Perceptions and Experiences of Rule of Law in Guatemalan Prisons

• In Event: The Inmate Perceptions of Procedural Justice and Correctional Standards of Care Survey: Results from Guatemala

Abstract

The quality of life in prison is often threatened by a number of factors including violence, corruption, a lack of dignity, and a lack of meaningful services, all of which can impact successful reintegration into the community upon release. Prison climate surveys are useful tools for assessing the quality of life in correctional facilities, with results used both to identify problems and develop strategies for improving prison conditions. To date, however, there have been limited efforts to directly measure the climate in Central American prisons, and few, if any, have sought the feedback of incarcerated individuals, the very people who are in the best position to report on it. The current study reports on results from the Inmate Perceptions of Procedural Justice and Correctional Standards of Care (PJCSC) survey using a sample of 2,590 prisoners in Guatemala, with a focus on the extent to which people perceive and experience Rule of Law within the prison walls. Results suggest that while integrity and respect are present, prison conditions and performance are in need of improvement.

Authors

• Debi Koetzle, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Jeff Mellow, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Veronica Michel, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Irina Fanarraga, John Jay College of Criminal Justice / CUNY Graduate Center

• Sebastian Galleguillos, John Jay College of Criminal Justice / CUNY Graduate Center

• Joel Capellan, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Laura Andrade, Instituto Universitario de Opinión Pública, Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas