History of the American Prison System

Paper Summary:

The primary purpose of this report is to present a succinct and chronological rendering of the American prison system from its beginning, also considering its present-day status and its future. Along the way, the report reflects upon the more crucial issues surrounding the American prison system with respect to philosophy, need, and future direction.

From the Paper:

"From dungeons of medieval times to honor farms of the twentieth century those who are jailed and those who are the jailors have been at opposite sides when facility standards are concerned (Morris and Rothman, 1997). Those who set policy are oftentimes influenced by public opinion and government regulation. For the incarcerated the support most often comes by way of special interest groups and family. Although differences might well occur local, state, and federal government agencies have attempted to put into action a standards action program that covers the security, cost, and staffing of each jail facility."

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