NCJ Number
132596
Date Published
1990
Length
272 pages
Annotation
A sociological and judicial study examines all aspects of the fines imposed in 19 Latin American countries, emphasizing the use of day fine penalties in comparison to imprisonment. A model code for day fine application in Latin America is suggested.
Abstract
Most countries use the global fine system; Chile, Mexico, and Peru use the salary system. The authors suggest that fines are superior to imprisonment for the social well-being of citizens in poor, developing nations such as in Latin America, where currency value can change daily. Fines allow the accused to continue to work and be productive in society; imprisonment condemns the accused and family to even greater poverty. Only by adjusting the fine to the abilities of the accused can justice be done. Chapters present information on Latin American day fines, global fines, salary based fines, equality fines, and intermediate sanctions in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela, and Uruguay. The alternative fine model offers guidelines for determining the day fine based on the crime and the accused's situation and when imprisonment should be considered. 39 tables, 8 graphs, and 2 appendices