Two articles of the French penal code emphasize the omnipotence of the prison administration, which has been an enduring cause of conflicts between prisoners and administrators. Prison life has improved significantly over the past three and a half decades, beginning with the 14-point statement on prisoner rights issued by the Commission on the Reform of Penal Institutions. However, a serious mistake was made in granting the prison administration autonomous status. Incarcerated criminals should be placed under the general jurisdiction of the social security administration and previously withheld rights should be granted to them immediately. Eight organizations composed of members of the justice administration and the prison administration have announced their objective of allowing outside institutions to intervene in prison-related matters on behalf of prisoners' health, educational, personal, and professional needs. A discussion of the history of prison reform held by members of this section of the General Society of Prisons and Criminal Legislation is included. Footnotes are supplied.