The sanctions system laid down in the Penal Code of 1886 is still in effect, although little remains of the original collection of penalties. The system is now more complex, especially regarding prison sentences and community service. In February 2000, the Ministry of Justice issued a paper describing the need for new regulations concerning sanctions and execution modalities. This article agrees with the need for a revised sanctions system, and suggests three areas that warrant special attention: (1) the aims of punishment; (2) the position of the judge in the judicial system; and (3) the character of the prison sentence - is it more than deprivation of liberty? The article considers use of the suspended sentence as a corrections option. References