Balancing Justice and Rehabilitation:  The Legal, Economic, and Psychological Aspects of Community Service as a Sanction in  Bosnia and Herzegovina

Filip Novaković; Šeherzada Šakić; Dajana Rikanović

doi:10.47152/ziksi2024031

Authors

Filip Novaković Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Faculty of Law, University of Zenica, student of the 3rd study cycle
Šeherzada Šakić Research and Teaching Assistant, Faculty of Economics, University of Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Dajana Rikanović Sirius Psychological Center, Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Faculty of Philosophy, University of Sarajevo, student of the 3rd study cycle

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47152/ziksi2024031

Keywords:

community service, criminal sanctions, restorative justice, Bosnia and Herzegovina, rehabilitation

Abstract

This article examines the multifaceted implications of community service as a criminal sanction within the legal framework of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Grounded in an interdisciplinary approach, it integrates legal analysis, economic evaluation, and psychological perspectives to provide a comprehensive understanding of this alternative sanction. The legal analysis delves into the statutory provisions and judicial practices governing community service, assessing its alignment with international human rights standards and its effectiveness in promoting restorative justice. The economic evaluation leverages statistical data to measure the impact of community service on the national economy, including cost-benefit analyses and its potential to alleviate the financial burdens on the penal system. In exploring the psychological aspects, the article investigates the rehabilitative potential of community service. The article highlights the role of community service in fostering a sense of responsibility, improving self-esteem, and reducing recidivism rates. It also considers the challenges and limitations of implementing this sanction, including potential stigmatization and the necessity for adequate support systems. Through a thorough analysis of these dimensions, the article aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on criminal justice reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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