Introduction to the special monograph on "The punitive system and the penitentiary system in the 21st century. Alternative measures to prison".

Abstract

Crime is a frustrated personal act, but at the same time, it is a failure of society. The offender is the one who commits the crime, but society has its share of responsibility that should not be avoided. In principle, punishment is an expiatory retribution for a crime for an evil proportionate to his guilt. The difficulty arises when the purpose of the criminal sanction is studied. If the purpose is punishment, the basis of the penalty is repression, but if the purpose is to prevent the offender from committing further criminal acts, the basis is prevention.