Prison. Parole. Redemption: A Deeper Look

By Jonah Sanders

What is the history of prisons in America? Were they made for punishment or rehabilitation? What is the pardon and parole board? How to get parole? What is restorative justice? All of these answers will be answered and more.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jonah Sanders
• Release date: Apr 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223181088

Jonah Sanders

Jonah Sanders is the founder of The Urban Law School, The Jonah Sanders Foundation and Black Genius Academy. A educator and motivator he continues to bring change to the world.

Book preview

Behind Bars: A History of Prison in America

Prisons have become an integral part of the American justice system, but have you ever wondered about their history and evolution in the United States? The American prison system is a complex and multifaceted institution that has gone through many changes over the years. From the first colonial jails to the modern-day correctional facilities, the prison system has been shaped by cultural, social, and political factors. The history of prisons in America is a unique and fascinating topic that offers a glimpse into the evolution of criminal justice and the treatment of inmates. In this blog post, we will explore the history of prison in America, starting from its early beginnings to the current state of the system, including its successes and failures. Get ready to take a journey through time and discover how the American prison system has evolved over the years.

1. Early American Prisons: Punishment v. Rehabilitation

The history of prison in America is a fascinating subject that has evolved over time. In the early days, prisons were seen as places for punishment rather than rehabilitation. The idea was to deter people from committing crimes by making prison life as unpleasant as possible. The first prison in America was built in 1790 in Philadelphia, and it was called the Walnut Street Jail. It was designed to house criminals as they awaited trial, but it soon became overcrowded, and conditions were terrible. There was no segregation between prisoners, and many of them were forced to sleep on the floor. They were given very little food or water, and disease was rampant.

Despite these conditions, the idea of punishment as a deterrent continued to dominate the prison system. In the early 19th century, a new type of prison was developed called the penitentiary. The first penitentiary was built in Auburn, New York, in 1817. The idea behind the penitentiary was to isolate prisoners from each other so that they could reflect on their crimes and repent. This was supposed to be a more humane form of punishment, but the reality was often harsh. Prisoners were kept in small cells for most of the day and were only allowed to leave for meals and exercise.

It wasn't until the late 19th century that rehabilitation became a focus of the prison system. This was due in part to the work of prison reformers such as Zebulon Brockway, who believed that prisoners could be reformed through education and vocational training. The idea was to prepare prisoners for life outside of prison so that they would not reoffend.

This approach became known as the rehabilitation model, and it is still a cornerstone of the modern prison system.

Overall, the history of prison in America is a complex subject that continues to evolve. While punishment is still a part of the system, the focus is increasingly on rehabilitation and preparing prisoners for a successful return to society.

2. The Birth of the Modern Prison System

The birth of the modern prison system in America can be traced back to the late 18th century. Prior to this time, prisons were used primarily to hold individuals awaiting trial or punishment, and were often overcrowded and unsanitary. The idea of using prisons as a means of punishment and rehabilitation was a new concept that emerged during the Enlightenment period.

One of the key figures in the development of the modern prison system was a man named William Penn. In 1682, Penn founded the colony of Pennsylvania and established a prison system that was based on the principles of hard 6

work, discipline, and rehabilitation. This was a departure from the harsh punishments of the time, such as branding, whipping, and public execution.

The Pennsylvania system, as it came to be known, was based on the idea of solitary confinement and hard labor.

Inmates were kept in separate cells for the duration of their sentence and were only allowed to leave for meals and exercise. The goal of this system was to promote self-reflection and rehabilitation through hard work and isolation from other criminals.

While the Pennsylvania system was the first attempt to create a modern prison system, it was not without its flaws.

The system was expensive to maintain, and the harsh conditions often led to mental illness and other health problems among inmates. Over time, other states began to adopt their own versions of the modern prison system, incorporating new ideas and innovations to address these issues.

3. The Impact of the War on Drugs

The War on Drugs, a term coined by President Richard Nixon in the 1970s, had a profound impact on the prison system in America. The policies created to combat drug abuse and drug-related crimes led to a significant increase in the number of people incarcerated. The government introduced mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses, which meant that judges had no discretion in sentencing and were required to impose a set minimum penalty. This led to many low-level drug offenders receiving harsh sentences, including lengthy prison terms.

The impact of these policies was particularly harsh on minority communities, who were disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs. African Americans and Hispanic Americans were much more likely to be arrested and incarcerated for drug offenses than their white counterparts, despite similar levels of drug use across all races.

The War on Drugs also led to a rise in the number of private prisons, as the government sought to deal with the influx of inmates. Private prisons are run by for-profit companies and have been criticized for prioritizing profits over the well-being of inmates. These facilities often have fewer resources and offer less support to prisoners than state-run facilities.

Overall, the War on Drugs had a lasting impact on the prison system in America. It led to an increase in the number of people incarcerated, particularly low-level drug offenders and those from minority communities. The rise of private prisons also became a controversial issue, with concerns about the quality of care and support provided to inmates.

4. Mass Incarceration and The New Jim Crow

The issue of mass incarceration and its impact on communities of color has been referred to as The New Jim Crow, a term coined by legal scholar Michelle Alexander. The disproportionate number of Black and Hispanic individuals who are incarcerated compared to their white counterparts is staggering. For example, while African Americans make up only 13% of the US population, they account for nearly 40% of the prison population. There are many factors that contribute to this phenomenon, including systemic racism and the war on drugs, which has been criticized for its disproportionate impact on communities of color. The effects of mass incarceration go beyond the individuals who are incarcerated, impacting families and entire communities. Once released, formerly incarcerated individuals often face a number of barriers to reentry, including difficulty finding employment and housing, which can lead to a cycle of recidivism. The issue of mass incarceration and the ways in which it perpetuates inequality in our society are complex and multifaceted, but it is important to address and work towards solutions that promote justice and equity for all.

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5. The Privatization of Prisons

The privatization of prisons is a trend that has gained momentum in recent years. In the past, the government was responsible for the operation of prisons, but now more and more prisons are being run by private corporations. The argument in favor of privatization is that it can save money. For-profit prisons argue that they can provide the same quality of service at a lower cost than government-run facilities.

However, critics of privatization argue that this approach puts profits over people. They argue that private prisons have a financial incentive to keep inmates incarcerated for longer periods of time or to cut corners when it comes to inmate care and rehabilitation. Additionally, many people are concerned about the impact that private prisons have on the justice system as a whole. For example, some argue that private prisons may lobby for stricter sentencing laws in order to increase the number of inmates and their profits.

Overall, the privatization of prisons is a complex issue with both pros and cons. It's important to carefully consider the impact that privatization may have on inmates' lives, as well as the justice system as a whole, before making any decisions about how to run prisons in America.

6. The Death Penalty

The death penalty has been a controversial topic in the United States for decades. While some believe that it serves as a just punishment for heinous crimes, others argue that it is a cruel and inhumane practice that does not belong in a modern society.

The use of the death penalty has a long and varied history in America, with some states using it more frequently than others. In recent years, the number of death sentences and executions has decreased, with many states opting to abolish the practice altogether.

One of the main arguments against the death penalty is the risk of executing an innocent person. Despite advances in forensic science, mistakes can still be made, and the consequences of such mistakes can be irreversible.

Another argument against the death penalty is that it is unfairly applied, with people of color and those with low incomes more likely to receive the death