Penology in Saint Barthélemy (France)
HM Prison Meets Fire Safety ...
Penology in Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha—collectively known as the Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha (SHATC)—reflects a blend of British legal traditions and local adaptations tailored to the unique circumstances of these remote territories.
🏛️ Legal Framework and Penal System
Saint Helena
Prison Facilities: Saint Helena operates Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) Jamestown, the island's sole correctional facility. The prison has undergone recent upgrades to meet fire safety standards .
Judicial System: The Magistrates' Court in Jamestown handles offenses carrying sentences of up to 14 years imprisonment. For more serious offenses, the Supreme Court has jurisdiction .(Wikipedia)
Legislation: The Gaols Ordinance 1960, as amended, governs the operation of prisons, emphasizing humane treatment and the prohibition of corporal punishment .(End Corporal Punishment)
Ascension Island
Prison Facilities: Ascension Island lacks a dedicated prison facility. Offenders are typically transferred to Saint Helena or mainland UK for detention .(End Corporal Punishment)
Legislation: Ascension Island operates under the Criminal Offences Ordinance, which aligns closely with Saint Helena's legal framework.
Tristan da Cunha
Prison Facilities: Tristan da Cunha does not have a prison facility. Offenders are usually transferred to Saint Helena or mainland UK for detention .
Legislation: The Laws of Tristan da Cunha, revised in 2017, encompass criminal laws applicable to the territory. Many laws from Saint Helena are also applicable in Tristan da Cunha, subject to local adaptations .(Saint Helena Government)
⚖️ Penal Philosophy and Human Rights
Corporal Punishment: Corporal punishment is prohibited in penal institutions across all three territories. The relevant ordinances explicitly forbid its use as a disciplinary measure .(End Corporal Punishment)
International Standards: The territories' legal frameworks align with international human rights standards, ensuring the humane treatment of prisoners and the prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment .
🔄 Rehabilitation and Alternatives
Rehabilitation Programs: Given the limited resources and facilities, rehabilitation programs are often coordinated with mainland UK institutions. Offenders may participate in educational and vocational training programs aimed at reintegration.
Community Sentencing: The use of community-based sentences is encouraged, where appropriate, to reduce the reliance on incarceration and promote rehabilitation within the community.
📊 Comparative Overview
Territory
Prison Facilities
Legal Framework
Corporal Punishment
Rehabilitation Programs
Saint Helena
HMP Jamestown
Gaols Ordinance 1960
Prohibited
Coordinated with UK
Ascension
None
Criminal Offences Ordinance
Prohibited
Coordinated with UK
Tristan da Cunha
None
Laws of Tristan da Cunha 2017
Prohibited
Coordinated with UK
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