Barbara Branco
Thesis Title: Algorithmic Justice and Hostile Solidarity: An interdisciplinary examination of Parole Board decisions mediated by automated decision-making systems in the UK.
In the UK, the dominant positivist mindset in punishment studies regularly neglects the role emotions play in reinforcing openly punitive discourses, that grew in severity since the 1970s. This combined to the lack of social solidarity, ingrained hostile emotions within punishment theory and practice, fostering a ‘hostile solidarity’ among ‘law abiding citizens’ in their animosity towards offenders. The yearn for objectivity within criminal procedure led to the use of automated decision-making systems (ADM) to predict recidivism. However, the old quest for ‘objectivity’ may become trickier with the use of ADM in criminal justice for two reasons: the misconception that machines are ‘neutral’ tools, and the feelings of alienation these technologies may forge between other stakeholders and offenders. Tackling this issue is vital to offer insights into what the current configuration of the UK criminal justice transpires about societal priorities and aims. Also, using new technologies (which often have not been fully examined) to manage criminal justice is risky and creates a sense of urgency in assessing such topic before ADM becomes a consolidated and uncontested part of the system. To address the abovementioned issue, the project will deploy an interdisciplinary approach and engage with a qualitative socio-legal assessment of criminal court proceedings where ADM is relied upon.
Biography
Barbara Branco is conducting research funded by the ESRC in relation to the use of automated decision-making systems in the criminal justice system in the UK. She holds a master’s degree in International Human Rights Law from Lund University, and a bachelor’s degree in Law from Universidade de Brasília. Barbara worked as an Assistant Manager at the department of Corporate Intelligence at Deloitte UK until 2023. She also worked in a set of international organisations, including internships at the International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth (IPC-IG) and the Permanent Mission of Brazil to the UN Office in Geneva.
Publications
Branco, Barbara (2017). “Women in Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration processes: a human rights assessment of the United Nations’ guidelines to the programme.” Master’s thesis. Lund University.
Other Research Interests
- Criminal law
- Human rights
Socio-Legal Studies
Warwick
2023 Cohort, 1+3
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-b-6a01133a/
Supervisory Team
Henrique Carvalho
Silvia Gomes