Alice Dawnay’s Perrie Lecture published in Prison Service Journal
The Prison Service Journal has published a transcript of a lecture delivered by Common Ground Justice Project co-founder Alice Dawnay at the 2025 Perrie Lectures, an annual gathering of leaders from across the criminal justice sector.
Speaking on the theme of The Future of Imprisonment, Alice reflected on the importance of public trust in justice reform and the need to listen more deeply to the experiences and values of ordinary voters, victims and communities affected by crime.
Drawing on findings from the Common Ground Justice Project's first phase of research, the lecture explores public attitudes towards punishment, accountability, fairness and contribution, and argues for a more constructive conversation about the future of the justice system.
As Alice observed:
"It's this polarisation that's clouding a new way forward for our ailing justice system; that's keeping us locked in a tug-of-war between punishment and rehabilitation, individual responsibility and systemic injustice… debates that generate a lot of heat, but not much light."
Alice also highlighted the opportunity that exists when reformers engage more directly with the public:
"The public may not be the obstacle but the untapped ally, willing to see what new solutions look like."
▶ Read the full speech (PDF)