FORGIVENESS AND MERCY IN THE CONTAMPOREAN PENITENTIARY SPACE

Abstract

The text is devoted to the problem of mercy and forgiveness in the prison in opposition to its oppression. The author emphasizes that violence in relations between prison staff and prisoners, as well as between prisoners themselves, is an expression of oppression. In prison conditions, empathy for an inmate acquires special meaning, as he is totally dependent on another person. However, the author asks whether she should play a bigger role in construction interpersonal bonds in prison. It indicates various aspects of the problem and possible answers. He undertakes a discussion on mercy in the contemporary penitentiary space, as well as about forgiveness in its conditions. He points out that mercy is not a legal category. Its introduction into the penal code would require the preliminary resolution of many difficult questions. The author invites further discussion on these questions.