The psychiatrist and the functioning of the penitentiary system. A group of psychiatrists working at different points of the penal and psychiatric circuits have met to discuss about the working conditions of the psychiatrists inside the penitentiary institution. Rapidely it appeared to them that their discussions should extend to the penal system considered in its entirity. Concrete propositions were addressed to the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Health. Reforms are possible at every step of the penal circuit. Some improvements only need the application of laws and reglementations which already exist: others require changes in the laws. For the reforms to become fully effective, the spirit in which the penal sanction is elaborated and applied should change in the prisions, in the judicary institution and in the public opinion.