Instructions Are Attached; Due In 72 Hours Textbook: Introdu ✓ Solved

INSTRUCTIONS ARE ATTACHED DUE IN 72 HOURS TEXTBOOK: INTRODUCTION TO CORRECTIONS

Hanser, R. D. (2017). Introduction to corrections (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. Chapter 1, “Early History of Punishment and the Development of Prisons in the United States” (pp. xxviii–27).

ARTICLE: THE EIGHTH AMENDMENT’S MILIEU

Braatz, E. E. (2016). The Eighth Amendment’s milieu: Penal reform in the late eighteenth century. Journal of Criminal Law & Criminology, 106 (3), 405–472.

ARTICLE: RECLAIMING THE POWER TO PUNISH

Reiter, K. (2016). Reclaiming the power to punish: Legislating and administrating the California supermax, 1982–1989. Law & Society Review, 50 (2), 484–518.

Paper For Above Instructions

The history of punishment and the development of prisons in the United States are deeply intertwined with societal values and norms regarding justice and rehabilitation. Chapter 1 of Hanser's "Introduction to Corrections" outlines critical early practices of punishment, showcasing how historical evolution shaped the contemporary corrections system. This paper will explore key developments in the history of punishment in the U.S., examining the influence of societal reforms, particularly focusing on the Eighth Amendment and the implications of penal reform discussed in academic articles by Braatz (2016) and Reiter (2016).

Early Punishment Practices in the United States

The early history of punishment in the United States was characterized by physical and public punishment methods designed to deter crime. Methods like corporal punishment, public shaming, and execution were prevalent. These methods reflected societal beliefs in retribution and deterrence as primary justice objectives (Hanser, 2017). The evolution of prisons began as alternatives to these brutal methods, providing a means for rehabilitation rather than mere punishment.

The Role of the Eighth Amendment

The Eighth Amendment, ratified in 1791, prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments. This amendment played a pivotal role in the reform of penal practices in the U.S., establishing a constitutional baseline for humane treatment of inmates. Braatz (2016) discusses how the late eighteenth century saw growing concerns regarding the treatment of offenders, leading to significant reforms in penal policy. The historical context of the Eighth Amendment highlights the tension between punitive and rehabilitative goals in the corrections system.

Pena Reform Movements

The late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries marked significant shifts in penal philosophy. The penitentiary movement introduced the concept of solitary confinement, as exemplified in the Pennsylvania System. This method was intended to foster reflection and repentance among inmates but often led to adverse psychological effects (Hanser, 2017). Notably, Reiter (2016) examines the period of legislative changes concerning California's supermax prisons during the 1980s, indicating a return to more punitive measures that echoed earlier punitive philosophies despite contemporary calls for reform.

Influence of Social Movements

Social movements have significantly influenced corrections reform, particularly in advocating for humane treatment and rehabilitation of offenders. Activists and reformers have continuously challenged the status quo, pushing for changes in policies that address systemic issues like overcrowding, the war on drugs, and the privatization of prisons. The dialogue surrounding the Eighth Amendment remains relevant as it intersects with contemporary issues, including mass incarceration and racial disparities in the corrections system (Braatz, 2016; Reiter, 2016).

Contemporary Implications

Today, U.S. correctional practices face scrutiny due to high incarceration rates and concerns over the treatment of inmates. The principles embedded in the Eighth Amendment provide a framework for challenging inhumane conditions and practices. Reiter (2016) argues that framed legislative policies often fail to adequately protect inmates, highlighting the ongoing struggle between punitive measures and rehabilitation efforts. This dialogue between past and present reveals the complexity of evolving correctional philosophies.

The Future of Corrections

Looking forward, the future of corrections in the United States hinges on a balanced approach that recognizes the need for both punishment and rehabilitation. The lessons from history, as outlined by Hanser (2017), indicate that reforms must be informed by a commitment to human dignity and the principles of the Eighth Amendment. Stakeholders, including policymakers, practitioners, and advocacy groups, must engage in continuous dialogue to address the pressing issues in the corrections system effectively.

Conclusion

The intertwined history of punishment and the development of the prison system in the United States reflect broader societal changes and evolving beliefs about justice and rehabilitation. The historical evolution has significant implications for contemporary corrections practices, particularly regarding the treatment of inmates and reform efforts. Understanding these historical contexts, particularly through the lenses of the Eighth Amendment and penal reform, is essential for shaping a more humane and effective corrections system in the future.

References

• Hanser, R. D. (2017). Introduction to corrections (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.
• Braatz, E. E. (2016). The Eighth Amendment’s milieu: Penal reform in the late eighteenth century. Journal of Criminal Law & Criminology, 106(3), 405–472.
• Reiter, K. (2016). Reclaiming the power to punish: Legislating and administrating the California supermax, 1982–1989. Law & Society Review, 50(2), 484–518.
• Clear, T. R. (2020). The Effects of Imprisonment on Communities. In The Oxford Handbook of Sentencing and Corrections.
• Haney, C. (2001). The Psychological Effects of Imprisonment. In Corrections: A Humanistic Approach.
• Western, B. (2006). Punishment and Inequality in America. Russell Sage Foundation.
• Alexander, M. (2010). The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. The New Press.
• Beckett, K., & Harris, A. (2011). On Cash and Conviction: Monetary Sanctions as Branches of Social Control. Journal of Sociology, 47(2), 201–220.
• Olsen, M. (2009). The Eighth Amendment: A Resource Guide.
• Tonry, M. (2019). Why Punish? How Much? A Reader on Punishment. Oxford University Press.