MANIFESTATIONS BETWEEN JAILS: analysis of institutional frameworks and repertoires in cases of hunger strikes in São Paulo prisons

• Grant number: 24/07963-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Applied Social Sciences - Law - Public Law
• Principal Investigator: Ana Gabriela Mendes Braga
• Grantee: Mariana Pinto Zoccal
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Humanas e Sociais (FCHS). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Franca. Franca , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This research will use the hunger strikes that took place in São Paulo prisons between 2013 and 2023 as its object of study. We are interested in investigating how the São Paulo criminal justice system deals with hunger strikes by prisoners. In a subsidiary way, we will try to ascertain what characteristics differentiate the demonstrations and hunger strikes considered "licit" and "illicit" in the prison environment by the justice system. And, to the extent that such conduct is considered "illicit", what elements are seen as suitable for classifying the conduct as serious disciplinary misconduct in the administrative and judicial spheres. Our general objective, therefore, is to analyze the institutional frameworks and repertoires of the São Paulo criminal justice system in episodes of hunger strikes by prisoners. Specifically, we seek to: a) outline the profile of judicial decisions on the subject; b) analyze how the refusal to feed tends to be framed by actors and institutions in the justice system; c) map out the institutional repertoires adopted by professionals working in Criminal Enforcement in these cases. Methodologically, we propose to carry out empirical, qualitative research, based on document analysis and the multiple case study strategy. We will analyze the jurisprudence of the São Paulo Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice on the subject, as well as the administrative disciplinary procedures that gave rise to the respective judgments collected. After an exploratory analysis, we will select three cases that prove to be the most representative for in-depth case studies. Data analysis will be inspired by document ethnography and the "Textual Discourse Analysis" technique.