This research aims at studying the conditions in which a punishment can be more legitimate. The role played by the correctional Administration is essential to achieve a legitimate punishment, and in this line we aim at studying what elements ensure a quality correctional intervention. We shall also address the consequences linked to increased legitimacy, in particular we address the hypothesis that legitimacy leads to  better compliance and reduced recidivism rates.

This research is structured through three hypotheses. 1) Different models of sentence management and implementation have been developed in Spain, regarding both prison and community sentences; 2) These models differ in the relationship established between the offender and the correctional and supervising authorities, and are related to the quality of life in prison and the quality of community supervision; 3) A quality intervention is related to greater legitimacy of the punishment and less recidivism.  

Following these hypothesis we shall undertake an empirical study using surveys to measure the quality of life in prison and of penal supervision. Our research will aim at: a) Defining the management models in Spain in prisons and in community penalties; b) Identifying the elements that affect the quality of life in prison and the quality of offender supervision; c) Ascertaining the consequences of the quality of penal intervention, particularly its relation with recidivism and the legitimacy of punishments.

To do so, we intend to review the scientific literature and official documents to identify the existing models. We will also proceed to gather data through surveys (already used in the UK) to ascertain the existence different levels of quality of life in prison and quality of penal supervision and to establish which elements are important in determining them. Finally we shall address the consequences that may be linked to the different results.

The project is structured to be developed in four years. During the first year an empirical study will be conducted to ascertain through a survey the quality of life in prison and the quality of community supervision. The second year will focus on the analysis of the data obtained and the legitimacy of the intervention in the penalty will be considered. With these data, we will proceed in the third year to the validation of the various models of management of penalties. Data for the analysis of recidivism will also be collected, two years after the first survey. A fourth year is necessary to properly analyze the data on recidivism  and to establish its relationship with quality of life and supervision.

The challenge is to understand what aspects linked to the quality of supervision in prison and community punishments are the most relevant in terms of legitimacy and recidivism. We hope that the results of the research can show how to improve compliance, lower recidivism rates and consequently gain greater public trust in the criminal justice system.