goals of criminal punishment differently. While conservative views emphasizing retribution, strictness, and the isolative function of punishment prevail among the study participants, there are also clearly liberal attitudes focused on proportionality, resocialization, and alternatives to imprisonment. It was found that the ideological identity of well-informed citizens does not always align with their views on criminal policy issues. The thesis that Lithuanian political discourse actors support a strict punitive policy and perceive punishments as a means of state coercion was partially confirmed. The study participants support harsh punishments in cases of serious, brutal violent crimes and recidivism. However, they believe that most crimes committed are of a lesser nature, less dangerous, and thus propose a shift toward a milder punitive policy, a re-evaluation of measures, and methods aimed at achieving the intended goals of punishment. Well-informed citizens unanimously agree that the criminal policy implemented by the state reflects the expectations of society. |
