Two Decades of Penal Populism – The Case of Hungary

Abstract Hungary Post-2010 has been ruled by Viktor Orbán and his right-wing Fidesz party is generally regarded as a typical case of populist governance. Reforming the Penal Code was one first major policy changes initiated shortly after winning 2010 elections. It introduced ‘three-strikes’ principle into Hungarian penal which considered prime example populism. could be inferred that in past decade dominated populism punitive measures. This paper argues reality more nuanced presents concepts making, with special focus on context. The article provides an overview most important measures two decades examines whether how increased strictness legislative acts influenced sentencing practice. highlights related results empirical survey public opinions about criminal law ends study exploration intersections lowering age limit responsibility