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The evolution of European Union criminal law (1957-2012)

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3.3.3 Probation and alternative sanctions<br />

Finally, this group <strong>of</strong> framework decisions on measures involving deprivation <strong>of</strong> liberty<br />

is complemented by a Framework Decision on probation and alternative sanctions, 869<br />

whose aims are more eclectic than the previous sister measures:<br />

“This Framework Decision aims at facilitating the rehabilitation <strong>of</strong> sentenced persons,<br />

improving the protection <strong>of</strong> victims and <strong>of</strong> the general public, and facilitating the<br />

application <strong>of</strong> suitable probation measures and alternative sanctions, in case <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>of</strong>fenders who do not live in the State <strong>of</strong> conviction.” 870<br />

With this in mind the Framework Decision sets the rules for the recognition,<br />

enforcement and supervision <strong>of</strong> probation or alternative sanctions by a State other than<br />

the sentencing one.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Framework Decision introduces a clear moderation <strong>of</strong> the thus far problematic<br />

aspects <strong>of</strong> mutual recognition. This is so first, as it introduces the need for the consent<br />

both <strong>of</strong> the sentenced person and <strong>of</strong> the executing State. This is perhaps not surprising<br />

giving the considerable means and effort the executing State has to use to execute and<br />

supervise probation or an alternative sanction. Second, dual <strong>criminal</strong>ity can be applied<br />

even for the serious <strong>of</strong>fences 871 whilst the remaining grounds for refusal remain<br />

generally the same. 872 Furthermore, the executing State will be responsible for all the<br />

subsequent decisions relating to<br />

“…a suspended sentence, conditional release, conditional sentence and alternative<br />

sanction, in particular in case <strong>of</strong> non-compliance with a probation measure or<br />

alternative sanction or if the sentenced persons commits a new <strong>criminal</strong> <strong>of</strong>fence.” 873<br />

<strong>The</strong> Framework Decision on probation appears as the first mutual recognition<br />

instrument where the individual and the executing State are afforded room to<br />

manoeuvre. This is so, on the one hand, as the individual’s consent is necessary; on the<br />

869 Council Framework Decision 2008/947/JHA, supra note 421.<br />

870 Article 1, ibid..<br />

871 Article 10, ibid..<br />

872 Article 11, ibid..<br />

873 Article 14, ibid..<br />

229

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