NCJ Number
133831
Date Published
1991
Length
30 pages
Annotation
The use of imprisonment declined in France during the first half of the 20th century, but it has been increasing since the mid-1950's, especially since 1975, as a result of changes in corrections policy resulting from political influences.
Abstract
Until the 1970's discussions of corrections policy focused on rehabilitation. However, media campaigns and public attitudes brought pressures for stricter punishments and led to 1978 and 1981 laws that increase punishments and create a security period or minimum time to be served before any possibility of release. The security period was retained after the Socialists came into power in 1981, although reforms increased prisoners' rights and improved living conditions. A right-wing majority assumed power in 1986 and enacted laws extending the security period to 30 years for some crimes. The return of Socialists to office in 1988 has produced further reforms including the closure of 25 small prisons and a corrections policy based on the principles of rehabilitation, the development of probation, and the reactivation of groups focusing on juvenile delinquency prevention. Prison conditions have greatly improved since the reforms of 1975, but prison population increases are harming both the working conditions for correctional staff and living conditions for inmates. Currently, the first priority for reform should be to reduce the prison population. The Bonnemaison report also recommends decentralizing corrections management and other measures. Tables, footnotes, and 73 references