The impact of judicial management and infrastructure on prison overcrowding in Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas
Keywords:
Prison overcrowding, preventive detention, penitentiary system, prison infrastructureAbstract
This study examines the factors contributing to overcrowding in the Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas Detention Center, Ecuador. Using a mixed-methods approach, statistical and legal data were collected along with interviews from key actors in the penitentiary system. Results show that prison overcrowding, which reaches 40% in this institution, is mainly associated with the overuse of preventive detention, inadequate infrastructure, and inefficiencies in judicial processes. Additionally, high recidivism rates were linked to ineffective rehabilitation programs. The study concludes that comprehensive measures are needed to reduce overcrowding, including optimizing judicial management, implementing alternative sanctions, and strengthening rehabilitation and social reintegration policies.
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Copyright (c) 2025 German Fabricio Acurio-Hidalgo, Marcelo Patricio Acurio-Hidalgo, María Janina Zambrano-Intriago, Génesis Ariana Loayza-Zambrano

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