NCJ Number
90930
Date Published
1981
Length
10 pages
Annotation
French regulations governing the treatment of young offenders serving in the military are outlined and reforms are proposed.
Abstract
The military is generally viewed as a disadvantageous environment for young delinquents, especially those rebellious and weak in character. They are cut off from their normal social circumstances, exposed to numerous bad examples, and obliged to confront the hostile groups. In response to this problem, a special commission was established in 1971 to decide on an individual basis whether offenders under 29 years of age who had been sentenced to a 1-year prison term before or during military service should be required to finish their term of service in the usual manner or be placed under supervision of military probation officials, normally for 2 years. The offenders are subject to military law and the law establishing the special commission. The authority of the commission replaces that of the civilian judge charged with supervising the execution of sentences. Offenders are required to notify the judge upon separation from the service. Young adults convicted and sentenced for serious criminal offenses during their term of service are not permitted to remain in the military and are placed under the jurisdiction of a civilian judge for execution of sentences. In its decisions, the commission has opted more and more frequently to allow young offenders to complete their active military service under special supervision for a longer-than-normal term. The author recommends special training in criminology for military doctors and more research on the effects of the military on young delinquents. Notes are supplied.