Abstract This paper notes that examining the impact of media reports about the abuse of Iraqiprisoners by American soldiers in Abu Ghraib prison reveals the powerful emotional impact of photographs and video. The author points out that only minor attention was paid to the story until shocking visual evidence of abuse became available. The paper contends that the media controversy generated by Abu Ghraib demonstrated that reality itself has become a prisoner in America, bound and chained by political ideology and vulnerable to the whims of those in authority.
From the Paper "In examining the impact of media reports about the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by American military personnel in Baghdad's Abu Ghraib prison, it is significant that only minor attention was paid to the story until shocking photographs and videos became available. Visual proof of prisoner abuse (Kick) altered the American public's perceptions of reality in a fundamental way and revealed the shallow and superficial knowledge many Americans have of what is happening in the world. The Abu Ghraib debacle and the controversy it generated exposed the manipulative nature of the Bush Administration and the mainstream media establishment, which both benefit from portraying American military operations as idealistic crusades against "evil.""
Abstract This paper explains that the atrocities associated with the once American controlled Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq have been represented visually through a series of oft repeated photographs taken by American guards at the prison. The author points out that these images are of frequently naked, hooded Iraqiprisoners being publicly shamed and tortured by America soldiers, often shown smiling and referring to the spectacle with what can only be described as glee. The paper states that these pictures have left a lasting mark on the face of the war and on the image of the United States all over the world.
From the Paper "Another issue associated with these grave deeds and their photographic record is the obvious and frequent utilization of nudity as a manner to debase prisoners. The guards are shown fully uniformed (in a show of power over the prisoners) while prisoners, except for the covering of their faces are debased in scenes of immorality completely incongruent with their faith and their pride, yet interestingly congruent with the world view (as it applies to Islam) as it relates to hatred of western freedoms, including the manner in which the west freely depicts nudity and objectifies the body."
Abstract In 2005, a 22 year old female reservist serving in Iraq, Lynndie England, admitted to seven charges of infraction and breaking of the United States Military's rules for handling prisoners of war under her charge as a United States Military prison guard at Abu Ghraib, Iraq. The author of the paper uses the example of Lynndie England to examine the situation that young, immature and inexperienced reserve soldiers find themselves in, the environmental factors that influence their behavior, and their capability to behave humanely. The writer suggest, that rather than accusing the perpetrator of degrading and inhumane acts of being inhuman, we should look at the situation where young, inexperienced adults are thrown into a totally alien situation and, in the absence of proper guidance or leadership, adopt the machoistic behavioral patterns that they perceive as being both expected of them and, in their situation, normal. The writer of the paper appends some of the sources used for the paper.
Outline:
Introduction
The Case of Lynndie England
Works Cited
From the Paper "What this means is that a woman in the company of "revolutionaries," or, in the case of Abu Ghraib, a woman cannot achieve the maximum of her potential because in the presence of macho men, still struggling with their patriarchal "baggage," or those influences that prevent them from coming into the identity of their maturity. As we know, in some cases, this might not happen; in other cases, a man is able to put the patriarch in the proper perspective, and might emerge into maturity as an individual identity. Those men who successfully "liberate themselves of learned patriarchal patterns and tendencies will be able to come into their individuality and succeed beyond the restrictions of their fathers."
Tags: war crimes, inhuman maturity responsibility leadership officers prison control abuse power torture humiliation ethics patriarchal
Abstract This paper presents a pyschological analysis of the series of events that took place at the Abu Ghraib prison in order to extract the social issues surrounding the events. The paper looks at how the concepts of norm, conformity, reference groups, and potential groupthink, lead to the thesis that, the incidents did not take place because the soldiers were inherently evil, but because given the same set of events any individual would engage in the same actions.
From the Paper "The leadership aspects surrounding the events need to be taken into consideration. Since the actions whether directly or indirectly were acceptable to the authorities, since soldiers were given the mandate to act as interrogators ("Psychology of Iraqi Prisoner Abuse", 2004, para 20). The environment seemed to be a simulated set for abuse. Experiments conducted by Milgram shows how this type of leadership environment can lead to unnatural and uncharacteristic behaviors under the direction of other individuals. This leadership aspect is especially important in an army environment, and should have been more closely monitored. "
Abstract This paper relates that the most prevalent crime in prison society is rape, which correctional officers often ignore, sometimes even encourage the assaults and, especially in the women's prisons, perform the rape. The author points out that racial strife also lies at the root of most sexual attacks in prison; the majority of aggressors are poor black men from impoverished inner-city areas who harbor a deep-seated hatred for the white prisoners whom they feel symbolize the prejudice
and discrimination they have experienced in their lives. The paper urges better health care, especially mental health and delineates several proposed programs, which require a financial commitment from the government and its taxpayers that many still may not be willing to make; minimally, in the meantime, citizens should demand a set of standard minimum rules for the treatment of prisoners, similar to what the United Nations has adopted.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Inmate Violence
Guard Abuse The Race War and Its Casualties
Health Care...or the Lack Thereof
Abysmal Abuses of Environment
Now What?
"Why Should We Care?...".
From the Paper "Prisoner on prisoner assault, guard assaults, racial tensions, minimal health care, deprived living conditions: what can possibly be done to prevent such abuses and human rights violations? Although it would prove quite naive to believe that any one of these problems has
a "magic bullet" solution, numerous programs and proposals are now in place which could at least begin a process of reform. Government investment in youth prevention programs is always a solid place to start. After all, if the legal system can reach a violent young kid before he morphs into a violent young criminal, then the estimated economic savings can number $50,000 per individual (in recovered incarceration expenses and potential earnings). The humanistic benefits to society are far greater. For those who slip through the cracks, detailed
drug treatment and prevention programs have been shown to curb recidivism."
Abstract The paper relates the ideology asserted by John Yoo from the Department of Justice that acts must be of a particularly extreme nature in order to rise to the level of torture described within the Geneva conventions' proscription against unconventional tortures. The paper discusses how these standards leave a great deal of freedom open for abuse. The paper then contrasts Yoo's viewpoint with that of Alberto J. Mora who offered many warnings and severe criticism of prisonerabuse. The paper explores the position of the U.S. Constitution on the matter of prisonerabuse and reveals that Constitutional statutes on cruelty and torture have been quite clearly violated by the Bush government's interrogation methods and practices.
Outline:
The Yoo Prerogative of the Commander
The Mora War Crime Advancement Theory
Constitutional Objections
From the Paper "It is the perspective of the office of the Assistant Attorney General that acts which inflict, or are specifically intended to inflict, sever pain or suffering, whether mental or physical, as acts within interrogation which may be questionable under the traditional Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, and Degrading Treatment or Punishment must be scrutinized heavily. Those acts must be of a particularly extreme nature in order to rise to the level of torture described. Further, it is specified that certain acts may be cruel, inhuman, or degrading, however still not produce pain and suffering of the requisite intensity to fall within Section 2340A's proscription against these unconventional tortures. (Bybee 1) This is the same ideology asserted by The Department of Justice by John Yoo, written a year later and sent to the Defense department, as is described below. The opinions of Yoo would be a reflection of this."
Abstract The paper imagines a future presentation about the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq. The paper discusses the graphic and disturbing images taken of prisonerabuse in the Abu Ghraib detention center in Baghdad and contends that there should be no censorship of these photos. The paper describes the hideously cruel and inhumane treatment being administered to Iraqiprisoners and Bush's allowance of illegal torture in contravention of the Geneva Convention. The paper also examines Congress' legislation against torture that was thwarted by Bush. The paper emphasizes the public's right to know and concludes that at a future exhibit, the photos of prisoners being abused at Abu Ghraib will speak for themselves - if they are allowed to be shown.
Outline:
Introduction
Thesis
Point 1
Point 2
Point 3
Point 4
From the Paper "One day not too many years from now there will likely be a high-visibility exhibition / exposition - featuring illustrations, graphs, charts, photography, audio and video clips along with timely printed information - about the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq. This presentation will cover the intelligence data and political arguments that were offered by the executive branch in order to justify the military venture. Under the scrutiny of post-invasion empirical analysis the exposition will reflect precisely how those previous justifications held up. And it will cover the military and political ramifications of the entire operation."
Abstract This paper explains that sexual abuse of female inmates is an issue in both federal and state prisons; abuses against female inmates occur from both male and female corrections officers and from other prisoners. The author points out that one serious problem associated with sexual abuse is the spread of contraband because, often in return for sexual favors, corrections officers provide their victims with drugs and other items that prisoners are not supposed to possess. The paper relates that the most detrimental impact of sexual abuse upon corrections is the inability to rehabilitate; inmates who are sexually abused are more likely to become repeat offenders and return to prison.
Table of Contents
Introduction
History
Impact
Summary
From the Paper "The sexual abuse of female inmates also comes from other inmates. Just as in male prisons, female prisoners often prey on other prisoners for sexual favors. In some cases female inmates have even been raped by other female inmates. According to an article published in the "Journal of Sex Research "explains that while this type of sexual abuse is not as common among female inmates when compared to male inmates, it does occur. The research asserts that female inmates are often confronted with the sexual advances of other inmates. The research describes an inmate observer who gave an account of a violent rape perpetrated against her by other female inmates. However, research has found that rape is the least common form of sexual behavior amongst female inmates."
Abstract The objective of this paper is to conduct a review of literature relating to the re-settlement experiences of Iraqi-Kurdish Muslim women asylum seekers who currently live in the Dover area. It examines how the plight of the migrant and refugee Iraqi-Kurdish women is one that is complex in that the country of origin and the country of destination have differential rules of law and society. It also discusses how this can be defined in terms of acceptable or illegal behavior in the treatment of women.
Outline
Objective
Introduction
Profile of the Kurdish People
History of the Kurdish People
Western Media Propaganda has Negatively Affected Perception of the Kurds
The Demands of Kurdish Women upon the Government Relating to Education
Healthcare is Almost Non-Existent for Kurdish Refugee and Immigrant Women
Factors in the Lives of Kurdish Refugee and Immigrant Women
Postmodernism and Feminism
Human Rights Watch Urges E.U. to Establish Definition of Fundamental Rights
Current State of Affairs for Refugees and Migrant People in Britain
Migration has Gender-Dimension
Battered Migrant, Refugee and Immigrant Women - Legal Aspects
Summary of Literature Review
From the Paper "The Kurds are a diverse ethnic group living across Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria and provinces of the former USSR. The Kurds have suffered persecution because of being 'stateless' and persecution in Iraq has been the most noted. Women hold a high place in the family of the Kurdish clans which are based on paternal lines. (Cultural Diversity in Health, 2006) The Kurdish people are reported to be the single largest ethnic group in the world without a country of their own. The area called Kurdistan is home to 25 million of these people which is a mountainous region stretching some 200,000 miles from the southeastern edge of Turkey, along the Syrian northeastern border touching north Iraq and west Iran. Those who flee the era do so to the Middle East, Central Asia, Australia Europe and North America. "
Abstract This paper explores the literature related to substance abuse treatment in the prison system in order to learn which programs are most effective in helping drug-addicted offenders achieve and sustain sobriety. It discusses how there are an increasing number of individuals serving time in jails and prisons for drug-related crimes and how the majority of these individuals have never received treatment for any form of substance abuse problems outside of the prison system. It examines the barriers to creating effective programs and how some model programs such as IMPACT in Chicago and the Delaware program, have incorporated the best understandings of effective drug treatment services for a prison population.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Significance of the Problem
Assumptions
Delimitations of the Study
Definition of Terms
Review of Related Literature
Introduction
Obstacles
Legal Problems
Referral and Screening
Some Specific Programs
The Therapeutic Community Model
Other Models
Meditation
Analysis Evaluation and Findings
Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "Yet another program is the Jail Substance Abuse Program (JSAP). In this program, developed by the Washington County Health Department in Hagerstown, MD, there is an in-jail program of six weeks in a 17-bed treatment unit. This is followed by an aftercare treatment component. Again, most JSAP referrals come from the court, up to 80 percent, with the other referrals primarily from jail medical departments, classification officers, or self-referral. Potential clients are screened with a questionnaire that looks at drug and alcohol history, prior treatment experience, and withdrawall symptoms. They receive a comprehensive assessment that may include the Addiction Severity Index, the MAST, or the Mortimer-Filkins Test. Admission to the program is based both on the screening document and the assessment. Inmates who have long jail sentences, are on psychotropic medication, or have a history of violence are denied admission."
Abstract This paper discusses how prison overcrowding is the most significant problem facing the modern criminal justice system. It looks at how prison overcrowding means that millions of incarcerated low-risk offenders are subject to abuse and violence while in prison, which can only increase their risks of recidivism. The paper also looks at how prisoners are denied access to the very programs that might prevent them from re-offending. Furthermore, the paper discusses how there are several strategies that federal, state and local agencies can employ to reduce the problem of prison overcrowding and how, by using these strategies, government agencies can ease the heavy burden of prison overcrowding.
Outline:
Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "While the failure of social and family support systems may explain the increase in criminal behavior, it is certainly not the only cause of prison overcrowding. In fact, "since 1981, the number of offenders in prison or jail continues to increase despite decreases in both crime rates and the number of persons arrested." (Connecticut General Assembly, 2000). This fact makes it clear that offenders are more likely to be incarcerated now than they have been in the past. The push for incarceration is a result of the combination of several factors. The first of these factors is the "war on drugs," which caused drug addicts and casual drug users to be labeled as criminal offenders. (Connecticut General Assembly, 2000). In part because of the war on drugs, and partially as a result of there has been an increase in state and federal funding for policing and an expansion of existing prison capacity. "
Abstract This paper discusses how the California prison system is in crisis and how Federal authorities are poised to sweep in and force the release of prisoners if the California government is unable to find some way to reduce the prison population. While many suggest a brick and mortar solution (more prisons) or reductions in sentencing, the author suggests that reducing the demand for prison beds is the solution to overcrowding. It looks at how this can be accomplished in three primary ways- through programs, substance abuse treatment, and changes to the harsh parole laws.
From the Paper "The definition of "recidivism rate" varies by agency, but the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation defines the recidivism rate as "The ratio of the number of recidivists to the number of felons at risk of recidivating during a particular period (Baumrind 2007)." The CDCR released data presenting the one and two-year recidivism rates for California inmates released from prison in 2004. This data shows that 38 percent of inmates return within one year, and 53 percent return within two years (Baumrind 2007)." These rates are comparable to previous research done by CDCR showing recidivism rates between 1997 and 2004. The long-term picture is even more grim- nearly 75 percent of convicted felons will return to prison at some point. "
Tags: correctional, rehabilitation, overcrowding, substance, abuse, parole
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 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 The paper looks at current substance abuse treatment programs for women and their effectiveness and reveals that female substance abusers need gender-specific treatment. The paper discusses how religious belief or spirituality plays a major role in the reform of a person with substance problems. The paper refers to various models of behavior change and then examines a design for a spirituality based model.
Outline:
Treatment Programming and Health Services for Women
Substance Use Treatment Needs of Women Prisoners Behavior Models for Substance Abuse Treatment
From the Paper "Recent studies say that 10% of the population abuses drugs or alcohol and that 20% of patients who consult physicians have substance abuse problems, which exclude tobacco use (Mersy 2003). Substance abuse has been defined as the problematic use of alcohol, tobacco or illicit drugs. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism estimates that this number-one health problem costs society as much as $100 billion a year. It is also accountable for 100,000 deaths annually. Furthermore, those who abuse drugs and alcohol are likelier to develop medical problems than any other sector in the entire population. Women constitute a risk population for substance abuse (Mersy)."
