Censure: Moral and Sociological

Abstract

The concept of censure, as developed in different ways, in the work of Sumner and von Hirsch, has enormous potential—though each of the accounts has its own limitations—In this chapter, I discuss both theories and show some way in which there is a common ground between them, and to offer some suggestions as to ways that this common ground might be developed, bringing criminology and criminal law theory into a new kind of dialogue.

I would like to thank Sarah Armstrong for her comments on an earlier draft.