Introduction
In the criminal justice sector, the debate of whether to use solitary confinement and the general quality of life within prisons is yet to subside since it remains highly contested. Delving deeper into the debate of whether or not solitary confinement is a necessary evil or an activity to be done away with proves to be important. We need to consider the extent to which the concept of “quality of life” is important in contemporary U.S. prisons and the possible reforms that could be introduced to improve this. This essay will attempt to critically evaluate these key issues in the criminal justice process using arguments and examples from the relevant source materials.
Solitary Confinement as a Necessary Evil or Obsolete Practice
Solitary confinement has been under the eye of human rights activists since its creation because it develops some of the most radical psychological and physical effects in its inmates. The Guardian (2017) video sheds light on problems emanating from the use of solitary confinement, whereby increased rates of self-harm and suicide, together with deep changes in brainwave patterns, have been realized. Such measures often increase rather than decrease the chances of rehabilitation and thus pose critical ethical concerns regarding their humaneness and effectiveness.
Vera Institute of Justice’s (2019) video extrapolates that solitary confinement smashes human sensibilities and that it should not be applied in correctional facilities. It cites the dehumanizing nature of isolation and the significance of incentives and mental health treatment for the incarcerated. It calls for the priorities of rehabilitation over punishment and puts forth that the prolonged practice of solitary confinement is against the ultimate goals of criminal justice. From the above, it can be seen that solitary confinement doesn’t have a choice but to be a necessary evil. It is a relic of past practices in punishment that fails to reach the deeper roots of criminal behaviour. As such, a paradigm shift to more humanely oriented and rehabilitative approaches is imperative for the good of the well-being and appropriate re-entry of the incarcerated back into society.
If Quality of Life in U.S. Prisons is an Overlooked Priority,
Quality of life in U.S. prisons is a complex notion that includes different components. The Infographics Show (2020) video provides an account of life in prison, identifying various themes, including living conditions, boredom, degradation, and food quality. These factors have an immense impact on the inmates’ general well-being and sense of dignity, pointing to a necessity for redress in the prison system.
WTVR CBS 6 (2020) video reveals one instance of infrastructural failure when inmates’ quality of life did not live up to standard. The systemic problems typified by failure to cool inmates or supply running water in prison during a heatwave at Henrico County Jail feature basic amenities needed for human survival that are neglected or hardly provided. ESRC Social (2012) video also depicted a survey developed by Professor Alison Liebling to assess the quality of life within the prison. The instrument measuring staff-prisoner relationships and fairness identifies strengths and weaknesses in correctional facilities, which then inform targeted interventions to enhance inmates’ well-being. As a prison warden or superintendent, the responsibility for ensuring the prisoners’ good quality of life lies directly at one’s feet. Herein are some cardinal reforms to ensure this makes a real impact. First and foremost, measures are in place to ensure sufficient access to basic human needs: clean water, appropriate nutrition, and a proper living environment. Such a supportive rehabilitative environment, toward which well-developed, comprehensive mental health services, educational programs, and vocational training would lead, will allow for reformed prisoners to be more successfully integrated back into society upon their release.
Conclusion
The debate on isolation and the quality of life attached to United States prisons essentially calls for a critical look at the practices and policies in place. Isolation, from being a necessary evil, needs to be done away with and better, humane, and rehabilitative ways of incarceration re-instituted. Furthermore, considering prisoners’ quality of life will thus be a moral imperative and a strategic investment in public safety and social justice. An approach to a more humane and equitable criminal justice system will be possible—one that respects the dignity and rights of each human being, whether this happens behind the walls of a prison or beyond.
References
ESRC Social. (2012). How our prisons reform | Quality of life in prisons survey. Www.youtube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46MpVGE6jJY&authuser=0
The Guardian. (2017). 6×9: a virtual experience of solitary confinement – 360 video. Www.youtube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odcsxUbVyZA&authuser=0
The Infographics Show. (2020). Prison is Horrible, But Not For the Reason You Think. Www.youtube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTEDJPW5BI8&authuser=0
Vera Institute of Justice. (2019). Safely Reducing the Use of Solitary Confinement. Www.youtube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrqL0xXB3Hc&authuser=0
WTVR CBS 6. (2020). Virginia Inmates Left Without Air Conditioning, Running Water During Heat Wave. Www.youtube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YYvbYRE7BA&pp=ygUcaHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dS5iZS8wWVl2YllSRTdCQQ%3D%3D
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