New Training Series Launched in Düsseldorf and Bruchsal
The first „Theme Days" provided insights into the workings of a correctional facility
At the end of November, the time had finally come: After weeks of planning by our outreach team, the „Theme Days“—the first free professional development offerings from the Forum Recht Foundation—kicked off. On November 29, 2024, interested thought leaders participated in the „Theme Day“ at the Düsseldorf Prison part; this was followed on December 6 by a training session at the Bruchsal Correctional Facility. But what exactly did participants experience and learn there? In the following article, we look back on the second day of the training session in Bruchsal.
Punishment and Prison: Are There Alternatives?
Even just entering the Bruchsal Prison surprised the participants: In addition to smartphones and watches, they were not allowed to bring paper tissues into the prison. The reason: Invisible and odorless drugs that can be dripped onto paper can easily be smuggled into the prison that way. Afterward, the Deputy Director Annette Hügle He led the group through the correctional facility and explained details about the nearly 200-year-old building, which was designed by Heinrich Hübsch after the so-called Pennsylvania System was built. For most participants, it was especially the view into the small cells that left a distressing impression. The Teachers, social workers, and lawyers During the subsequent conversation with Ms. Hügle in the prison chapel, they were able to find answers to their questions and thus gain a deeper initial insight into a correctional facility.
Good to Know
The Pennsylvanian System It originated in England and North America and was also introduced in Germany in the 19th century. Among other things, it is characterized by strict solitary confinement. Architecturally, the Pennsylvania system is recognizable by its radial layout, with a central tower from which every prison cell can be monitored.
In the afternoon, the participants continued their in-depth discussion at the Forum Recht Foundation’s offices in Karlsruhe. Together with the attorney and author Dr. Thomas Galli the group discussed possible Alternatives to Punishment and Prison. This led to a fundamental question: Why do we, as a society, punish, and what is the purpose of punishment? In the discussion of concepts such as Deterrence, Rehabilitation, and Restitution The group moved closer to answering these pressing questions about our criminal justice system.
The sociologist Fredericke Leuschner from the Central Office for Criminology gave the second presentation. Her research focuses on Preventive Detention, which was introduced in Germany as early as 1933 at the beginning of the Nazi era. Ms. Leuschner explained the specific features of preventive detention to the group and outlined why it is considered the most controversial sanction in criminal law. In Germany, preventive detention is imposed only under specific legal conditions following the completion of a sentence. Its primary focus is therefore on protecting the general public.
Our society must ask itself how it wants to deal with individuals held in preventive detention.
Save the Date: Theme Days 2025
In collaboration with various external partners, the „Theme Days“ will continue to examine different aspects of the rule of law and take participants on a journey to fascinating locations related to the law. The goal of this continuing education series is to provide participants with practical insights and in-depth knowledge so that they can competently educate others about the topics covered in their respective fields and dispel common misconceptions among their target audiences. In 2025, the Theme Days will enter their next round:
- On March 28, 2025 We invite you to Strasbourg on the topic of human rights and will visit the European Court of Human Rights.
- On June 5, 2025 The foundation is addressing the issue of the correctional system by visiting a correctional facility in the area Leipzig again.
We will post timely updates on our website regarding registration for our upcoming events.