Observation and study of the convicted persons at the penitentiary institutions of the Republic of Macedonia

Abstract

Introduction 
Nowadays, it is rightfully considered that the issues regarding the selection 
and application of the tools and methods, which involve the individualized 
treatment and observation, are increasingly dealing within the realm of penology. 
This study will briefly review the more typical and current issues. Often, the term 
observation, when talking about general principles, relates to the knowledge of 
psychological, physical and social characteristics of the convict, but it also requires 
the application of specific tools and methods for each sanction, respectively, 
depending on their specific nature. Considering the most frequent sanction, which 
is imprisonment, as a usual measure to combat crime today, the greater focus is on 
its enforcement during imprisonment. Furthermore, not incidentally observation is 
identified precisely with this punishment. In relation to this, the clear definition of 
the term observation needs to be highlighted, as well as its elaboration regarding 
the specific ways of enforcement and effectuation of certain penal sanctions. In this 
context, the authors are rightfully stating that the treatment cannot (should not) be 
the same for intra-institutional and extra-institutional sentences. It is about 
essentially qualitative differences that require the enforcement of clear tools and 
methods, which are defined and differentiated in the re-socialization process.