P013 - Comparative Perspectives Regarding Conjugal Visits

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Abstract

Conjugal visits for prisoners are controversial in criminal justice systems around the globe. The scarce data available points to their wide implementation in Latin America and partially in Western Europe, but rarely in other countries. After initial research into the current legislation in four countries in Latin America – Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Argentina –, the next step of our research is to collect data from as many countries as possible.
Which countries allow conjugal visitation? In the ones that do, how is it regulated? e.g. do people have to be married? Are same-sex couples allowed this type of visitation? Is it recognised as a right or a privilege? If it is a right, how does it connect with and guarantee other fundamental rights (e.g. the rights to family life, to privacy, to keep contact with the outside world?).
This study seeks to gather information from different countries through a literature review and analysis of various national legislations. Additionally, an online questionnaire will be circulated, which may be answered by any person with knowledge of legal provisions and policies of a specific country. After the initial data from the questionnaire is collected, the researchers will also access sources from each country mentioned to extract information regarding their official regulation of conjugal visits.
This research is expected to generate academic papers on comparative criminal justice systems and a website with an interactive map where other academics and practitioners can have easy access to the data on conjugal visits.

Authors

• Paula Rosa, Northumbria University

• Ian Matozo Especiato, PhD in Criminal Law from the University of São Paulo

• Bruna de Paula Diniz, University of São Paulo