CheckPoint: Development of Corrections
AnaMaria Sarabando-Gaspar
University of Phoenix
CJS/230 – Corrections: A World Apart
Professor Lisa K. Nash
Week #2
Abstract
What were women’s prisons like before the 1800’s? How have they changed?
Women’s prison before the 1800’s, were treated unfairly, sexually harassed, majority of them were treated or had the same treatment as the men were. They were also put in the same cell. The system didn’t really recognize what was fair or not back then, women, men and children were treated poorly, and punished violently for their criminal acts. Women also believed they were over worked and underfed in these prisons in the 1800s. Since the 1800’s prisons have changed dramatically. Today, every prison has its set of rules, women and men are in separate facilities, and in a somewhat better environment.
What are the three basic arguments established in the 1800’s that supported the separation of juvenile prisoners? What would happen if there were no distinction between prisons for juveniles and adults?
The three basic arguments established in the 1800’s that supported the separation of juvenile prisoners were the penitentiary regime being too hard on tender youth. Second, Juveniles would learn bad habits from older criminals and be embittered by the experience of confinement, and thirdly the Adolescents could be reformed if they were diverted early enough into institutions designed specifically for people their age.” (Foster, 2006). If there were no difference between prisons for juveniles and adults we would see two serious problems develop. The influence of older criminals upon first time offenders would no doubt lead to a higher rate of juvenile recidivism. Second, the very real risk of juvenile abuse would be a serious problem. The best possible way to ensure that juveniles are protected and given the opportunity for rehabilitation is to continue a policy of segregation.
What was the purpose of prison labor? What caused the decline of prison labor?
The purpose of prison labor was used as a punishment for crimes committed. “A visitor to a northern prison of the late 1800s would have found a factory behind prison walls. Virtually all able-bodied inmates, men and women, did hard work six days a week. (Foster, 2006) This hardship provided those still free in society who would consider criminal acts a means for pause. In addition it also provided society with useful labor and products, while keeping the convicted population occupied. “Labor was part of the regimen for two good reasons. First, it focused prisoners’ time and energy productively, keeping them busy in unpleasant, sometimes
