Explanation
Human rights form the foundation of international law and democratic societies. They guarantee dignity, equality, and protection from arbitrary state power. In criminology, human rights are relevant when discussing the legitimacy of punishment, prison conditions, the death penalty, or policing practices. Violations of human rights often occur in contexts of authoritarian regimes, over-policing, or discriminatory criminal policies.
Theoretical Reference
Human rights debates intersect with critical criminology, abolitionism, and Foucault’s analysis of state power and biopolitics.