Corrections CJ 453 Essay Component For Exam 2 Winter 2017 ✓ Solved

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Corrections CJ 453 Essay Component to Exam 2 Winter 2017

Drawing from the film shown in class on February 20, 2017, answer the following questions:

  1. What is the value of Solitary Confinement?
  2. Is solitary confinement a humane approach to the treatment of prisoners? Explain your answer.
  3. Is solitary confinement productive in the long range? Explain your answer.
  4. What are some possible alternatives to solitary confinement? Explain these alternatives, which includes why you believe these alternatives would be better than solitary confinement.

As mentioned in class tonight, I expect you to provide an explanation/opinion for each of the previous questions. Number each question response in the sequence of questions noted above. Limit your answers to the 4 questions to no more than 4 total pages. Not 4 pages per question but 4 pages for all 4 questions.

Paper For Above Instructions

Solitary confinement refers to the isolation of prisoners in separate cells for 22 to 24 hours a day with minimal human contact or environmental stimulation. Its value often emerges in discussions around safety, punishment, and the management of dangerous inmates. Advocates suggest that solitary confinement is a necessary tool for maintaining order within correctional facilities, especially against violent or disruptive behavior. For instance, it can help deter violence amongst inmates and protect staff from harm. Nevertheless, it has faced increasing scrutiny due to its psychological effects on prisoners, which can include severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts (Haney, 2018).

When assessing whether solitary confinement is a humane approach to the treatment of prisoners, it raises ethical considerations. Critics argue that subjecting individuals to long periods of isolation equates to psychological torture, as most people require social interaction to thrive mentally. Studies indicate that prolonged solitary confinement can lead to trauma, exacerbating existing psychological issues and creating new ones, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Grassian & Friedman, 2010). Furthermore, human rights advocates contend that solitary confinement violates the principle of humane treatment and exceeds the necessary boundaries for punishment in a rehabilitative justice system (American Psychological Association, 2016).

Evaluating the long-term productivity of solitary confinement reveals a complex dilemma. While it may temporarily maintain order and safety, it often leads to recidivism as individuals released from solitary may struggle to reintegrate into society (Smith & McCullough, 2011). Evidence suggests that inmates who experience solitary confinement are more likely to encounter mental health issues that undermine their ability to function once released. Additionally, the financial costs associated with prolonged solitary confinement—considering healthcare, recidivism rates, and legal fees—can outweigh any short-term gains in prison management (Shalev, 2005).

Alternatives to solitary confinement include restorative justice practices, mental health treatments, and rehabilitation programs. Restorative justice focuses on reconciling relationships among offenders, victims, and the community, fostering accountability without severe punishment (Zehr, 2015). Implementing comprehensive mental health treatments ensures that inmates receive necessary psychiatric support, allowing them to confront underlying issues contributing to their criminal behavior (Bowers, 2007). Rehabilitation programs aimed at skill-building and education can lead to greater success rates in societal reintegration (Tatz, 2018). These alternatives present a humane approach, considering rehabilitation and the potential for reducing recidivism, indicating that such strategies could be more beneficial in the long term compared to solitary confinement.

In conclusion, while solitary confinement serves specific purposes within the correctional system, its adverse psychological effects and lack of long-term productivity prompt the consideration of more humane and effective alternatives. The focus should shift towards restorative justice, mental health treatment, and robust rehabilitation programs that prioritize integrating inmates back into society rather than isolating them. Ultimately, addressing the complexities surrounding solitary confinement could foster a more effective justice system that upholds humane treatment.

References

  • American Psychological Association. (2016). The impact of solitary confinement on prison inmates. American Psychologist, 71(9), 894-903.
  • Bowers, C. (2007). Mental health care and solitary confinement: A look at the impact on inmates. Journal of Correctional Health Care, 13(3), 158-171.
  • Grassian, S., & Friedman, S. (2010). Effects of sensory deprivation in the isolation of prisoners. Journal of Law and Policy, 18, 97-120.
  • Haney, C. (2018). The psychology of solitary confinement. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 175(8), 689-693.
  • Shalev, S. (2005). A sourcebook on solitary confinement. Institute of Criminology.
  • Smith, L. B., & McCullough, S. P. (2011). The psychological effects of incarceration: A focus on solitary confinement. Criminal Justice Review, 36(2), 110-124.
  • Tatz, C. (2018). Rehabilitation and recidivism: The role of programs in efficiently transitioning inmates back to society. Journal of Criminal Justice, 62, 129-136.
  • Zehr, H. (2015). The little book of restorative justice. Good Books.

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