Working Group on Collateral Consequences of Criminal Records

The Working Group on Collateral Consequences of Criminal Records was established in 2019 and officially launched at the European Society of Criminology annual conference held in Ghent. Co-convened by Elina van ‘t Zand-Kurtovic and Alessandro Corda, the group now involves around 40 active members drawn from across Europe, North America, Oceania and beyond. The Working Group brings together a diverse range of academics with a shared interest in exploring the often overlooked legal and social barriers faced by individuals who have interacted with the criminal justice system.

The Working Group’s focus is primarily concerned with the punitive ramifications and effects of criminal records, which remain largely invisible compared to traditional forms of state punishment such as incarceration, probation or fines. These collateral consequences severely limit access to employment, housing, education, and social integration opportunities for individuals involved in the criminal justice system, leading to lasting social stigma and marginalisation. By providing a dedicated space for the study of these issues, the Working Group seeks to address what has historically represented an important gap in European criminological research, emphasising the enduring impacts of criminal records even after formal penalties have been served.

Since its inception, the Working Group has seen continuous growth, fostering a strong and supportive academic community. Its membership includes scholars at all career stages, from early-career PhD students to established Professors, making it a vibrant platform for both mentorship and collaboration. Panels organised by the group have become a prominent feature of the annual ESC conferences, reflecting the increasing academic interest in this area. The Working Group is committed to advancing scholarship on the collateral consequences of criminal records and ensuring these issues receive the attention they deserve within the broader European criminological landscape.

In addition to its panels at the ESC conferences, since 2021 the Working Group has been organising a series of Works-in-Progress seminars held online throughout the year. These seminars provide an opportunity for members to present drafts of their ongoing papers, chapters, book projects, and other scholarly endeavours. Participants receive constructive feedback from the working group community, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages academic growth and refinement of ideas.

Members of the Working Group have also contributed to a recent Special Issue (Volume 23, Issue 4) of the journal Criminology & Criminal Justice, focusing on Collateral Consequences of Criminal Records from a cross-national perspective, edited by Alessandro Corda, Marti Rovira and Elina van ’t Zand-Kurtovic.

If you are interested in joining the Working Group, we warmly invite you to connect with the working group chairs. You can also follow us on Twitter/X at @CCCR_WG.