Abstract This paper examines how the practice of confining a prisoner to a state prison offering only the most minimal of human contact remains as controversial as it is well-established. It looks at the history of the practice and analyzes how the reasoning behind the action often is described as being proactive but whether to protect the prisoner from harm at the hands of other inmates or to minimize his own potential for harming others, it cannot be denied that the step also represents a profound form of punishment. It puts forward the argument of how a nation which proudly bears the banner of "human rights" when negotiating with other countries can continue to exercise an activity which, in the minds of many, is a very real form of psychological torture.
Outline
Introduction (Posing the Question)
Super-Max Prisons (Defining the Activity)
The Residents (Those Who Live In Solitary Confinement)
Cruel and Unusual? (Can We Afford to Continue?)
From the Paper "The effectiveness of solitary confinement promoted its widespread use throughout the following centuries within the borders of the United States. There were occasional variations of the theme, such as in the early existence of the very famous Alcatraz Prison, where prisoners were allowed to physically associate but were strictly forbidden to speak to one another. But in general, the original blueprint remained the most widely-utilized model while evolving toward the exaggeration of the concept, the "Super-Max" prisons. "
Abstract This paper examines how electronically-monitored home confinement (EMHC) is a process used as an alternative to jail or prison and how it is usually instated as a condition or alternative method of probation or parole. It looks at how electronically-monitored home confinement uses modern technology to make sure that offenders ares following the rules stated when they were released from custody and how, since their development in the mid 1960s, the EMHC programs have grown quickly across the United States.
Outline
History
Offenders
Conditions
Devices
Legality
Pros
Cons
From the Paper "From its early beginnings till around 1987 most of the people being used for the EMHC program were the first offenders or people found guilty only of non-violent crimes such as the major traffic offences and property offences which made them considered "less risky offenders" or not to be considered a threat to society. Even though they were of lesser crimes they were still considered to be in need of supervision. Since 1988, EMHC has started to be used for the monitoring or house arrest of offenders of more serious crimes such as: theft, burglary, criminal conspiracy, and drug trafficking. Electronically monitored home confinement has also grown to include more uses besides probationers and parolees growing to include juvenile offenders, offenders released from institutional and correctional facilities, and even higher risk offenders such as people awaiting trial for offences including homicide."
Abstract The paper discusses the statistics of worker deaths where 60% of these are deaths of would-be rescuers. The paper explains that the lack of established rescue procedures and the workers failing to follow technical data provided are among the causes of the fatalities. The paper therefore presents a manual that discusses entry, confined space entry, entry permit, enclosed area, hazards and safe entry. The manual contains an emergency response plan and roles, ten requirements for fuel systems confined space, guidelines for fuel systems safety and an occupational, physical and respiratory protection program.
Outline:
Introduction
Entry, Confined Space Entry, Entry Permit
Enclosed Area, Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere, Safe Entry
The Entry Chief, Entrant, Attendant, Runner and Monitor
Requirements for Training
Maintenance Requirements
Conclusion
From the Paper "Entry is any act, which results in any part of an employee's body breaching the plane of the opening of a confined space or enclosed area (Porter). It includes any ensuing work in a confined space or enclosed area. Entry into a fuel tank can be in the form of fuel leaks, structural problems, fuel quantity problems, or NDI inspections (Porter)."
"A confined space is one that is large enough for a body to enter, has limited means for entry or exit, and is not designed for continuous occupancy (Porter). A confined space must meet all these three conditions in order to be considered a confined space. All aircraft fuel tanks are considered "permit-required" confined spaces, according to T.O 1-1-3. Center-wing dry bay will be tested with 514 Bacharach before entry for inspection or fuel maintenance (Porter)."
Abstract This paper explains that, in Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper", the protagonist and narrator, who is a woman confined in the "nursery room", suffers from confusion, inability to sleep and hallucinations, which are symptoms of postpartum depression. The author points out that, by the reactions to the wallpaper, the reader can understand that the woman of the nursery room has hallucinations based on a trapped woman in the wallpaper, who symbolizes her confinement in the room and suggests the way women in the 19th century were treated. The paper stresses that, today, society knows that postpartum depression must be treated correctly to prevent dangerous reactions in women with this psychosis type, which can lead to suicide and the assassination of the newborns.
From the Paper "She starts seeing this pattern in the wallpaper and stops sleeping well because she just likes to watch it during the night. She creates the hallucination of a woman behind the wallpaper, giving the interpretation of her own life and feelings of being confined in the room. The reason for her to create this creature is to have something to do, since she is trapped in the room, with no contact with the exterior world, which is really making her insane. For her, "life is very much more exciting now" that she is trying to liberate this woman, or better said, to liberate herself from the wallpaper, which in her case represents the mental confinement. The inability to distinguish between reality and imagination is a symptom that she starts suffering at this time."
Abstract The paper analyzes the Oscar-winning film American Beauty (1999), which presents a complex vision of gender relations in contemporary American suburbia. Through a critical evaluation of the film with reference to scholarly work on the geography of gender, this paper demonstrates the radical degree to which American Beauty visualizes feminine confinement and control, while showing pathological feminine power in suburban space. The paper further analyzes how the perception of confinement may seem unusual in a film such as American Beauty whose cinematography at various points - such as the opening - emphasize the wide expanses of suburban life.
Abstract This paper compares the themes in two novels - "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy and "Housekeeping" by Marilynne Robinson. It focuses on the themes that these two books share - those of the restrictiveness of conformity and what happens when these confinements are broken. The paper then looks at the negative consequence on the characters in the novels as a result of breaking out of their confinements.
From the Paper "It is apparent through these two books that once rules and conformities are broken, chaos or some sort of disorder ensues. What is similar from these two books is that it is always the community around them that gives the families grief. Whether it be death or separation, it has been acknowledged that "it is a terrible thing to break up a family." The consequences for breaking laws and conformities in God of Small Things is the death of Velutha, banishment of Ammu, and separation of Estha from his mother. This all result in the breakup of an entire family. The consequence for breaking conformities in Housekeeping is the threat of having a family separated and the wipeout of one's identity. Sylvie and Ruth are dead to the people of Fingerbone now because they have chosen to live a life of their own. Perhaps these two authors are suggesting that society will always win regardless. It is useless to fight the rules because doing so will result in tragic endings."
Abstract In this paper, the writer explains that she disagrees with the two conclusions of S. Walker in his text "Sense and Nonsense about Crime and Drugs" about criminal justice policy. First, the paper argues, in contrast to Walker's belief, that home confinement and electronic monitoring will help reduce crimes especially for less serious offenders who are not considered a flight risk and for sex offenders. Then, the paper, in agreement with Walker, contends that the exclusionary rule should not be repealed or modified; however, the courts need to take a second look at two associated doctrines called the "plain view doctrine" and the "fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine".
Table of Contents:
Home Confinement and Electronic Monitoring Will Not Reduce Crime
Repeal or Modification of the Exclusionary Rule Will Not Help the Police Reduce Serious Crime
Conclusion
From the Paper "Some people believe that a law requiring the registration and electronic monitoring of sexual offenders is additional punishment when these criminals have served their time, and should be left alone. These laws brand sexual offenders and subject them to scorn and outrage. On the other hand, these predators prey on our children, our most vulnerable citizens, and cause devastating lifetime damage. The high rate of recidivism of these offenders requires sexual offender registration and monitoring to give people some peace of mind in an attempt to protect their children."
A look at the reasons why the confinements of the forest provide the main characters in "The Scarlet Letter", Hester and Reverend Dimmesdale, with freedom.
745 words (approx. 3 pages), 0 sources, 2001, $ 26.95
Abstract This paper explores the reasons that Hester and Reverend Dimmesdale can only be free within the confines of the forest to communicate their love, their sin, and their future plans. The paper contends that without the forest the plot development would have gone in an entirely different direction.
From the Paper "In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, society evolves around very rigid and harsh Puritan beliefs. In such a society, people are not free to express themselves as well as they are able to today. This restriction causes a negative effect because it is necessary for humans to be able to express their deep thoughts and desires. Therefore people had to find ways and places to express themselves outside of the knowledge of the public. Satisfaction and truth was found in the confinements of the forest just outside the Puritan city of Boston."
Abstract This paper is a survey of sources in Jewish law from the earliest to the most modern on the topic of secular studies. Throughout the generations, there has been a serious legal debate as to the permissibility of the study of secular knowledge within the confines of traditional Jewish law (halakhah). The paper makes no judgment on either side. It is only a presentation of the sources and an analysis of the various opposing viewpoints on the issue. Earliest sources are from the Bible, latest sources from the 20th century.
From the Paper "For the modern Jew, the most engaging problem within Jewish law is, ironically, the question of what is not Jewish law, namely, secular knowledge and philosophy. The study of subjects such as mathematics, the sciences, the liberal arts, and the various trades and vocations, is indeed a challenging notion, given the understanding that the Torah (Old Testament) is the blueprint for all human behavior, and that its study is equal in importance and reward to all of the other precepts combined.[1] The Torah, in fact, seems to issue a formal warning against secular studies: "This book of law [Torah] shall not depart out of your mouth; but you shall meditate therein day and night"-the study of Torah must be constant, leaving no time for other intellectual pursuits."
Abstract This paper examines the life and literary works of celebrated novelist Edith Wharton. The author discusses Wharton's early biographical influences, which led to her main themes in "Ethan Frome", "Age of Innocence", and "The Old Maid". The paper also addresses how Wharton wrote brilliantly on the issue of the rigid confinements of her own aristocratic society, impossible love, and characters who stoically accepted their fates.
From the Paper "Edith Wharton was born January 24th, 1862 to wealthy parents in traditional old New York . Governesses and tutors privately educated Wharton at her home and abroad. At a young age, she displayed interest in writing but was discouraged away from the arts by her family. In the late 1800s, women were still considered only worthy of becoming beautiful objects and getting married. Women were supposed to act like na?ve, innocent children. Her mother felt that Wharton should not pursue writing. Nevertheless, Wharton completed her first novella at age fourteen and published a collection of verses two years later."
Abstract This essay will argue the thesis that the depiction of confinement and hypocrisy in small town life in "As for Me and My Town" reflects as much the character of the narrator as an "objective" view of small town life in general. As will be seen, through this subtle way, the author both creates setting and character at the same time.
Abstract This paper explains that the 1956 Interstate Highway Act gave the federal government authority to construct a national system of highways; local, state, and federal governments diverted public funds to pay for this massive project and additional sleeker roads and freeways in order to meet the needs of drivers. The author points out that most people living in the cities, especially the poor, required public transportation; however, several large companies such as General Motors, Firestone and Standard Oil, invested a great amount of money into the automobile and saw economical public transit as a threat to their capitalistic goals of monopolizing mobility. The paper concludes that the dichotomy of simultaneous increased liberty and confinement in the social lives of Americans is perhaps the most important legacy the automobile left on American society.
From the Paper "The urban poor did not suffer alone in their lack of mobility. Nearly every suburban household owned an automobile, and most families were relegated to a single vehicle. Many 1950s housewives were left at home all day while the husband went into the city with the family car. Women were confined to their homes as public transit was not available in most suburbs. In a way, the emphasis on private transit over public helped to feed the culture of domesticity by physically restricting women to the home. It would not be until later in the 1950s that the idea of "two Ford freedom" would enable wealthier families to own two vehicles and thus grant more freedom to the housewife. Automakers advertised a second car as a necessity to modern suburban living and convinced many working class families in the United States to aspire to own two cars."
Abstract This paper studies the Jean Rhys' novel "Wide Sargasso Sea", about Antoinette and her family at Coulibri Estate. The author of this paper attempts to understand the novel from the perspective of defining and confining space, which proscribes any possibility of escape, change or hope. The paper shows how this definition of space limits not only what the characters within Rhys' novel can do but also what Rhys herself can accomplish with the novel. Quoting lines from the book, the paper emphasizes that even with the novel's proscribed narrative framework, Rhys attempts to push the boundaries. Through an analysis of the main character Antoinette's emotions and actions, this paper further concludes that she essentially becomes controlled by the very space that she seeks to fill.
From the Paper "Even with the very first sentence of the novel, Rhys presents an idea of the space enclosing the characters, "They say when trouble comes close ranks" (17). Immediately we are given a figurative idea of how trapped and enclosed Antoinette and her family are within their own land. Despite the literal space that surrounds Antoinette and her family at Coulibri Estate, they become more and more enclosed and controlled by the wild growth of the garden, the animosity of the freed slaves, and their own poverty. The dynamic between the literal size of the estate and the emotional distance between Antoinette and her mother, exacerbates the lack of control and the sense of inevitability that the characters have."
Abstract The paper explains that the prison study created an abnormal environment in order to examine the reactions of regular people to this environment. The paper details the study and illustrates the humiliation and control techniques used. The paper shows how this abnormal psychology study helped researchers understand how humiliation and confinement affect the mind, how people cope with those situations and how power can corrupt people.
From the Paper "The study began with newspaper ads recruiting college students to be prisoners for two weeks. Twenty-four applicants were finally were approved for the study. They were divided into two groups, guards and prisoners, totally randomly. The actual "prison" was constructed in the basement of the Stanford psychology building, and it contained cells and a "yard" (actually a corridor) where the prisoners could exercise once each day. The researchers consulted law enforcement officers, ex-convicts, and other experts to make the entire prison experience as realistic as possible. The prison cells looked remarkably realistic; it even contained a "hole" or solitary confinement cell for prisoners who misbehaved."
An examination of the use of lighting, camera angles and props to symbolize the changing characters of Othello and Iago in Orson Welles' film version of William Shakespeare's "Othello".
Abstract This paper discusses how, in his play "Othello", Shakespeare establishes Iago as a manipulative character who brings chaos and pain to Othello's world of order and respect. Iago's influence on Othello is seen in the text as Othello's lines become progressively shorter and more violent, and Othello loses everything he loves. The paper then looks at how Welles, in his 1952 adaptation of the play, brings these men's opposing styles, chaos and order, to film through the use of visuals and how he emphasizes Othello's loss of power and order at the hands of Iago with the use of lighting, props and confining sets.
From the Paper "In his play Othello, Shakespeare establishes Iago as a manipulative character who brings chaos and pain to Othello's world of order and respect. Iago's influence on Othello is seen in the text as Othello's lines become progressively shorter and more violent, and Othello loses everything he loves. Welles brings these men's opposing styles, chaos and order, to film through the use of visuals. In his 1952 adaptation of William Shakespeare's Othello, Orson Welles emphasizes Othello's loss of power and order at the hands of Iago with the use of lighting, props, and confining sets."
