The establishment of the communist regime in Romania after World War II led to significant changes within Romanian society, with perhaps the most dramatic being in correctional practices. Labor camps, which were veritable death camps, were introduced in 1952 and the number of prisons was reduced, which led to overcrowding. The Law of Penalty Execution of 1969, issued during the communist period, is still used today to define the organization and function of penitentiaries. Work on the draft of a new law regarding penalties and demilitarization began in 1997; it was guided by the latest international standards in penal policy and practice. Recommendations were presented to the Parliament before the November 2000 elections, but they were withdrawn on February 16, 2001, at the new government's request. Major changes since the Revolution of December 1989 include the abolition of the death penalty and the shift of the correctional administration from the Home Affairs Ministry to the Ministry of Justice. Other reform measures involved the internal organization of the system (demilitarization, staffing and education, international support, and transparency); the penitentiary regime; cultural and educational programs; modernization of the facilities; and data processing technology. Prison overcrowding still remains a major issue, and until it can be effectively addressed, it will be difficult to improve the services for inmates in detention and prisons. Sustained reform will only occur under public demand and support, committed correctional personnel, and legislative and executive action by the government. 4 tables, discussion questions, Web-links, 15 references, and 17 notes