NCJ Number
8679
Date Published
1972
Length
63 pages
Annotation
AMERICAN CORRECTIONAL SYSTEM AS SEEN FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF THE INMATE POPULATION, THE PRISON ADMINISTRATORS, AND THOSE WORKING FOR CORRECTIONAL REFORM.
Abstract
IN THIS PAMPHLET, THE AUTHOR HAS PREPARED A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE MULTI-FACETED AMERICAN CORRECTIONAL SYSTEM AND SOME OF ITS PRESSING PROBLEMS. THE PENAL SYSTEM BEGINS BY DESCRIBING THE INMATE POPULATION AND THEN OUTLINES THE PROCESS BY WHICH THIS DIVERSE GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS CAME TO BE CONFINED. THE READER RECEIVES A VIEW OF LIFE BEHIND PRISON BARS FROM PASSAGES WRITTEN BY PRISONERS DESCRIBING THEIR PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES. ANOTHER SECTION PROVIDES THE PERSPECTIVES OF THE ADMINISTRATORS AND GUARDS WHO ARE CHARGED WITH MAINTAINING ORDER AND DISCIPLINE WITHIN THE PRISON WALLS. THE VIEWS OF VARIOUS WELL KNOWN INDIVIDUALS WORKING FOR CORRECTIONAL REFORM ARE GIVEN, EMPHASIZING THOSE VIEWS REGARDING THE LEGAL RIGHTS OF INMATES. THE TRAGIC EVENTS SURROUNDING THE DISTURBANCE AT ATTICA IN SEPTEMBER OF 1971 ARE OUTLINED. THE DOCUMENT CONCLUDES WITH SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR MORE EFFECTIVELY REHABILITATION OF PRISONERS, INCLUDING CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVES TO INCARCERATION SUCH AS COMMUNITY BASED CORRECTIONS AND WORK-RELEASE PROGRAMS. EACH TOPIC SECTION IS FOLLOWED BY SEVERAL QUESTIONS DESIGNED TO STIMULATE FURTHER THOUGHT AND DISCUSSION. THIS WORK IS DESIGNED PRIMARILY FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 7 TO 12. (SNI ABSTRACT)