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In the first article of this new journal Wilhelm Bitter gives a well-written account of the reform of the German criminal law of 1969, in which psychotherapy, with the aim of rehabilitating the offender (Resocialisierung) has been introduced. Penal servitude (Zuchthausstrafe), regarded as detrimental to rehabilitation, has been abolished; likewise short prison sentences have been replaced by fines which may amount to considerable sums. §51 of the criminal law, famous throughout Germany, has given way to another paragraph whose definition of total absence of guilt (Schuldunfaehigkeit) and diminished responsibility seems liable to broad interpretation.
Psychotherapy can take place only with the consent of the offender. It will be offered immediately to sexual offenders, whereas others who suffer from a character disorder are, as a rule, subjected to treatment only after having been sentenced twice before. Psychotherapy is administered predominantly in an Institute for Social Therapy (Socialthera-peutische Anstalt), a type of institution which will not be ready before Autumn 1973. The main tool for rehabilitation is group therapy the various aspects of which are discussed at length. The reader is also given a short account of the characteristics of crime in accordance with the theories of dynamic psychology with particular reference to Jung's concept of the shadow.
The basis of the new German criminal law can be regarded as markedly progressive and humane, an impression which is reinforced by extracts from a speech given in the best tradition of classical humanism by Dr Heinemann, now West German president, in 1968. However, it is gratifying to know that Dr Bitter is under no illusion about the difficulties with which the new legislation will meet in practice.
A paper by Marie-Louise von Franz, ‘The symbol of the anthropos as image of the goal in individuation and of the development of mankind’ (Das Symbol des Anthropos als Zielbild des Individuations-prozesses und der Me