People's Republic of China (From Imprisonment Today and Tomorrow: International Perspectives on Prisoners' Rights and Prison Conditions, P 429-454, 1991, Dirk van Zyl Smit and Frieder Dunkel, eds. -- See NCJ-133824)

• NCJ Number: 133837
• Author(s): G Zhao
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 26 pages
• Sale Source: Kluwer Law and Taxation Publishers
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: Netherlands
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

Imprisonment in the People's Republic of China is discussed with respect to the structure and administration, prison conditions, and efforts at offender rehabilitation.

Abstract

Prisons are termed the "Reform Through Labor Organ" and mainly house political offenders, capital offenders who may have their sentences commuted, and those sentenced to life imprisonment or terms of 10 years or more. Jails are used mainly for pretrial detention. Control within prisons is strict, and solitary confinement can be used. Inmates are grouped by age, sex, offense seriousness, penalty, attitudes, and other characteristics. The law provides for the protection of prisoners' rights in many areas. Rehabilitation efforts focus on combining punishment with changes in inmates' ideological views; combining work with political, cultural, and technological education; and linking correctional efforts with the efforts of other agencies. Rehabilitation has made great progress, but additional reforms are needed in laws, funding, and corrections management and education. 19 references