Solitary Confinement

To many observers, the drawbacks of solitary confinement lie in its practice, not its principles. Although it may be useful in controlling inmate populations, solitary confinement procedures suffer from failure to properly monitor the medical and psychological state of those in “in the hole”, confinement for trivial offenses like “talking back” to corrections officials, and unacceptably long periods of isolation. The courts have shown no inclination to rein in these abuses, as judges tend to be extremely differential to the decisions and policies of prison officials.

Today no federal laws control the use of solitary confinement. Only one state, Washington, places a limit -20 days- on the length of time an inmate may be kept in isolation.

• If you were to draft a law regulating the use of solitary confinement, what elements would your law contain?
  
• Would you, like courts, give prison officials a “free hand” or would you restrict their discretion?
  
• Would you allow prisoners to challenge their solitary confinement in court?
  
• Your answer should take at least 3 full paragraphs

It's been a while!

Wow! Its been over a month since we last blogged!! Way too long because you are AWESOME when you write on your blogs! You should know that you are doing a great job and I enjoy reading your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions!

Ok..next assignment!

You learned about why gangs form and continue to exist. Each year federal and state governments put money into combating gang activites and violence. Rochester, even though a small city, donates millions towards this fight. Being young and understanding reasons why people join, what can we do to reach youth and/or the community to put an end to gangs.

• Will gangs ever cease to exist?
• Think about the ideas that communities have tried, the ideas you and your classmates created. What will work and why.

Remember to check out other blogs! :)