In prison, time is the first thing that is taken away: it becomes opaque, difficult to measure, often impossible to control.
In prison, time is the first thing that is taken away: it becomes opaque, difficult to measure, often impossible to control.
The Prison System Act provides that, well before the end of a sentence, a person may access benefits and measures that mark concrete steps towards reintegration into outside life:
Despite the law, the numbers tell a different story. Rights that exist on paper, but remain inaccessible for the majority. In 2023:
In the Italian prison system, the main tools that allow an inmate or internee to temporarily leave the facility are day release permits and licences.
Different measures in terms of purpose, recipients and legal requirements, they share the common objective of promoting social reintegration and the protection of family ties.
What day release permits are
They are incentives granted to those who demonstrate a positive path of accountability and participation in the prison treatment programme. They serve to:
They promote gradual reintegration into society and strengthen family ties, fundamental elements for reducing the risk of reoffending
What licences are
Licences apply to internees and those on semi-liberty. They allow temporary exits from the facility in the presence of serious personal or family reasons, similarly to what is provided for with necessity permits. They are a tool for humanising punishment and protecting the fundamental rights of the person, especially in emergency situations.
Submitted to the Supervisory Magistrate
The Magistrate requests the summary report from the prison's psycho-pedagogical team and information from public security authorities
Communicated to the inmate and the Public Prosecutor
In the event of rejection, it is possible to file a complaint with the Supervisory Court within 24 hours of notification of the order. The Court decides in chambers within 10 days.
Art. 30-ter of Law 26 July 1975, no. 354 establishes that the Supervisory Magistrate may grant day release to convicted persons who:
For high-security offences, access is more stringent and subject to more rigorous checks on the rehabilitation path.
The granting also depends on:
Following the rulings of the Constitutional Court and the 2022 reform, even those convicted of high-security offences who do not collaborate with justice may apply for day release, provided they demonstrate the absence of current links with organised crime.
Licences apply to:
Art. 53, paragraph 2 O.P. provides for extraordinary licences for:
May be granted in the event of:
The 3 square meters of cell space is a right, which provides for compensation if violated.
Staying in touch allows you to keep the bond with the outside world alive.
Reduce your sentence and accelerate all benefits: a mechanism worth knowing.