NCJ Number
232985
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 50 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2010 Pages: 1023-1040
Date Published
November 2010
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This article examines both the genealogy of suicide prevention policies in France and the role of judicial authorities in regard to these policies, and the provisions adopted by the prison administration.
Abstract
This paper shows that preventing 'suicide risks' in French prison regulations is thwarted in two prisons by professional criteria regarding credibility and solidarity, as well as by the balance of power between prisoners and guards, in addition to the realization, on the part of the judges responsible for sentencing, of the risks posed by recidivists. The results of this study should provoke a reevaluation of suicide prevention programs when considered in the light of the numerous mediations and transcriptions between these programs and their subsequent concretization in the culture and practices of prison employees. (Published Abstract) Table and references