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The article "Probation and Alternative Sanctions to Short-Term Custodial Sentences: The Minister of Justice’s 2023 Report", published in Sistema Penale, examines the Report on the implementation of provisions concerning the Italian probation (messa alla prova) and alternative sanctions to short-term imprisonment for the year 2023. It analyzes the data presented in the report and supplements them with more recent statistical assessments (up to December 2024). 

Among the various findings relevant to both criminal law scholars and criminologists, two particularly noteworthy aspects are highlighted: first, the data reveal a growing reliance on community sanctions, with a notable increase in the use of probation; specifically, by the end of 2023, the UEPE (Office for External Penal Execution) was supervising 83,703 individuals, a significant rise from 25,523 in 2012. At the same time, the number of detainees in prison had decreased to 60,166, compared to 65,701 in 2012. Second, the article presents the first available data on the application of alternative sanctions to short-term imprisonment. Although the numbers remain limited, initial findings suggest a positive trend in the implementation of these measures, particularly regarding community service as an alternative sanction. The number of individuals assigned to the UEPE for this measure increased from 1,503 on December 31, 2023, to 2,244 on March 31, 2024, and further to 4,139 on December 15, 2024, marking a 175% increase in less than a year. 

For more information on the article and the ministerial report, click here.