Ian Marder

Maynooth University

Dr. Ian Marder is an Associate Professor in Criminology at the School of Law and Criminology. at Maynooth University. He is an Irish Research Council awardee

"We shouldn't be surprised that prison fails to rehabilitate, given that it is designed with retribution in mind." (Stock image) Photo: Getty Images

Why a decarceration strategy could work for Ireland

Understanding the consequences of different sentences can help us decide which aims of sentencing we want to prioritise

Prisons • 06 May

Interior of Mountjoy Prison in Dublin: 'we imprison high numbers of people who commit nonviolent offences, including those whose offending stems from addiction, housing, trauma, serious victimisation and mental health needs'

Could early releases solve Ireland's overcrowded prisons' crisis?

If we were serious about using the justice system to keep society safe, we would make quite different investments

Prisons • 14 Aug 24

Natasha O'Brien outside Leinster House in Dublin during a protest meeting in support of her last week. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/ © RollingNews.ie

How criminal justice can harm victims more than crime itself

Secondary victimisation can be prevented if we understand victims' needs and invest in services and approaches to best meet these

Crime • 03 Jul 24

'There is a sense that sending more people to prison for longer periods (or being more 'punitive') enjoys widespread public support.' Photo: RTÉ

Does the general public want harsher sentences for criminals?

Public attitudes to criminal justice issues may be more complex than simply assuming 'law and order' policies will be politically popular

Crime • 17 May 24

The Criminal Courts of Justice, in Dublin

How much do you really know about crime and justice?

A criminologist poses some quiz questions about the Irish criminal justice process, crime rates and other topics

law • 24 Jul 23

'If gardaí want to understand the communities they police, there is no substitute for direct, structured, independently facilitated dialogue between gardaí and community members.'

Dialogue can help gardaí better understand diverse communities

A project in west Dublin has brought young black adults and gardaí together to create meaningful dialogue between police and community

An Garda Síochána • 19 Oct 22

"What questions should the Citizens' Assembly consider, and what can we learn from elsewhere?" Image: GettyImages

5 things a Citizens' Assembly on drug use should consider

The Citizens' Assembly provides a unique opportunity to learn from elsewhere and develop an evidence-based response to drug use

Citizens’ Assembly • 30 Aug 22

Cork Courthouse: 'guidelines also provide an opportunity to pivot our justice system in a common sense direction.'

How should Ireland's new sentencing guidelines operate?

Sentencing guidelines can help create a smarter criminal justice system if we have the courage to seize this opportunity

law • 16 Aug 22

"If they agree to speak, the victim can express how they were affected and ask questions to which only the perpetrator has an answer" Photo: Getty Images

Would you meet a person who committed a crime against you?

Restorative justice benefits victims, offenders and communities and must be available to everyone

Justice • 02 Feb 21

"Much will depend on An Garda Síochána's use of discretion over the coming months". Photo: Garda Info @GardaInfo

How will Ireland police the pandemic?

An Garda Síochána have an opportunity to show that public safety can be maintained through consent rather than enforcement

Coronavirus • 21 Apr 20