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“The lowest level is so f*cking low”: A study of the legal consciousness of Swedish legal actors

Keseric, Alexandra LU (2023) SOLM02 20221
Department of Sociology of Law
Abstract
This research study is based on the problematisation of criminal gangs’ development within Swedish society and its presence towards young Swedish individuals. Furthermore, the study was built on investigating changes that take place within legislations. This study’s research problem and purpose was designed to investigate whether mitigating circumstances within the Swedish Penal Code can result in having a more significant effect whilst meting out punishments for crimes committed by young individuals and its association to gangs or criminal milieu. Accordingly, the theoretical framework consist of Ewick & Silbey’s theory of legal consciousness that was utilised to analyse the collected data. The empirical data was generated through seven... (More)
This research study is based on the problematisation of criminal gangs’ development within Swedish society and its presence towards young Swedish individuals. Furthermore, the study was built on investigating changes that take place within legislations. This study’s research problem and purpose was designed to investigate whether mitigating circumstances within the Swedish Penal Code can result in having a more significant effect whilst meting out punishments for crimes committed by young individuals and its association to gangs or criminal milieu. Accordingly, the theoretical framework consist of Ewick & Silbey’s theory of legal consciousness that was utilised to analyse the collected data. The empirical data was generated through seven qualitative interviews with Swedish legal actors - prosecutors, defense lawyers and police officers. Throughout the analysed data, it was possible to characterize the legal actors’ legal consciousness. Finally, the study’s conclusive remarks highlight how future research needs to focus and explore further different perspectives and actors that can be helpful to combat the development of gangs. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Keseric, Alexandra LU
supervisor
organization
course
SOLM02 20221
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Gangs, Youths, Mitigating circumstances, Penalty discount, Influence/effect, Legal consciousness, Legal actors.
language
English
id
9121431
date added to LUP
2023-07-04 15:46:28
date last changed
2023-07-04 15:46:28
@misc{9121431,
  abstract     = {{This research study is based on the problematisation of criminal gangs’ development within Swedish society and its presence towards young Swedish individuals. Furthermore, the study was built on investigating changes that take place within legislations. This study’s research problem and purpose was designed to investigate whether mitigating circumstances within the Swedish Penal Code can result in having a more significant effect whilst meting out punishments for crimes committed by young individuals and its association to gangs or criminal milieu. Accordingly, the theoretical framework consist of Ewick & Silbey’s theory of legal consciousness that was utilised to analyse the collected data. The empirical data was generated through seven qualitative interviews with Swedish legal actors - prosecutors, defense lawyers and police officers. Throughout the analysed data, it was possible to characterize the legal actors’ legal consciousness. Finally, the study’s conclusive remarks highlight how future research needs to focus and explore further different perspectives and actors that can be helpful to combat the development of gangs.}},
  author       = {{Keseric, Alexandra}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{“The lowest level is so f*cking low”: A study of the legal consciousness of Swedish legal actors}},
  year         = {{2023}},
}