Purpose and History of Penitentiaries

Societies in ancient times had laws that governed them in order to avoid emergence of anarchy rule. These societies used different forms of punishment to discourage individuals from committing crime. The Babylonian Code of Hammurabi is one of the first cited cases of laws that were used in the Middle East in ancient times.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Purpose and History of Penitentiaries specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More They used punishment as a retribution for wrongs committed (Geltner, 2008, p.43). Afterwards, the Roman Empire established their legal code referred to as the Law of Twelve Tables. However, historians believe that the Justinian Code is the oldest form of legal code that was used to punish individuals. Punishment included banishment from home, beheading, branding with an iron rod, crucifixion, drowning and flogging (Geltner, 2008, p.44). In ancient times, imprisonment was not considered as an e fficient method of punishing crime. More crude methods such as beheading and crucifixion were used. Before the 1700’s, prisons were non-existent. Governments used prisons to confine criminals who were awaiting trial. In addition, prisons were mostly used to detain debtors who had failed to fulfill their financial obligations (May et al, 2007, p.37). Leaders used to punish criminals in public to discourage other people from committing crime. However, there was harsh criticism of execution as a form of punishment during the 1700’s. This period marked the advent of prison reforms. Prisons were established due to the activism of the 18th century rationalist reformers who were against execution and other crude forms of punishment (May et al, 2007, p.39). The reformers believed that imprisonment could offer criminals solitude, which would allow them to think about their actions and desire reformation. The Pennsylvania system refers to a prison system that encouraged solitary confinement of prisoners and discouraged socialization in prison. In contrast, the Auburn system encouraged the confinement of prisoners in groups (Geltner, 2008, p.49). The Pennsylvania system encouraged solitude in order to give prisoners an opportunity to repent and reform. Each prisoner spent time alone and was rarely allowed to mingle with other prisoners. However, prisoners were allowed a maximum of one hour for exercise. This system was not efficient because prison labor was inefficient and ineffective. Prisons were unable to utilize the services of prisoners to do hard labor in ways that were beneficial (May et al, 2007, p.44). This system gradually became obsolete and led to the birth of the auburn system. In the auburn system, prisoners spent time together during meals, manual work, recreation, and during religious services.Advertising Looking for essay on criminal law? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This system al so incorporated critical aspects such as healthcare and religious nourishment for prisoners. Prisoners’ work involved hard labor as a way of reformation. In this system, prisoners were imprisoned according to the category of their crime (Geltner, 2008, p.54). The system introduced the tier system that involves the construction of cells above one another. In the 1800’s, prison labor was the main activity that occupied prisoners as they served their sentences. Prisoners were leased to private establishments and individuals in efforts to make money (Geltner, 2008, p.59). They often worked in harsh conditions without remuneration. Hard labor was not used as a form of rehabilitation but as a channel for financial gains. During the close of the 19th century, prisons were accused of mistreating prisoners by leasing them to companies that forced them to work without pay. Later, laws were enacted to restrict prison labor during the great depression. There was fear that the chea p labor that was provided by prisoners would lead to loss of jobs. The main impact of prison labor is rehabilitation. Prisoners are made to work in order to reform them and prepare them for a better life. In addition, it has helped prisoners gain skills that help them start new lives after they serve their sentences (May et al, 2007, p.51). References Geltner, G. (2008). The Medieval Prison: A Social History. Princeton: Princeton University Press. May, D., Minor, K., and Mathews, B. (2007). Corrections and the Criminal Justice  System. New York: Jones Bartlett Learning. This essay on Purpose and History of Penitentiaries was written and submitted by user Sonny Spence to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.