Super-Maximum Prisons

Paper Summary:

The paper describes super-max prisons and how the lives of the inmates are made intolerable, bordering on a contravention of basic human rights. The paper depicts the extreme and even cruel privation, the isolation and control techniques and the lack of intellectual and spiritual stimulation and their psychological effects. The paper disagrees with the view that while the conditions and treatment of prisoners in these super security prisons is harsh, it is deserved. The paper asserts that this analysis throws an alarming light on super-maximum prisons and strongly suggests a need for reform.

Outline:
Introduction
Prison Type and Characteristics
The Lives of Inmates
Conclusion: Reasons and Criticism

From the Paper:

"The Human Rights Watch ( HRS) describes super-maximum prisons as environments that essentially contravene human rights standards and are often seen as places of "torture" rather than prisons. At present about two percent of the American prison population resides in these prisons. (SUPERMAX PRISONS: AN OVERVIEW) Supermax prisons are intended to house the worst offenders, including murderers, rapists, child molesters, etc. However, as will be discussed this is not always reported to be the case."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Azania Z. SUPERMAX PRISON IS TORTURE AND DEATH, November 24, 2007. http://home4.inet.tele.dk/lepan/lene/supermax.htm
• Bradley P. Solitary Life: Inmates kept apart at Supermax prison http://www.journalnow.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WSJ/MGArticle/WSJ_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1137835816734
• Horton E. Life in Tamms Supermax Prison. November 24, 2007. http://castleofhopeforlostsouls.org/theinjusticesystem/eugenehorton.html
• NATION'S PRISON AND JAIL POPULATION GREW 2.6 PERCENT DURING 12 MONTHS THAT ENDED JUNE 30, 2005 U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics. November 24, 2007. http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/press/pjim05pr.htm
• Hutchinson E. Iraq 'Supermax' Prison Won't Wipe Away Abu Ghraib Stain. 2004. November 24, 2007. http://www.alternet.org/columnists/story/18819

More papers on Super-Maximum Prisons:

• Research Paper # 96649 : "Super-Diversity in Britain"
• Book Review # 127811 : "Suketu Mehta: Maximum City"
• Essay # 72012 : "Advertising and the Super Bowl"

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