Separation Exists Between Society And The Penal System

Separation exists between society and the penal system, and due to this, there is a grave lack of knowledge of what is happening behind bars and how we can improve the situation we have currently in regards to the prison system. There are major flaws that exist within the penal system, and Angela Davis highlighted the main one of secrecy. We know based off of research that our prison population commonly consists of individuals who struggle academically (Petersilia, 2003, pg 32). Because of this lack of a strong education, they may not possess basic skills like reading, with about 20 % performing at an illiterate level within state facilities (Petersilia, 2003, pg 32), which prisons are not going around glorifying. Another sort of hidden and degrading factor that Davis does not directly mention is the use of solitary confinement. We learned from Maggie’s presentation the harmful mental health effects on those whom are placed in solitary confinement (December 1, presentations). While in solitary confinement, inmates are hidden away in â€Å"a place of punishment within a place of punishment† (Conover, 2001, pg 126), while being degraded with neither little to no time outside, nor any human interaction (Conover, 2001, pg 127). It’s disturbing that it was not intended as a form of punishment, yet is used as one now (October 22, film). During the History of Prisons film we watched, they explained the use of solitary confinement for reflection purposes (October 22, film). There hasShow MoreRelatedThe Enlightenment As A Period Of Time During The Eighteenth Century860 Words   |  4 Pagesthe concept of rational change. They believed the concept of reasoning could be applied in situations other than scientific in nature enabling them to learn more about religion, society, and politics making for an overall improved society. Ideas were also shared through Skepticism, a belief that certainty did not exist. They believe that in order to be certain, there had to be proof, nothing could be accepted on faith alone. Scottish philosopher, David Hume, used Skepticism to share his viewsRead MoreThe Relationship Between African American And The American Penal System3653 Words   |  15 Pages 1 Columbia Correctional Institution RACIAL DISPARITY IN AMERICAS PENAL SYSTEM 2 Abstract This paper researched the disproportion between African American males and the American penal system. The research addressed the three components that comprise the American Justice System. Those components identified were; the police, who enforce specific laws, investigate crimes and arrest or detain people injunction, seek inductionsRead MoreThe Trauma of Childhood Sexual Abuse Essay1694 Words   |  7 PagesAn estimated 39 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse exist in America today (Darness2Light, 2009a ). This figure continues to grow daily as perpetrators of this crime continue in this destructive path. The definition of child sexual abuse is the force, coercion, or cajoling of children into sexual activities by a dominant adult or adolescent. Sexual abuse of children includes touching (physical) sexually including: fondling; penetration (vaginal or anal using fingers, foreign objects orRead MoreMichel Foucault s Theory Of Discipline And Punishment1225 Words   |  5 Pagesliving and the dead† (Foucault 182). Foucault also believes that the Panopticon developed from the practice of separating and excluding lepers from the rest of society. â€Å"Caught up in a practice of rejection, of exile-enclosure; he was left to his doom in a mass† (Foucault 183). Separated from society, but not segmented within that separation, lepers often formed colonies on the outskirts of civilization where they moved around freely among themselves. The methods of dealing with the plague and withRead MoreThe Moral And Ethical Treatment Of Being Respected And Treated Humanely1702 Words   |  7 Pagesthought it was naà ¯ve to reason that declared rights could exist outside the law, and his criticism derives from a theoretical commitment to a system where law, punishment and proper government are erected through legislation. Conversely, today our corrections system is aiming at focusing more so on human dignity than in past years. In Brown V. Plata, Anthony Kennedy reasoned that dignity should be the foundation of our American Criminal Justice system. As I will discuss in the following paragraphs, BrownRead MoreDignity Is The Foundation Of Our American Criminal Justice System1732 Words   |  7 Pagesworthiness placed on individuals by society and themselves. From my perspective, dignity is the nourishment and affirmation of one’s self-esteem; in other words, fuel that every human possesses and should have preserved to remain mentally whole. However, prominent 19th century social reformers like Jeremy Bentham were critical of the notion that prisoners ought to possess declared rights. Bentham thought it was naà ¯ve to reason that declared rights could exist outside the law; his criticism derivesRead MoreWritten and Unwritten Law4416 Words   |  18 PagesSultan Abu Bakar.Terengganu was granted a written constitution by Sultan Zainal Abidin III in 1911. Each of the other states in the peninsula, apart from Penang and Melaka, was given one under the terms of the respective State Agreements concluded between the United Kingdom and the Malay Rulers just before the conclusion of the Federation of Malaya Agreement (FMA) in 1948. Penang and Malacca receive theirs under the Federation of Malaya Agreement (FMA) 1957. Sabah and Sarawak were each given a newRead MoreChristianity Essay1641 Words   |  7 Pagesis a religion based on the life and teaching, in the New Testament, of Jesus. It is a type of rel igion that only believes in one God. People who follow this religion are called Christians. Most Christians believe that God is one eternal being who exists as three distinct, eternal, and indivisible persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ the eternal Word), and the Holy Spirit. Most Christians says that the work of the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, is truly important. They believed that GodRead MoreA Study on the Effectivity of the Philippine Prison System10770 Words   |  44 PagesTHE PHILIPPINE PRISON SYSTEM ABELARDO ELEANDRO B. ALB IS, JR. F. 11ADRONA ALICE P. 11ARINO LEONIDES S. RESPICIO To the builders of this nightmare Though you may never get to read these words I pity you; For the cruelty of your minds have designed the bel!; If mens buildings are a reflection of what they are, this one portraits tbe ugliness of all humanity. If you only had some compassion! -grafitti written 011 the wall of American State Prison I. INTROD UCTION A system is said to be effectiveRead MoreHow Domestic Violence Affects Children As Well As The Mental Health Of Its Victims1744 Words   |  7 Pageswomen who were raped or suffered violence in there homes had no formal place or safe haven to go to get help or support. Shelters and services for victims of domestic violence did not exist and there was little, if any, response from criminal or civil courts, law enforcement, hospitals, and social service agencies. Society and its formal institutions viewed domestic violence as a private matter. (Bragg, 2003) As awareness and recognition of this problem grew, groups of women organized an advocacy movement