The penitentiary system reflects the view a society has on justice, punishment, and second chances. It is therefore not surprising that Europe and the United States have radically different approaches when applying their prison policies.
In one of our TikTok videos, Ignacio Estradé explains why serving a sentence in Europe is not the same as in the United States, and which model is closer to the transformative function that justice should have.
Europe: Justice Oriented Toward Reintegration
In Europe, prison is not conceived solely as an instrument of punishment. Penitentiary regulations are based on principles such as:
- Re-education and social reintegration.
- Preparing the inmate for life in freedom.
- Training programs, employment, psychological support, and social assistance.
The objective is not only that the person serves their sentence, but that they return to society with the tools to avoid reoffending.
Prison is a restrictive measure, but it does not annul the inmate’s dignity or future opportunities.
This approach has contributed to Europe having significantly lower incarceration rates than other parts of the world.
United States: A Punitive and Highly Incarcerating Model
In contrast, the U.S. penitentiary system is characterized by a much more punitive approach. This is reflected in several aspects:
This is reflected in several aspects:
- An extremely high incarceration rate, one of the highest in the world.
- Private prisons that turn punishment into a business model, where more inmates mean higher profits.
- "Tough-on-crime” policies that prioritize punishment over rehabilitation.
In this context, serving a sentence in the United States is often a harsher, more restrictive process, with fewer support structures for life after release.
Should Justice Punish or Transform?
This question opens one of the deepest debates about the meaning of punishment:
Should prison punish or help rebuild lives?
Europe opts for the latter: transform.
The United States, for the most part, continues to be oriented toward punishment.
Ignacio Estradé raises this reflection in the video to encourage viewing the penitentiary system not only from the law but also from humanity and its social impact.
A Vision That Matters
The way a country treats those serving a sentence says a lot about its values.
A system focused solely on punishment tends to generate recidivism.
One that bets on reintegration transforms people, reduces crime, and improves social coexistence.
At Estradé Law Firm, we defend justice that does not forgo firmness but believes in second chances.
Because prison should not be the end, but the beginning of a path toward a different life.
