FEATURES OF THE ITALIAN PENITENTIARY SYSTEM: DREAMS AND REALITY

Abstract

The article examines the penitentiary system of Italy. A comparative analysis of the statistical data of the penitentiary systems of the largest countries neighboring to it, such as France and Germany, is carried out. It is established that with the publication of Law No. 354 of July 26, 1975, which provided for a new method of interaction with prisoners based on encouraging them to work and learn new activities, the foundation of the modern Italian penitentiary system was laid. The latter is now based on the idea of the opportunity for the individual re-education. For this purpose, cultural and entertainment programs, sports events are introduced into the prisoner rehabilitation program so that prisoners can go through the process of socialization upon release from prison. The peculiarity of the law is the emphasis on changing the life priorities of prisoners, among which an active life position and setting long-term goals prevail, as well as its focus on determining the best way of social reintegration for each prisoner. It is emphasized that the ways of social adaptation in some Italian prisons could well become a model for other countries. Thus, in the course of the implementation of the state program for reforming the penitentiary system, some prisons have successfully applied experimental methods of social adaptation of prisoners. However, the actual state of the Italian penitentiary system is generally far from these ideals. The overcrowding of Italian prisons is one of the most acute problems, as the number of prisoners in the premises far exceeds their capacity. In 2024, the prison occupancy rate reached 122%. The main reason for this situation is insufficient funding. Another serious problem for Italian penitentiary institutions is the suicide of prisoners and the death rate in prisons. It is noted that the Italian penitentiary system needs a radical comprehensive rather than a targeted reform. It is important for the government to make not only declarative but also real commitments to find and apply innovative solutions to address the main causes of prison overcrowding and improve prisoners’ lives.