HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE PRISON SYSTEM IN THE USA

Abstract

Throughout history the penal system has been viewed as the paramount means of dealing with criminals, though its function has transformed throughout time.It has served as a place for detaining suspected criminals, a home for the vagrant , an institution for the insane , a dreaded place of repute. The trials and transformations of history have developed and shaped the institution that we recognize today.In fact the prison existed in ancient and medieval times ,but it was not a popular method of punishment such as whipping,mutilation and other public physical punishments which were aimed at deterring the common man from commiting a crime.But since the public punishments didn’t gave the expected results , and more emphasis was put on the natural human rights , the changes were inevitable.The first reform movements for reducing the physical punishment appeared , also the death penalty was ruled out for most crimes.The Pennsylvania and Auburn type of prison were introduced , they were considered the beginnings of todays modern prisons.These reforms in the US prison system and the effects they provided served as a call to change prison systems around the world.

Keywords: imprisonment, institution, penitentiary systems, prison, prison system.