History & Philosophy Of Prisions

Question 1

Utilitarian

Answer 1

• Society has the right to punish as long as it results in the greater good
• Protect society from harm
• Incapacitation
  
  • prevent movement or reproducing harm.

Question 2

Social Contract

Answer 2

• Humans form societies
• Give up freedoms
• In return for protection

Critique
-Not everyone enters contract
willingly or has a say
-Ex. 1960s radical movements

Question 3

Prison Paradigms

• Conservative
• Liberal

Answer 3

Conservative View

• Deterrence/Incapacitation
• Man is essentially “rational”
• Cost/benefit analysis
  
  • seek pleasure and avoid pain
  • Greater punishments=less crime
• If not, protect society by removing perpetrators

Liberal View

• Rehabilitation
• Behavior influences by upbringing, poverty, life experiences
• Education, treatment programs, job skills
• Indeterminate sentencing
  
  • Who is considered redeemable?
  • Can we predict who will offer again?
• Whose version of “reformed”

Question 4

Retribution

Answer 4

• Inflicting pain in response to a wrong
• Vengeance
• Perpetrator deserves to be punished