- NEW!
Supermax prisons are designed to provide increased control by prison officials over inmates known to be violent or present an escape risk. According to a study by the Virginia Department of Corrections, only the most dangerous inmates are housed in supermax prisons. As these people have shown to be a threat to both prison staff and other inmates in the general population, it is important to keep them separated from other criminals. Additional studies show that by housing these inmates under supermax conditions, it prevents other criminals from repeating the same acts, thereby providing a more human atmosphere in the general population.
Within supermax facilities, prisoners spend roughly 22.5 to 24 hours a day locked in a windowless cell, isolated from human contact. Generally, they are allowed to leave their cell three times per week for a single hour of exercise and four times per week for a shower. There is no access to vocational programs and minimal access to books. Regular searches are conducted using tear gas and dogs. According to the London School of Economics and Political Science, inmates generally experience anger, irritability and violent outburst from the isolation. In addition, forms of self-abuse are not uncommon.
Since the 1970s, the American policy on incarceration has moved into a period of retribution and deterrence rather than rehabilitation. According to a University of Chicago study, penal policy is less concerned with reducing crime than finding a fitting punishment. Supermax prisons are an extension of this policy, providing an outlet for society's treatment of offenders as people to blame for their actions rather than victims of the system. In addition, the conditions within supermax facilities are directly tied to the cost reduction procedures of the modern penitentiary system.
London School of Economics and Political Science: Expensive, Ineffective
Criminal Justice Policy Review: Supermax Prisons
Google Books: Supermax Prisons
by Matt the Great on August 5th, 2010
Where are gang bandannas worn?
by Answerbag Staff on April 23rd, 2011
| 1 person likes this
Exsanguination - if one were to bleed to death do you have a heart attack or pass out first? this one site says it isn't painful I some how disbelieve that.
http://www.viha.ca/NR/rdonlyres/7D2F156E-FB91-4080-A0F3-6244BFFBC655/0/Exsanguination.pdf
by Anonymous on July 18th, 2009
| 2 people like this
Who conducts a Georgia state prison inspection?
by Answerbag Staff on April 23rd, 2011
| 1 person likes this
Who is Dr. David Kelly?
by Answerbag Staff on April 22nd, 2011
| 1 person likes this
How long can a finger print stay in direct sunlight with out fading away?
by ctwave3508 on September 30th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
You're reading Are supermax prisons humane?
Your favorite Q&A site is on Facebook! Become a fan to connect with the ever-growing community of Answerbaggers, share your thoughts and find out what Answerbag's up to next!
Comments