Prisons

Prof Mary Bosworth

The prison is one of the most fundamental parts of the criminal justice system.  Despite extensive evidence pointing to a generalised failure of incarceration to stem crime or to reform criminals, for example, imprisonment continues to be viewed as the appropriate and necessary response to a wide range of illegal activity.  More puzzling still, despite its economic and social costs, critical questions about the legitimacy of imprisonment are often brushed aside.

By examining aspects of life behind bars as well as some of the justifications of imprisonment, this course will seek to understand the complex role played by the prison in contemporary society.  Students will develop a critical understanding of the origins of the prison, of its daily practice, conditions and staff-prisoner relationships.  Particular attention will be paid to the experiences of women and ethnic minorities behind bars.

.