LIBERALIZATION OF CRIMINAL PUNISHMENTS: GOALS AND RESULTS OF RETRAINING

Аннотация

В статье рассматриваются цели и результаты либерализации уголовных наказаний с акцентом на процессы ресоциализации осуждённых. Автор анализирует национальный и международный опыт, включая юридические и педагогические аспекты облегчения наказаний. Центральной задачей является достижение гуманного исполнения наказания при сохранении его неизбежности, что способствует возвращению правонарушителей к нормальнойжизни вобществе. Ключевые слова: либерализация наказаний, уголовная ответственность, ресоциализация, перевоспитание,правовая реформа 1.Introduction Liberalization of criminal punishments has become a significant aspect of contemporary criminal justice reform, aiming to humanize justice systems and promote social reintegration rather than merely retribution. In many post-Soviet and global legal systems, the transition from harsh punitive measures to educational and socially constructive forms of punishment reflects an evolvingunderstanding ofcrime prevention. The Republic of Uzbekistan, in line with its strategic vision for human rights protection and penal reform, has introduced several measures to liberalize criminal penalties. These include the expansion of non-custodial measures, conditional sentencing, and increased focus on educational rehabilitation of offenders. This paper investigates the goals behind such liberalization and the observable effects, especially in the realm of retraining and reintegration of offenders into society. https://ijmri.de/index.php/jmsi volume 4,issue6,2025 507 2.Methods Thisresearch employs amixed-methods approach, including:  Doctrinallegal analysisofUzbekistan’sCriminal Codeand penal policies;  Comparative analysis withsystems such as thoseinNorway, Germany, and Kazakhstan;  Content analysis of statistical data from Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and theOmbudsman’s Office;  Empirical interviews with penal reform experts, probation officers, and formerly incarcerated individuals;  Policy review of recent decrees, such as the Presidential Decree “On Measures for the HumanizationofCriminal Policy”(2022). This multifaceted methodology allows for an in-depth understanding of both theoretical goals andpractical outcomes of punishmentliberalization. 3.Results Key findings oftheresearch include:  Reduction in incarceration rates: From 2017 to 2024, Uzbekistan witnessed a 28% decrease in the number of people sentenced to imprisonment, due to the wider application of probation and fines.  Retraining success rates: According to the Ministry of Employment, over 65% of individuals who participated in prison retraining programs found employment within six months after release.  Recidivism reduction: The recidivism rate among retrained former inmates dropped to 18%, compared to 33%among thosewho did not undergo retraining.  Gender-sensitive policies: Women and juveniles are increasingly sentenced to non- custodial penalties, with educational programs tailored to theirspecific needs.  Public perception shift: Surveys indicate a growing acceptance of rehabilitative over retributivejusticeamongthegeneral population,especially in urban areas. 4.Discussion The shift towards liberalization does not imply a reduction in the seriousness with which crime is treated. Rather, it reflects a shift in philosophy — from punishment to correction. Humanization of criminal policy in Uzbekistan has led to the broader use of alternative sanctions such as homearrest, communityservice, and electronic monitoring. International examples support these reforms: Norway, known for its humane prison conditions, maintains one of the lowest recidivism rates globally. Germany emphasizes vocational training and education as central to punishment. Uzbekistan's experience echoes these trends, albeit adapted tolocal social and legal culture. However, challenges remain:  Resource limitationsin rural penal institutions;  Stigma andsocial reintegration difficulties post-incarceration;  Inconsistentimplementation of reforms across different regions. To address these, the government is investing in retraining centers, involving civil society, and promotingpublic-private partnerships foroffender employment. 5.Conclusion The liberalization of criminal punishments in Uzbekistan represents a progressive turn in criminal justice policy. By shifting the focus from retribution to retraining and reintegration, the system aligns more closely with human rights standards and global best practices. Recommendations: 1. Expand retraining programs inrural penal institutions; 2. Increase collaboration with NGOs for post-release support; 3. Implement nationwidemonitoringof reintegration outcomes; 4. Develop specialized educational curricula tailored to offender profiles; 5. Establishlegal safeguards ensuring fairand consistent application ofliberalized penalties. https://ijmri.de/index.php/jmsi volume 4,issue6,2025 508 The future of criminal justice lies not in punitive rigidity, but in the intelligent application of j