Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management

Studies on procedural justice suggests that, when offenders are treated with fairness and respect in correctional environments, there is a higher probability for their compliance with decisions and rules. Such actions are most often reflected in the decrease of violent incidents, reducing psychological distress and general improvement of the quality of life in prison. While the effects of procedural justice policies on staff and offenders during detention have been analysed and produced convergent conclusions both for USA and Europe, the long term impact on rehabilitation after release from prison has received less attention. The aim of this study is to examine the relation between procedural justice and offender rehabilitation, for the countries most advanced in the implementation of the European Prison Rules, endorsed by the Council of Europe. The preliminary results show that policies supporting procedural justice are likely to decrease recidivism and to facilitate social reintegration of offenders. The study indicates that the effects of procedural justice in relation to rehabilitation are influenced by the detained offenders’ perception that mass-media projects a negative image on justice administration.