When politician and prison reformer John Howard 1777 called prisons ‘filthy and corrupt-ridden places, not fit for human habitation’, he surely had no idea how much truth still would be in his words and how much this would still be an issue in the 21st century. This critique shall show the prison history from the late 18th century until today with special emphasis on the state and condition of the prisons and resulting from this the situation of the prisoners at that time within the prisons and the penal system.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The Prison System in the 18th Century
- John Howard's Observations
- Cesare Beccaria's Contributions
- Michel Foucault's Perspective
- Mental Health and Prison Conditions
- Prison Conditions in Modern Britain
- Hygiene, Medical Support, and Diseases in Prisons
- Corruption and Bribery in Prisons
- Prison Reform Attempts
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay critically examines the proposition that prisons have made little progress since the issues raised by John Howard in 1777, focusing on the current crisis of prison numbers. The essay aims to provide a historical overview of the prison system, analyzing the evolution of conditions and the challenges faced by prisoners throughout the centuries. It will then compare these historical observations to the current state of prisons in the United Kingdom, specifically addressing the concerns raised by John Howard. Key themes explored in the essay include: * **Prison conditions and their impact on prisoners:** The essay analyzes how prison conditions, including hygiene, medical care, and mental health support, have evolved over time. It will explore the lasting consequences of inadequate conditions on the well-being of prisoners. * **The role of corruption and bribery:** The essay examines the historical prevalence of corruption in prison systems and its impact on prisoners' experiences. It will analyze how corruption persists in modern prisons, highlighting its detrimental effects. * **Mental health challenges in prison:** The essay examines the prevalence of mental health issues among prisoners and the effectiveness of mental healthcare provision within the prison system. It will discuss how historical neglect of mental health concerns continues to affect the prison population. * **The effectiveness of prison reform attempts:** The essay will analyze the success and limitations of past prison reform attempts, including the Woolf Report of 1991. It will explore the challenges and complexities associated with achieving lasting reform in the prison system. * **The ongoing relevance of John Howard's observations:** The essay will assess whether the criticisms raised by John Howard in 1777 remain relevant to the current state of British prisons. It will explore the extent to which the prison system has addressed or perpetuated these issues.Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The essay begins by examining the conditions of prisons in the 18th century, drawing on the work of John Howard, Cesare Beccaria, and Michel Foucault. Howard, a prison reformer, documented the inhumane conditions he witnessed, highlighting the prevalence of disease, corruption, and neglect. Beccaria's work on crime and punishment reveals the severity of punishment in the 18th century, arguing that excessive punishment could lead to further crime. Foucault, in his analysis of discipline and punishment, provides a historical context for the development of the prison system, showcasing the transition from public torture to imprisonment. The essay further delves into the issue of mental health in prisons, drawing on the work of Reed and the Prison Reform Trust. It highlights the increased prevalence of mental health issues in prison populations compared to the general population and examines the inadequacy of mental health services within prisons. Moving on to modern British prisons, the essay presents observations by former Chief Inspector of Prisons, David Ramsbotham, who describes the continuing state of neglect and inhumane conditions in prisons. He echoes Howard's concerns, highlighting issues such as overcrowding, lack of basic necessities, and inadequate security measures. Finally, the essay explores the ongoing challenges of corruption and bribery within prisons, drawing on reports commissioned by the Secretary of State for Justice and highlighting the involvement of corrupt prison employees in drug smuggling. It also analyzes the complex relationship between safety and respect in prisons, noting that a sense of safety often comes at the cost of respect for prisoners. The essay concludes by examining the limitations of previous prison reform attempts, highlighting the ongoing need for a comprehensive and effective approach to addressing the systemic problems within the prison system.Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key focus of this essay lies within the area of penology, examining the history and current state of prisons in the United Kingdom. The essay analyzes the development of the prison system, highlighting the lasting relevance of issues raised by John Howard in his 1777 statement. Key themes include prison conditions, mental health in prison, corruption, prison reform, and the ongoing challenge of addressing systemic issues within the penal system. The essay utilizes historical and contemporary perspectives, drawing on the work of notable figures like John Howard, Cesare Beccaria, Michel Foucault, and David Ramsbotham. The essay aims to provide a critical examination of the prison system, analyzing the evolution of conditions and the challenges faced by prisoners throughout the centuries.
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- Citation du texte
- Viola Abelius (Auteur), 2008, PENOLOGY. Critically Assessment of the Suggestion that Prisons have moved on little from the Concerns raised in John Howard’s Famous Statement of 1777, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/180881
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