I’ve read a lot about this. The author is correct. This is cruel and unusual punishment, and it can drive you quite permanently insane.
Well perhaps they had better act civilized so they don’t end up there. The whole problem with prison is that we can’t send them anywhere worse.
They get seperated from the rest of the population because they are violent towards other inmates and/or staff. Its unfortunate that they can’t find a way to stop offending even when locked up.
Hmmmm perhaps one shouldn’t behave in a manner that ends with being thrown into jail
Our whole system of justice at this point is a disaster.
As for the "for their own protection" group why don't we just have a special prison where we send all of these guys? Then they can be with their "peers".
I agree that long term solitary is probably excessive. As a short term punishment, it is probably the only effective deterrent prisons have at their disposal. At supermax prisons, which are supposedly an alternative to capital punishment, who gives a crap? In Norway, where solitary confinement has been found cruel and unusual, they are hiring “friends” to keep Anders Breivik company. That is the road you are on.
Prisons are not simply a place to warehouse criminals. They are also intended to be punishment, and therefore at least a little bit unpleasant.
Firing squad is neither unusual nor cruel as long as the shots find their mark.
Alternatively, I would support lethal injection over solitary confinement.
Disclaimer: My position is based on the assumptions that the worst violent offenders that have no chance of paroll are the subjects of this article. Temporary solitary confinement is reserved for bad behavior within the system (as I understand it).
I'd rather put a bullet in their head, but that also leads to some permanent issues. I think the author does have a valid point because my thoughts immediately went to, "so what?". My "give a damn-meter" pegged out empty after one of them punched a nurse in the face knocking her out and then was pumping his arms up and down like a champ. Haldol, pavulon and a ventilator made him see the error of his ways. I don't fight violent criminals in the ER. That 's why God invented depolarizing agents and ventilators.
This incident among others like these made fairly hard hearted and decide that if people like this want to defend violent criminals, let them live with you. They come anywhere near me, I'm pulling a trigger till they stop.
In reality I'm more concerned about my dog pooping in my back yard than violent criminals. We should make 4x6 individual cells, with a cot that can be folded up, two buckets (one for water the other for a toilet) and 3 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for meals. On their birthday get them a Ding-Dong and on Christmas a peppermint candy cane. Otherwise just lock them up, they made the decision to commit crimes now reap what they sow.
OK, so why not put them to death in cases where they've murdered someone, etc.? Wouldn't that be less cruel and unusual punishment? At the very least, it would be quick and painless versus possibly going crazy or time.
Besides, aren't those that kill people generally insane, perhaps not legally, already?
You are correct, I have worked in corrections and even a relatively brief stay in solitary can have a very detrimental effect.
One reason I believe, is that your usual criminal is ill equipped for introspection or penitence. Placed in solitary he is completely without the inner resources to both deal with it or benefit from it.
Good. Punishment is useless if its not “cruel” and “unusual.”
Just make certain that there is a sturdy fixture in the ceiling and that the sheets are nice strong...