PROBATION SUPERVISION IN THE CRIMINAL LAW OF UKRAINE AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES: COMPARATIVE LEGAL ASPECT

Abstract

The article examines the institution of probation supervision as an important component of modern criminal law policy, which is focused on the humanization of punishments and the resocialization of offenders without isolation from society. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of changes in the legislation of Ukraine after the introduction of probation supervision as an independent type of punishment in 2024. The author outlines the prerequisites, purpose and mechanisms of functioning of probation supervision, focusing on its legal, social and economic advantages.

As part of the comparative legal analysis, the experience of European countries – in particular, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Norway – in the field of probation is considered. The features of the organization of probation services, regulatory and legal principles, practices of rehabilitation of offenders and the use of alternative punishments are analyzed. The role of probation supervision as a tool for preventing recidivism, strengthening community safety and integrating international standards into national models of justice is separately highlighted.

The results of the study allowed us to identify the main problems and gaps in the national regulation of probation supervision, as well as to outline the directions for improving Ukrainian legislation, taking into account effective foreign practices. The article is relevant in view of the transformation of criminal law in Ukraine and the growing role of human rights in the field of criminal punishment, and contributes to the formation of new approaches to probation policy based on the principles of humanity, individualization and justice.