News

Congratulations to Dr Diarmuid Griffin on his appointment to the Royal Irish Academy (RIA)’s Ethics, Politics, Law and Philosophy Committee.

Committee members represent a broad spectrum of academics, researchers and industry experts from across Ireland and were selected based on their discipline expertise and public engagement experience. The committee’s purpose is to raise and address issues, including those of public concern, relevant to its shared expertise.

Dr Diarmuid Griffin is Associate Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the School of Law, University of Galway. His research sits at the intersection of criminology, criminal justice, and human rights law, with a particular focus on sentencing, parole, risk and criminal justice decision-making. He is the author of two sole-authored monographs: Killing Time: Life Imprisonment and Parole in Ireland (Palgrave Macmillan, 2018) and Sentencing Serious Sex Offenders: How Judges Decide When Discretion is Wide (Policy Press, 2025). His work has been recognised internationally for its originality, methodological innovation, and policy relevance. It has informed public debate, legislative reform, and criminal justice policy in Ireland, including contributing to the development of the Parole Act 2019. His research has been cited in parliamentary debates and by both the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, reflecting its influence on legal and policy discourse. Dr Griffin has held a number of public and statutory appointments, including membership of the Judicial Council’s Sentencing Guidelines and Information Committee. He has also contributed extensively to public discourse through engagement with policymakers, NGOs, criminal justice practitioners, and the media. Through his research, teaching, and public engagement, he seeks to promote informed dialogue on law, justice, and public policy.