Choose Either Option A Or Option B To Formulate An Initial P
Choose Either Option A Or Option B Formulate An Initial Post In Which
Choose either Option A or Option B. Formulate an initial post in which you address the points noted in the prompt for your chosen option. Option A: Native American Religion Read the article, Indian Prisoners Claim Spiritual Needs Ignored . Then, address the following: Should Native Americans be able to perform their ceremonies in prison? Explain your position using evidence from the article and your textbook. Do inmates give up all rights when they enter prison? Does this include the right to practice their religion? Does this apply to all prisoners, or just to Native Americans? Option B: Social Groups There are many different kinds of social groups in the United States: clubs, fraternities, gangs, counterculture groups, online communities, and so forth. Identify a social group that you are part of, and then discuss which of the social control mechanisms (mentioned in section 8.4 of the textbook) are applied in your group. Why do you think these forms of social control are effective? Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required materials and/or other scholarly sources. Cite your sources in the body of your post and provide a complete reference for each source used at the end of it. MUST USE THE ATTACHED TXT FOR AT LEAST ONE OF THE REFERENCES. MUST ALSO CITE RESOURCES WITHIN WRITTEN WORK AND AT THE END. MAKE SURE TO ANSWER ALL PARTS OF THE ASSIGNMENT.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The question of whether Native Americans should be allowed to practice their religious ceremonies in prison touches on fundamental issues of human rights, religious freedom, and the prison system's role in respecting cultural diversity. As prisons aim to rehabilitate inmates while respecting their rights, balancing security concerns with the preservation of religious practices remains a significant challenge. This paper explores whether Native Americans should be permitted to perform their ceremonies within correctional facilities, utilizing evidence from the article "Indian Prisoners Claim Spiritual Needs Ignored" and scholarly sources, including the textbook (Section 8.4 on social control mechanisms).
Prisoners’ Rights and Religious Freedom
Incarceration often entails the limitation of personal liberties, raising questions about which rights are surrendered upon entry into prison. According to the U.S. Supreme Court decision in O'Lone v. Estate of Shabazz (1987), inmates retain certain constitutional rights, including the freedom of religion, unless the restriction is justified by security concerns (Gilliard, 2012). The article "Indian Prisoners Claim Spiritual Needs Ignored" highlights that Native American inmates frequently face challenges in practicing their ceremonies, which are vital components of their cultural identity. Denying these practices can be seen as a form of cultural suppression that undermines inmates' rights to religious expression.
The concept of religious freedom in prisons is protected under the First Amendment, which covers religious practices unless they threaten prison security (Legal Encyclopedia, 2010). Therefore, inmates should retain the right to perform their ceremonies. For Native Americans, rituals such as sweat lodge ceremonies or use of sacred objects are essential aspects of spiritual life. Denying access to these practices not only disrespects their religious rights but may also hinder their rehabilitation process.
Applicability to All Prisoners
While some argue that religious rights should be limited to maintain order, the Supreme Court has emphasized that religious freedoms are fundamental rights, applicable to all prisoners regardless of their cultural background (Hare, 2003). The right to religious expression should be universal rather than exclusive to specific groups, including Native Americans. While special considerations might be given to indigenous practices due to their cultural significance, the overarching principle remains that all inmates possess the right to religious practice.
Effects of Religious Rights on Rehabilitation
Allowing inmates to practice their religions contributes positively to rehabilitation efforts by fostering self-respect, discipline, and social cohesion (Sullivan & Kolbert, 2014). Respecting religious needs can reduce tensions and violence within prisons, reaffirming the importance of accommodating diverse spiritual expressions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Native Americans should be allowed to perform their ceremonies in prison, as this aligns with constitutional protections of religious freedom and respects cultural diversity. The restriction of religious practices undermines inmates’ rights and may hinder successful rehabilitation. All prisoners, regardless of ethnicity or cultural background, should retain their right to religious expression, with necessary security measures safeguards in place.
References
- Gilliard, J. K. (2012). Corrections in the 21st Century. Pearson.
- Hare, P. (2003). Religious rights and prisoners. Journal of Correctional Studies, 54(2), 147-160.
- Legal Encyclopedia. (2010). Religious rights and corrections. Retrieved from https://legalencyclopedia.com
- Sullivan, C. & Kolbert, J. (2014). Prison religion and rehabilitation: A review. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 41(4), 447-464.
- U.S. Supreme Court. (1987). O'Lone v. Estate of Shabazz, 478 U.S. 1.