Community service in Greece: Sentencing practices, the role of the prosecution service and local authorities

Abstract

Community service was introduced in Greece in the early 1990s, with the expectation of relieving the problem of prison overcrowding. The measure became operational in 1997, although the professional body responsible for its implementation — the Probation Service for Adults — was created in 2006. This research explores how the measure is applied at both the sentencing and the implementation stage. Findings suggest that, although the measure has been used sparingly, there are serious legislative and structural shortcomings that need to be addressed in order to protect the rights of offenders as well as the credibility and legitimacy of the measure.