Prison Systems

The Prison System

CJS 200

The Prison System

History of the prison system

Prisons back in the 16th and 17th centuries were used to punish people who could not pay their taxes, and rent among other things they were called Debtor's prison these were a form of a work house. A public display of punishment for a convicted criminal such as stock's even branding. In the 18th century this is when the public started opposing the death penalty except for serious crimes such as murder. From the mid 18th century to be imprisoned meant hard labor for those who committed petty crimes. By 1777 John Howard (namesake of the Howard League) chastises the prison system as being filthy, barbaric, and disorganized. (Howard League, 2006)

The Great Penitentiary Rivalry involved the state of...