Abstract The paper explains that prisons, by providing an environment unlike anything in society, hamper a convict's ability to reintegrate into society, thus leading to recidivism at a higher level of sophistication. The paper relates that the stigma of being a convict, in addition to the violent milieu created by jails, leave inmates with a skewed vision of how to act and interact with citizens. The paper contends that prisons need to provide venues for realistic social interaction.
From the Paper "While many proponents of prison cite jail as a determent for crime, Michael Windzio (2006) has shown that, despite a growing prison population, the crime rate in America has increased. More than this, most people incarcerated are in prison for the second or third times, having fallen prey to recidivism. However, the fact is that most criminals relapse back into crime because the prison system is forcing an evolution of the criminal. Prisons create an environment so far removed from societal norms it in turn necessitates the evolution of criminals, leading to recidivism at a higher level of sophistication (i.e. better criminals) in order to ensure that convict's survival as a citizen."
Abstract The paper focuses on the plight of prisoners who are being held in over-populated jails. The paper further shows how overcrowded prisons cost the nation not only financially, but socially as well. The paper believes that the government needs to see past the iron bars, and instead look to the future of helping ex-convicts establish stability in society. The paper includes an annotated bibliography.
From the Paper "America's criminal justice system operates on the theory that imprisonment, as punishment is best for all crimes: violent crimes, such as murder, financial crimes such as embezzlement, or drug usage related crimes of an addict. Peter Katel, author of the article "Prison Reform" notes, "America has more people in prisons and jails -- 2.2 million -- than any other country in the world. And over the next five years, the number of prison inmates is projected to grow three times faster than the national population" (289). With many incarceration institutions filled to capacity, this figure instigates a serious question--where will the government detain these criminals?"
Abstract The paper asserts that wrongful convictions adversely affect more then just the defendant; they also affect family and friends as well as the public's confidence in the criminal justice system. The paper looks at three past cases of wrongful convictions and identifies changes to the court system as well as the role of innocence commissions in preventing such failures.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Wrongful Conviction #1: Tony Ford for Murder
Wrongful Conviction #2: Larry Peterson for Rape and Murder
Wrongful Conviction #3: Ronald Cotton for Rape and Burglary
Conclusion
From the Paper "The modern American institution of the presumption of innocence as decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in Coffin v. United States, 156 U.S. 432; 15 S. Ct. 394 is often viewed as a logical implementation of Blackstone's Ratio, the simple premise that insists "better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer" (Wikipedia). This concept is hardly unprecedented in history and can trace its roots back through English Common Law (of which William Blackstone was a jurist and historian) to the Old Testament (in the book of Deuteronomy) and even as far back as early Roman Law and its Spartan and Athenian contemporaries (Lewis). The driving principle behind this logic is that the one remuneration that can never be made to the wrongfully is that of time and the life that goes with it. Once lost, they cannot be recovered and the injury extends well beyond the convicted."
Abstract Prison is an institution that society creates to confine people convicted of breaking the law. It is designed to be an institution that deters people from committing crimes, punishes and rehabilitates criminals, and protects the public by keeping dangerous offenders off the streets. It is important to study this social organization to gauge whether the manner in which society deals with criminality via prison is effective. In light of the evidence, it appears that the objectives of imprisonment do not match their desired effects. Prison has an economic basis and punishes crimes that are often committed by the poor. In many respects, the real criminality is committed by society, which criminalizes the poor by not allowing them the opportunity toward self-empowerment. Moreover, prison subtly supports established institutions, because by focusing on individual wrongs, it takes away attention from the inequity in social institutions.
Abstract This paper examines the problems associated with the current national movement in corrections known as offender reentry. The author considers the challenges that the released prisoners face, including integrating into their former communities and the probability of recidivism. Several viewpoints are considered in connection with prisoner reentry, ranging from those in favor of prisoners serving sentences without the possibility of release to prisoners being given skills, such as job training, to facilitate their integration into society. The Second Chance Act, legislation to facilitate prisoner reentry, is described at length.
Outline:
Second Chance Act
The Institutional Phase
The Step-Down Phase
Community Release Phase
Aftercare Services
References
From the Paper "Challenges presented by reentry, along with concerns regarding ex-offenders returning to their former communities, range from the released individual posing a danger to their former victims to extra expenses related to a crime being committed to the ex-offender not being reestablished and committing another crime. As most offenders eventually return to their home communities, however, counters that contribute to an ex-prisoner becoming a positive part of society need to be assessed and addressed. '"We know from long experience that if they [ex-offenders] can't find work, or a home, or help, they are much more likely to commit crime and return to prison." (Ibid.) "
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that prison violence is a real issue and that people every year are convicted of many different crimes, many severe and many minor. The writer points out that regardless of the crime committed, everyone in the prison and jail systems is vulnerable to prison violence. In this paper the writer discusses the psychology of the prison environment and looks at the many abuses reported and experienced. Further, the writer discusses the efforts the system has taken to help rectify the problem. The writer also states possible solutions that should be implemented.
Outline:
Abstract
The Psychology of Prison The Abuses Reported and Experienced
The System's Corrections
My Solutions
Ending Thoughts
From the Paper "How is the system correcting the problem? First, the system is charging those caught in the acts of inmate abuse. But that isn't enough because inmate abuse is underreported. The inmates who are abused fear the guards will retaliate against them to make their lives more difficult. If the inmates report the actions, other inmates may make life more difficult also.
"The system's current cure for overcrowding is to build more prisons. It seems like a good idea because the prisons would be less crowded at first, and more jobs would be created, helping the economy. Building more prisons, however, can also create more of a burden on the taxpayers."
Abstract This paper examines the process of death row appeals. The paper explains how an inmate on death row has the ability to appeal their case in the U.S. justice system at a number of levels, finally reaching the Supreme Court. The paper includes a number of real-life examples of the appeal process, as well as quotes from lawyers and journalists about the system.
From the Paper "There are few instances in which the conviction was altered after successive appeals but that only violates the right of the society to make criminals pay for their actions. It is true that in some cases innocent people may be put on death row but for that one appeal should be enough. There is no need to give unlimited appealing right as that would gives some real criminals to plea bargain. Many will get life imprisonment instead of execution even though they deserve to be put to death."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that there is an ongoing debate in the United States concerning the most effective and most appropriate treatment for those convicted of drug offenses in that it is the belief of some that funding should be increased for treating drug addiction in prisons. However, the writer points out that the opposing argument holds that this is not the most appropriate manner of addressing drug addiction. The writer demonstrates that the costs of prison drug- addiction treatment, in monetary terms and in terms of the cost borne by society-at-large far exceed the benefits of prison-based drug-addiction treatment programs. The writer concludes that the research has broadened the knowledge held concerning this issue and has moved the researcher toward more emphatic, confident and further support of alternative sentencing for drug offenders versus incarceration.
Outline:
Overview
Arguments and Evidence in Support
Critical Analysis of Protest against Prison-Based Treatment
Strongest Point Against
Weakest Point
Critical Analysis of Opposing Group's Position
Strongest Point
Weakest Point
Conclusion
From the Paper "The strongest point against prison-based treatment is the interruption of working, productive individuals, father and mothers, in fulfilling their daily responsibilities to their families, their employers and society-at-large, specifically when drug court or other treatment programs are readily available to assist these individuals in becoming drug-free. Drug court and other treatment programs have been found to be more effective, less costly, and more effective in the long-term than imprisonment for drug offenses. Since nearly 1/2 of drug offenders are employed full-time according to the literature in the foregoing review and many of these individuals do have children or are neighbors who care for children and positively contribute to society, imprisonment at a higher cost in monetary terms in addition to the other costs to society make prison sentences for drug offenses ludicrous placing a very large question mark above the 'intentions' of laws and policies that mandate prison sentences for drug offenses. Furthermore, privatization of prisons in the United States has turned prisons into a competitive business with quotas of prisoners needed to fill the capacity of these prisons so that prisons will receive funding for the prisoner's incarcerated to ensure their profits and incoming funds. "
Abstract This paper reviews the book, "Criminal Justice: Confronting the Prison Crisis", by Elihu Rosenbalt; which is a collection of research done on the American prison system and the issue of abuse within it. The paper begins with a synopsis of the book's structure. The paper focuses on two articles in particular, "The Labor of Doing Time" by Julie Browne and "Gardens of the Law: The Role of Prisons in the Capitalist Society" by Joel Olsen. It summarizes and assesses the opinions of these two writers on the American prison system.
From the Paper "Two articles that caught my attention are written by Julie Browne and Joel Olson, entitled, "The Labor of Doing Time" and ?Gardens of the Law: The Role of Prisons in the Capitalist Society,? respectively. The piece by Julie Browne discussed the history of forced labor among convicts in prisons, and Browne provides historical and critical analyses of the said issue, citing different instances in history where human rights of the prisoners were violated, and where they are constantly exposed to abuse and poverty. Browne's article focused on the issues of inequality, economic profit to capitalist companies/businesses, and injustice to prisoners in US prison systems. Browne introduced us readers to the terms "convict leasing" and ?chain gangs,? terms that resulted from the Convict Lease System that was founded and implemented during the 19th century. Under this kind of system, companies team-up with prison administration on a business venture, with the arrangement that the former would provide greater funding for that particular prison, while the latter will provide the workers that will be needed for the production and manufacturing of the company's products or goods."
Abstract This paper examines the success of prison rehabilitation programs in reducing the prison population, providing former prisoners with life and job skills and cutting the rate of recidivism. It gives special attention to Louisiana-based programs such as Project Return and the state's Department of Labor and Corrections job fair. This paper concludes that federally-funded programs such as these are essential in helping the prison system fulfill its rehabilitative as well as punitive roles.
From the Paper "Recent statistics released by the Bureau of Justice present a sobering picture of the United States corrections system. A 2000 census shows that there are an estimated 2 million people currently incarcerated in the country. This translates to an incarceration rate of 699 prisoners for 100,000 people. Analysts believe that within a few years, the United States will surpass Russia as the country with the world's highest incarceration rate (Boulard). This growing prison population continues to reduce the effectiveness of the corrections program and to strain limited state resources. In the last fiscal year alone, states spent $38 billion on corrections and prison-related expenses, a 5.2 percent increase from the year before."
Abstract This essay presents the summary of the magnum opus "Twice the Work of Free Labor- The Political Economy of Convict Labor in the New South" by Alex Lichtenstein. This paper shows how Lichtenstein provides an overview and his personal review of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century criminal justice system in order to single out the possible reasons behind the current massive figures representing African American prisoners. The last paragraph is based on personal opinion of the book.
From the Paper "The long-lasting heated debate took its origin from C. Vann Woodward, one of the foremost advocators of the discontinuity thesis. He presented his controversial views regarding the emergence of the New south and its history. He was of the view that as an aftermath of the Civil War and Reconstruction, a distinct group of tradesmen and business tycoons appeared resulting in the demise of the prestigious class of ancient farmers and agriculturists of the south. However, the real debate began in the 1970s when the "new abolitionsists" or "new continuarians" headed by the pioneer Jonathan Wiener vehemently opposed Woodward by refuting his claims. This group suggested that the society of New South had slightly deviated or changed from what it believed, practiced as rituals and ancient manners. Thus maintaining that southern society was built on chained and enslaved horticultural working class and uncovered the resistance of the people of south toward industrial growth. This class of observers took jailbird labor, sharecropping, and deficit subordination as apparent and potential symbols representing servitude. In addition to the above, they were of the notion that it was due to the act of enslaving blacks that the South remained economically and socially unstable. Where the two clashing groups of historians addressed two major aspects of south that is forced labor and capitalism, Lichtenstein rejects both point of views, he established his own thesis thereby throwing light on a highly neglected yet critical aspect of the underlying issue and settles the continuity debate forever. The convict lease system of the south as well as the chain gang system are considered as the "most appalling features" that the author considers as responsible components for replacing South "to the process of modernization itself" (p. xvi)."
Abstract This paper briefly examines how faulty argumentation diminishes the published works of seven authors who have, at various times, taken it upon themselves to write at length about prison management in the modern world. The paper examines items such as loaded terminology, strained analogies, improper appeals to emotion and the questionable authoritativeness and authenticity of the sources these individuals have drawn upon. In the final analysis, the paper concludes that each of these works is fatally compromised as a result.
From the Paper "There can be little question that the management of penal institutions has been a controversial issue for many decades. This paper will examine the available literature - in particular, seven relatively well-publicized works by various writers - and attempt to determine to what extent these authors are engaging in fallacious argumentation or in faulty logic. Ultimately, what should emerge from the pages of this brief paper is an understanding of how disingenuous or simplistic argumentation can devalue even the sincerest convictions. Inductive Errors, Bias, and fallacies Jonathon Simon's article on Prison Management is an interesting instance of faulty statistical bias."
Abstract The writer of this paper details the content in the audio documentary which illustrates amongst other issues the death row process as it is carried out at the Walls Prison in Huntsville, Texas.
This paper analyzes the manner in which the audio content is depicted to the listening audience which the writer contends is both graphic and distressing. This paper also delves into and discusses the actual structure of the audio documentary.
From the Paper "Whether or not someone is for or against capital punishment listening to the audio documentary "Witness to an Execution" is a harrowing experience. The documentary focuses on the stories of the women and men involved with the execution of death row inmates at the Walls unit in Huntsville Texas. What is particularly emotionally grim is the minute-by-minute description of carrying out an execution by lethal injection. The listener is not the only one distressed by the description."
Abstract The writer of this paper details relevant statistics and data regarding the growing problem of violence and gang related incidents in prisons, both in America and around the world. This paper cites federal reports which state that there was a 400% increase in prison gang disturbances during the 1990s. This paper examines the unique management issues facing prison guards and administrators in trying to control the violence. The writer explores several published articles with information and solutions to the gang violence problem in prisons. This paper delves into the reason gangs exist in prison, which include current gang members who enter prisons who are quick to locate affiliate members from their own gang. Young people who enter prison for the first time learn quickly that the fastest way to get protection from the older, tougher inmates is to join a gang. The writer discusses the importance of systematically monitoring gangs in prison for purposes of seizing drugs and other illegal contraband. This paper also examines the lack of rules or restrictions in dealing with gangs in prison.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
The Statistics
Monitoring
Restrictions
Characteristics Common to all the Gangs Around the World Include
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper "Gang activity through prison is most often tracked by a data base computer system. This insures that an inmate who is known to belong to a particular gang is in the computer data base and can be tracked if he re-offends and goes to another prison or comes back to the same one.
"Also, three systems use regularly scheduled reports, incident reports and intake interviews to track gangs, and in Connecticut, Nebraska and Tennessee, gang coordinators are present in the facilities. Utah uses a graduated point system to document gang activity before the information is officially validated and logged, and Delaware refers all cases of gang-related activity to its internal affairs section."
Abstract The paper states that the function of the prison in society is three-fold. The prison should be a place of social vengeance, a place to separate those who are dangerous to society and a place where reformation takes place. The paper addresses the functions of prison in society as they apply to the prison system in modern Ireland. The paper concludes that this will support the thesis that the prison serves the purpose of a political tool.
Outline:
Traditional Purpose of Prison Foucault on Discipline and Society
Prisons in Ireland
Hunger Strikes: Prisoners Strike Back
Political Prisoners versus Common Criminals
From the Paper " Our modern prison system grew out of the social constructs of the 18th and 19th centuries. Prisons are institutions that exert power and control over those within its walls. It claims to be an egalitarian system, yet uses a hierarchical system of control. Foucault credits the ability to exploit the prison system to the rise of the bourgeouisie in the 18th century. His primary argument is that discipline creates the necessary supply of "docile bodies" that were needed for the new economy, particularly the industrial age."
