NCJ Number
128014
Journal
Penal Issues Research on Crime and Justice in France Issue: 1 Dated: (1990) Pages: 4-6
Date Published
1990
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This paper presents the results of a research project that investigated sentence enforcement in Paris. For the sample studied, sentencing occurred in 1977 and data collection in 1985.
Abstract
The records show 5,619 recorded sentences with 42 percent (2,345) prison sentences comprised of 2,239 immediate committals and 106 subsequently revoked suspensions. Of these, 574 were placed in detention after the hearing, and 1,771 were released after the verdict. The latter included 1,135 with effective legal recourses and 636 with enforceable prison terms. For these 636 sentences, 14 (2 percent) offenders had unprocessed committal orders, 424 (67 percent) offenders were not found in time for legal incarceration, 28 (4 percent) offenders were found but not incarcerated, and 170 (27 percent) were found in time and incarcerated. These data show that out of all prison sentences pronounced in Paris, only 744 (32 percent of 2,345) are enforced. The findings suggest that an offender sentenced to prison in Paris who is not restrained has a good chance of avoiding incarceration through legal recourse and hiding.