Panopticon Prison

How did the early colonists respond to crime?

There were enormous changes in the late 1700s as a result of the Pennsylvania Prison Society’s influence under John Howard. What were some of these changes?

What were the characteristics of the New York (Auburn) silent system of prisons? What were some of the problems with this model?

What were the characteristics of the Pennsylvania separate system of prisons? What were some of the problems with this model?

What is a panopticon prison?

Our current prison system faces many of the same issues and challenges that were present during the 1800 and 1900s. What are some of these issues and challenges? If you were “in charge” of the prison system in the United States, what would be your suggestions for overcoming some of these issues and improving the prison system overall?

Please use the link below:

Week 3 – Writing assignment- 3 pgs

The German prison program that inspired Connecticut – YouTube

Watch the YouTube clip about prisons in Germany where the “pains” of being incarcerated are minimized to a great extent and where outcomes for those coming out of prison are better. 

Please write how you feel about German prisons .  Do you agree that prisons in the U.S. should be “kinder” and “gentler” OR would that minimize the deterrent efficacy of harsh punishments?  Should the “pains of imprisonment” be as harsh as possible?  Do you think that German-like prisons could be built here in the U.S. where the public sentiment seems to support harsh incarceration?