NCJ Number
207872
Journal
Penological Information Bulletin Issue: 25 Dated: December 2003 Pages: 3-7
Editor(s)
Stephanos Stavros
Date Published
December 2003
Length
5 pages
Annotation
In updating the European Prison Rules (EPR), this article explores the difficulty in the establishment of the Council of Europe standards for the treatment of prisoners and the administration of prisons.
Abstract
The intent of the European Prison Rules (EPR) is to provide progressive standards to improve the treatment of prisoners and the management of penal establishments. The EPR's perform a reference function in the development and reform of prison systems in Europe. Because the EPR is used as a point of reference there is the need to ensure congruence between the sources and the standards derived from them. The question that arises is does the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) and the measurement rods used to develop standards for good prison treatment improve on the EPR standards? In updating the EPR, achievement should be reached in the harmonization of standard-setting instruments in the interest of improving the coordinated possibilities for the humane and effective treatment of prisoners and the drawing up of specific standards of good practice for the guidance of governments and facilitation of CPT work. This article examines the CPT standards, the complex problems in developing standards, implementing recommendations, and the need for mutual assistance in improving prison conditions.