The use of personal computers and computer equipment by inmates in prison

Abstract

This paper deals with the use of personal computers and computer equipment by inmates in a prison, a possibility that, although it is expressly contemplated in art. 129 PR, has not been sufficiently studied by the doctrine, surely because this possibility is very restricted in practice and does not usually pose problems in the day-to-day life of most of the inmates. However, our study goes beyond the use of personal computers and computer equipment by inmates in a prison and also extends to the use of mobile phones, tablets, e-book readers and the internet. Likewise, the use of these devices is addressed, not only for educational or cultural reasons that make it necessary or advisable for the development of the corresponding training programs, which is the only reason currently contemplated in art. 129 RP, but also for the exercise of the right to defence, for the fulfillment of the sentence and/or for other uses, reasons that, in our opinion, also justify that these devices, with due guarantees, can be used by some inmates of our country’s prisons. Key words: personal computers, computer equipment, inmates, prison, art. 129 RP.