Prosecutorial Supervision over the Execution of Custodial Sentences: Legal Regulation and Systemic Flaws in Law Enforcement
Колпакова Л . А ., У торова Т. Н . Прокурорский надзор з а и спол- нением наказания в виде лишения свободы: вопросы правового регулирования и систем- ные дефекты правоприменения // Пенитенциарная наука. 2025. Т. 19, № 4 (72). С. 407–416. doi 10.46741/2686-9764.2025.72.4.008.
the article presents a scientific study analyzing the state of legality in the execution
of imprisonment sentences in terms of prosecutorial supervision. It considers systemic violations in
correctional facilities, categorized into several areas: breaches of regime and security requirements
threatening institutional order; inefficiencies in operational-regime work and supervision systems;
inadequate control over daily routines and inmate conduct; systemic drawbacks in medical,
sanitary, and material-living support; and dysfunctions in labor adaptation and occupational
safety for convicts. The study provides a scientific rationale for systemic legal conflicts and gaps,
including legal uncertainty, clashes between subjective and objective criteria in parole decisions,
legal dualism in regulating inmate labor, ineffective mechanisms for holding officials accountable,
poor compliance with prosecutorial directives, and gaps in liability for untimely reporting on the use
of force by penal system staff. General approaches to optimizing prosecutorial supervision over
imprisonment sentences are also considered. The research comprehensively analyzes empirical
data from prosecutorial inspections, scientifically substantiates legal conflicts, and develops
specific proposals for improving both supervisory practices and the regulatory framework. Purpose:
to conduct a multifaceted analysis of legality in correctional facilities based on prosecutorial
inspection materials, identify and scientifically substantiate systemic problems and legal conflicts,
and to develop a comprehensive concept for enhancing both prosecutorial supervision and
the regulatory framework. Methods: general scientific methods (analysis, synthesis, induction,
deduction, systems approach) and specific scientific methods (formal legal, comparative legal,
legal modeling, statistical analysis). Results: the analysis of prosecutorial inspections in penitentiary
institutions identified key problem areas of legal violations. Organizational and legal proposals
are formulated to eliminate or minimize risks and challenges within the penal system. The authors
propose optimization paths for prosecutorial supervision, such as a risk-based approach to
inspection planning, increased involvement of specialists from other oversight bodies (e.g., Federal
Service for Labour and Employment, Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare), and enhanced
preventive supervision functions. Conclusions: legality issues within the penal system are systemic,
stemming not only from organizational and financial shortcomings but also from legal regulatory
flaws. To fundamentally improve the situation, it is required to use a comprehensive “dual-track”
approach and combining legal framework reforms, in particular, addressing identified conflicts
and legislative gaps and optimizing prosecutorial supervision incorporating modern, effective,
prevention-oriented methods.
Keywords: prosecutorial supervision; penal system; correctional institutions; legality; systemic violations; legal conflicts; parole; labor rights of convicts; risk-based approach; supervision optimization; human rights.
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