University of Zenica – Faculty of Law, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
University of Zenica – Faculty of Economics, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Philosophy, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Received: 18.09.2024.
Revision received: 11.11.2024.
Accepted: 23.11.2024.
UDK: 343.244(497.6)
Pages: 1-24
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.
KEY WORDS: community service / criminal sanctions / restorative justice / Bosnia and Herzegovina / rehabilitation
