NCJ Number
198204
Date Published
2001
Length
30 pages
Annotation
This paper presents data on the overcrowding of prisons in 26 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Abstract
The author explains that the main factor that is negatively affecting prison systems, and in fact the entire criminal justice systems of Latin America and the Caribbean, is the problem of prison overcrowding. For purposes of this analysis, the author defines prison overcrowding as the proportion of inmates that exceed the planned accommodations of the correctional institution. Prison overcrowding must be addressed with urgency because the improvement of this problem is a prerequisite to addressing other areas of concerns within Latin American and Caribbean justice systems. The author begins the review of prison overcrowding by examining the frequency of incarceration for countries in this region. The author then moves on to a discussion of overcrowding as cruel and degrading punishment, meeting the definition of cruel, inhumane, or degrading punishment as it is defined in the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment of Punishment (1984). There is little doubt that there is a need for concerted efforts to improve the situation in Latin American and Caribbean prisons. The obvious goal is to halt or even reverse the increasing rate of imprisonment in these countries in particular, and among all countries generally. The author notes that these problems are not specific to Latin America and the Caribbean. The two main factors that influence the size of prisons are the increasing numbers of people sentenced to prison terms and the increasing length of typical prison sentences. Action goals to correct this situation include diverting less serious cases away from the criminal justice system, implementing effective alternatives to incarceration, and ensuring that prisons respect the human rights of prisoners. In conclusion, the author asserts that while criminal justice policies must be handled with care, a more important agenda is the need for better social policy, particularly a more equitable distribution of wealth in all countries. Tables, references