Emilio Hernández

Emilio Hernández is an Ecuadorian lawyer and PhD candidate in Criminology at Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona). His research focuses on punitive populism, criminal policy, and the relationship between security crises, political narratives, and justice systems. His doctoral work examines how “tough on crime” approaches and punitive political discourse shape criminal justice systems, particularly in Ecuador and across Latin America. He is especially interested in how insecurity is politically mobilized to justify the expansion of punitive state power, the militarization of security, and changes in legal and institutional frameworks.

Emilio combines academic research with professional experience as a criminal lawyer, bringing both analytical and practical perspectives to the study of justice systems. His broader research interests include the legitimacy of punishment, the impact of political discourse on criminal policy, and the tensions between security, fundamental rights, and democratic governance. He is currently a member of the Research Group in Criminology and Penal System at Universitat Pompeu Fabra and has presented his work at international academic forums, including the Stockholm Criminology Symposium and the Europaeum Winter School at Central European University.