Jack Ågren, Professor of Criminal Law
Jack Ågren was born and raised in Stockholm and completed his law degree at Stockholm University in 2002. He was admitted to the doctoral programme at Stockholm University in 2005 and finished his PhD in 2013 with a thesis on the significance of allowing mitigating circumstances within the framework of the Swedish penal code, taking into account so-called equity factors.
Following his PhD, Jack Ågren worked as a senior lecturer in criminal law at Stockholm University between 2013 and 2020, and was appointed as docent in criminal law in 2018. He started at Karlstad University as a senior lecturer in criminal law in the summer of 2020, was appointed head of subject at Karlstad Business School in 2023 and promoted to professor of criminal law in January 2024.
"My research has primarily focused on the sanction system and sentencing, but also on the general part of criminal law with a particular focus on issues related to the concept of crime, that is, the various criteria that must be met for an act to be considered a crime."
Jack Ågren’s interest in criminal law research has several layers.
"How we answer questions about why we punish people, which actions should be regarded criminal and what should happen to those who commit crimes, define us as people and as a society – the answers tell us something about who we are. Questions about morality, guilt, responsibility, and justice are issues that most people can relate to. They are deeply rooted in us, which inspires me as a researcher to delve deeper and try to find explanations. In addition to that, I also hope that my research will contribute to societal development and act as a basis for legislators and law enforcers."
Jack Ågren also wants to emphasise the importance of research-based teaching, as well as researchers engaging in teaching.
"The researcher’s educational duty is extremely important. Meeting with students provides an important indicator of whether the research is comprehensible."
When it comes to future research, Jack Ågren sees that the pace of policy in the field of criminal law creates specific needs.
"A lot is happening and it is happening fast. Criminal law is facing major challenges. Both fundamental questions about the role and significance of criminal law, as well as issues of criminalisation and sentencing, are crucial discussion topics going forward."
When Jack Ågren is not studying crime and punishment, he likes to travel to warmer destinations with his wife. He also enjoys spending his free time playing sports, preferably “beginner golf”.