Law as a weapon: Exploring prisoners' strategic use of the law in the prison field

Alessandro Maculan

doi:10.35295/osls.iisl.2041

Authors

Alessandro Maculan University of Padua https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3209-7663

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl.2041

Keywords:

Field theory, law, Bourdieu, Qualitative research, Prison

Abstract

Grounded in Bourdieu’s field theory and drawing from qualitative research conducted in a Northern Italy prison, this study aims to investigate how prisoners strategically utilize the law, rules, and regulations within the prison field. The law is conceptualized as a form of objectified cultural capital – a weapon wielded by prisoners to achieve specific objectives. Findings from this research reveal that despite the challenges and constraints prisoners encounter when asserting their rights through legal means, the utilization of the law is intricately linked to navigating the operational logic of the prison field. By aligning their actions with this logic, prisoners seek to mitigate unintended consequences and maximize benefits.

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Author Biography

Alessandro Maculan, University of Padua

University of Padua, FISPPA Department | Via M. Cesarotti 10/12, 35123 Padova (Italy). Email address: alessandro.maculan@unipd.it

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