Abstract
The paper is devoted to knowledge, information, and thoughts on the possibilities of the Czech prison reform with regard to developments and changes through which this specific area of criminal policy response to crimes committed in the world , especially in Europe, just goes through. Critically are discussed not only the current weaknesses of prison systems, including the implementation of criminal policy, but also the resulting challenges for penological research.
In the paper is not omitted also current trend concerning privatization of the prison system, which in some European countries have already celebrated its first success, while elsewhere it still have not been made. In the conclusion, the authors warn against "fast" recipes, such as e.g. a partial, unsystematic amendments or amnesty, which can reduce the number of prisoners only temporarily and they underline the importance of the careful preparation of the planned reform.