[Suicide in Bavarian prisons (author's transl)].

The rate of suicides of prisoners in Bavaria from 1945-1974 was investigated. It was shown that only for prisoners awaiting trial was the rate higher than in the normal population or of soldiers of the Bundeswehr. A much higher risk of suicide was found for the first day of imprisonment. The most common method was by hanging in solitary confinement. A sure prevention by confinement with more prisoners is not possible.