[Social-therapeutic institution: illusion or reality?].

This report examines the theoretical, practical and judicial ideal underlying the basic foundations of penal institutions, with special reference to the German Fed. Rep. The author points out the reasons of failure of such institutions, as conceived by the 2nd revision of penal law. To date, all efforts to improve such institutions have remained fruitless. Nevertheless, the subject has generated a certain number of discussions which have resulted in more human conditions of emprisonment.