Perceptions of Procedural Justice in Prison in Guatemala

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

Abstract

Past research has shown that the perception of fair treatment and fair decision-making in carceral settings can have an impact on the quality of life of individuals in prison, boosting their morale and even reducing misbehavior or violence. Our study summarizes the findings of inmates’ perceptions of procedural justice within Guatemalan prisons. In this presentation we discuss the concept of procedural justice and its measurement in carceral settings. Using original survey data (n=2,590) we compare perceptions of procedural justice across 20 prisons in Guatemala.

Authors

• Veronica Michel, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Jeff Mellow, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Debi Koetzle, John Jay College of Criminal Justice