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<p>The present article addresses the ongoing efforts of Greek governments over the past 40&#xa0;years to control prison overcrowding by: (1) reducing actual prison time to facilitate the early release of prisoners, (2) decriminalizing certain offenses, and (3) stopping the prosecution of several pending cases of minor crimes. These measures aim not only to decrease the prison population but also to alleviate court overload and reduce delays in the justice system. Αt the same time, the severity of custodial sentences (and fines) is occasionally intensified when crimes—such as rapes, domestic violence, homicides, child pornography, and serious economic crimes—gain public attention. The Ministry adopting harsher sentences in response to publicity about serious crimes avoids criticism, and in the meantime makes itself comfortable<Emphasis Type="Underline">,</Emphasis> since it does not have to take decisions that require careful evaluation of its sentencing and punishment policy. The article begins with a brief overview of law enforcement guidelines and the organization of the prison system, followed by a theoretical analysis of the role of routine and comfort in political decision-making. It then presents empirical findings on the dynamic interplay among crime rates, prisoner numbers, and early releases. The article concludes with a discussion of key findings and implications.</p>

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Prison Policy as Routine

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月8日

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  • Effi P. Lambropoulou,
  • Fotios S. Milienos

摘要

The present article addresses the ongoing efforts of Greek governments over the past 40 years to control prison overcrowding by: (1) reducing actual prison time to facilitate the early release of prisoners, (2) decriminalizing certain offenses, and (3) stopping the prosecution of several pending cases of minor crimes. These measures aim not only to decrease the prison population but also to alleviate court overload and reduce delays in the justice system. Αt the same time, the severity of custodial sentences (and fines) is occasionally intensified when crimes—such as rapes, domestic violence, homicides, child pornography, and serious economic crimes—gain public attention. The Ministry adopting harsher sentences in response to publicity about serious crimes avoids criticism, and in the meantime makes itself comfortable, since it does not have to take decisions that require careful evaluation of its sentencing and punishment policy. The article begins with a brief overview of law enforcement guidelines and the organization of the prison system, followed by a theoretical analysis of the role of routine and comfort in political decision-making. It then presents empirical findings on the dynamic interplay among crime rates, prisoner numbers, and early releases. The article concludes with a discussion of key findings and implications.