NCJ Number
173859
Date Published
1994
Length
389 pages
Annotation
Major changes in prison conditions throughout Europe have occurred over the past 20 years, and new developments have their origins in events as diverse as legal challenges, inmate protests, government law and order policies, and accountability.
Abstract
Research conducted in England, France, Germany, and the Netherlands deals with similarities and differences between European prison systems and the possibility of changing the nature of prisons by changing the structures through which they account for their performance. The importance of accountability is emphasized, although accountability is not viewed as a concept unique to contemporary forms of state organization. Following a review of historical and theoretical aspects of accountability, concrete issues in accountability are identified as they pertain to prisoner rights, prison disciplinary hearings, prison standards, and prison oversight and supervision. The impact of European union on prison systems and the use of private companies to manage prisons are discussed. Additional information on developments in prison systems of England, France, Germany, and the Netherlands is appended. References, footnotes, and tables