Are prisons treated fairly today in the U.S?
817141
Two correctional officers were killed by inmates in MD in 2006.  Inmates are becoming more violent inside prison - nothing to do other than think of ways to kill CO's and other inmates.  Some states may treat prisoners better than MD - others far worse.
661030
I have a very strong viewpoint on what prisonsers should and should not have available to them.  I my opinion, prisoners should have NOTHING other than the bare necessities.  They are in prison for a reason - they broke laws.  Why should they be given opportunities that the rest of us have to work hard to get?  They are not paying mortgages or rent, food or utility bills, and do not have to worry about commuting to work every day and paying the extrordinary amount we all have to pay for gas these days. Yet they are fed 3 meals a day, have television and a library, are allowed to work out, study and get college degrees and not pay a cent for any of it, except their freedom !!!  \n\nI worked in criminal court for over 15 years and many times when a defendant was sentenced to the mid-term sentence, they requested longer and stated that it is easier for them in prison than in the real world where they can't find jobs, don't have enough money to live, and have other stresses.\n\nI think that prisons should be a punishment, not a reward!
756
While they don't have more rights.  I talked to a former KKK grand dragon who had people that would actually commit crimes just before winter so they would have a warm place to stay.  Honestly, prison should be like the jail down in Arizona where they live in tents eat rotten meat and have to work on chain gangs.  They should not have a right to an education, they should not have a right to cable tv, should not have a right to weight lifting equipment.\n\nPrisons are refered to as thug university for a reason.
800485
This is different with different prisoners in different prisons in different states. No easy answers here, but my brother-in-law(a prison guard) used to say the recreation privileges(TV, books, weight lifting) they received was the only way to control and keep guards safer.  He also said there were those who shouldn't have been there although we'd like to believe our justice system is fair. He was especially concerned with the younger prisoners. You might try searching the internet for a local prison and see what information you can find-there's usually lots! \n\nFor instance try "federal prison privilege".
299500
I think America has come along way to be more ethical and to show more humanity and humane treatment of one another because of fair labor laws, the equal rights amendment, civil rights movement, fair housing, and laws to protect people against discrimination, age, sex, and religion.  If people feel discriminated against they can just sue someone anymore.  Also, I believe American's on the whole are more educated these days.  But I have known people including myself who have been treated poorly and their civil rights stepped on by those in control and authority.  We still have alot of evil-doers in this country who are very corrupt and we unfortunately still have the "good ole boy" system in our country where money talks.  And with the treatment given to American POW's by our own American military makes me not proud at all to be an American sometimes.  Especially violating the Geneva convention.
1098098
What civil rights do we have today?
782475
couldn't of said it better myself....most people go to prison for far less!  Is our president above the law?
643606
Sorry Inmates but I feel That prisoners are in jail for crimes committed: Why is it that we have to keep them entertained by using computers that have access to cause more harm.This also gives way to much access to outside connections from the lives that they affected before going into correctional facilities. I'm sure that there are a lot of other people can benefit from use of computers that just can't afford them. That is why we have JAILS right;;;
845715
You're kind of a jerk, you know that? \n1 in 136 US citizens is incarcerated in either a jail or a prison and over 95% are ineligible for family visits. Such visits are only permitted in 5 states and not at all in Federal facilities.\nTo qualify for that privilege, the inmate must be eligible for release or parole within a specified time frame, must never have had any domestic violence charges (NOT convictions, CHARGES, even if those charges were dropped, dismissed or if he was found innocent at a trial) and must have a completely spotless disciplinary record within the prison... other requirement vary by state.\nEven when an inmate qualifies for family visits, the visitors must be immediate family (Spouses, children, stepchildren, parents or siblings) and must apply for approval to even be on prison property.\nFind something besides the misfortune of others with which to amuse yourself.
615702
NO, it does not. It's absurdly expensive as the sentences are so long. There's barely any rehabilitation going on, and for the most part too many ppl are admitted for very long sentences who have not done serious crimes. Once you go through hell that most jails are you won't come out the same! And usually you won't come out a better person either! On top of that recidivism rates are extremely high when compared to other countries, i.e. in Europe. Some state prisons have recidivism rates as high as 20-30%. So no, too many do not become productive members of society again. I think there's a problem how the system works in itself, it might be successful at punishing, but not rehabilitation, in either case it should focus in prevention, and not be just a reactionary system. Some states, I think Florida and California will be soon among them if not yet, are spending more, or at least the same for education as prison systems. Now, doesn't anyone think there's something wrong with that? Right now US is jailing more than 2 million individuals... That's equivalent to a small country! There's clearly problems with the system, as well as the the way that society sees it and how they regard crime itself. Putting someone in jail as long as possible is not going to change anything! It's what he does in that jail that matters, not how long he stays there. So, if you think it's a good idea to fill the jails up with criminals, - fill them up, then build more max security prisons at 10 grand a cell, and fill those up as well, just don't come to me when it's time to pay taxes. And pray that once those criminals get out they don't come to you for anything, cause they'll be pissed. It's something to think about when you see the next politician boasting how he'll be tough on crime just cause it's an easy way to get votes, and felons can't vote, so he got nothing to loose, it's the society that does.
105270
well i work in the prison in texas, and they get what they deserve they are very much hated in the system they beat them up daily rape them take their food et. I am not saying i agree but everything you do comes back to you no matter!!
1108164
imprisonment without any biased nature
760145
yes I agree   think  the sentencing  in these  2 countries is  extremely severe  and over the top  and  yes    think  there should  be a standard that all countries  should  adhere to    re...UN  the sentencing  in these  countries  is  barbaric  comes  from the dark ages   and to  sentence  someone  to 99yrs  gees why don't you just hang them  now   why does the  USA  and  other  countries affiliated still have  the barbaric  system of execution  do not recognise any  human rights ... are they still animals  I think so  animals have more rights it seems
879155
I have never thought about this question,but now you ask,I regard prison officers highly has it takes a special kind of person to carry out the role of such a job.I dont consider it to be a case of locking doors etc.has you have a greater role of reabilitaion of offenders.\nTo my thoughts you would have to be the complete opposite of what the american gentleman says.\nSo keep up the good work matey
425410
For honest, useful answers to your very valid question, minus all the smartass and mean remarks, go to http://www.prisontalk.com\nGood luck.
1147463
Because America needs prisons to detain those who are to be tortured when interrogated.  If prisoners are held on American soil, they must be interrogated under the restrictions of the American laws, Constitution, and Geneva Convention.  If prisoners are held in other countries that are not restricted by little things like civil rights and civil liberties, then they can be tortured "legally."\n\nThat answer may sound harsh.  But, unfortunately, since WWII, The American Government has used other countries for this expressed purpose.
412193
The punishment should fit the crime.  Our justice system is too lax.  Prisoners complain their rights are being violated.  What about the rights of others they violated when they committed their crime?  Prisoners should have no rights.  \n\nIt's pathetic that prisoners eat better and have health care at their fingertips when law abiding citizens and their families can't afford 3 meals per day or health care.  Doesn't sound like punishment to me.