NCJ Number
158669
Date Published
1995
Length
22 pages
Annotation
Throughout its various epochs and reforms, France's correctional system has been divided between a secular, neutral model and a religious, confessional model aimed at the redemption of offenders.
Abstract
Corrections policies have undergone numerous shifts, most recently following the political right won a majority in the national election and the prevention programs promoted by the previous socialist government were sharply reduced and security again became the central correctional concept. The criminal code was amended to include heavier statutory sentences, while new regulations reduced both judicial discretion and the impact of agencies involved in noncustodial initiatives. The French Penal Code distinguishes between three main types of offense in terms of seriousness, the punishment method, and the agency responsible for punishment. France has three types of prisons. Prison population increases in recent decades are largely the result of lengthier sentences. In January 1994, 12.6 percent of inmates were illiterate, 58.4 percent had a primary school certificate, and 29 percent held a secondary school certificate. Most inmates were male. The percentage of foreign-born inmates increased from 18 percent of the total prison population in 1975 to 31 percent in 1993. The percentage of remand inmates has increased steadily since the early 1970's. Alternatives to institutionalization have had a central role for the last 150 years and include community service, the day fine, and probation. Victim services include compensation and counseling. The use of managerial private prisons and technology is expected to increase in the future. However, France has never resolved the conflict between the utilitarian and redemptive correctional approaches, making its system a destructive one. 54 references