THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRISON SYSTEMS WORLDWIDE
THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRISON SYSTEMS WORLDWIDE

Author(s): Mirko Goreta, Marko Marulić
Subject(s): Criminal Law, Penology, Sociology of Law
Published by: CENTAR MODERNIH ZNANJA
Keywords: prison systems; punishment; repression; inmates; deprivation of liberty;
Summary/Abstract: The construction of prisons, which marked the inception of modern penal institutions, began only in the late 16th century. These facilities housed not only convicted offenders but also vagrants, beggars, idlers, prostitutes, alcoholics, abandoned children, and other individuals deemed socially dangerous. Within such a framework of enforcement, intimidation, cruelty, and retribution constituted the primary instruments and guiding principles of the penitentiary system. Indeed, until the 18th century, the treatment of prisoners lacked even the most basic elements of humanity. Both theorists and practitioners concurred that society—particularly offenders—should be deterred through severe punishments and even harsher methods of execution. Such conditions prevailed in prisons across nearly all countries, including those in the United States. However, certain advancements occurred in some U.S. states that Europe failed to implement. From the very outset of introducing custodial sentences and their enforcement, the United States began developing specific systems that represented a notable improvement over European practice. This paper aims to examine the historical evolution of prison systems, which subsequently transformed and advanced in tandem with societal progress.

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