4.10 The Prison System

Question 1

Why was the introduction of the prison system important

Answer 1

1) imprisonment became the normal method of punishing criminals
- by the mid 19th century, imprisonment had replaced capital punishment for most of the serious crimes

2) the purpose of punishment changed
- punishments became more focused on reforming criminals

3) increase in prisoners meant that the government took over the prison system
- by 1870s government inspectors checked every aspect of prison life to make sure it was adequate.

Question 2

Describe the old prison system

Answer 2

1) all prisoners were housed together
- this meant that hardened criminals were mixed with children and those who committed lesser crimes.
- Here they exchanged stories and made future plans.
- This created a school of crime.

2) prison wardens were unpaid
- they had to make money by charging prisoners
- prisoners had to pay a fee to be released- this created a greater gap between the poor and the wealthy as the poor could not afford the fee so continued to suffer in prison.

3) poor conditions
- the poor lived in overcrowded conditions
- prisons were dirty and unhealthy so ‘gaol fever’ killed many prisoners. Prisoners had to pay to see a doctor which the poor couldn’t afford.

Question 3

What were the main prison reforms?

Answer 3

• in 1823 sir Robert peel introduced the gaols act which was an important step in improving conditions.
• prisoners should be separated into groups
• all prisoners should attend chapel and receive religious instruction from the chaplain
• prison warders should be paid
• prisoners should have proper food and prisons should be healthy
• magistrates should visit prisons in their area

Question 4

Who was John Howard

Answer 4

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Question 5

Who was Elizabeth Fry?

Answer 5

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Question 6

Describe the separate system

Answer 6

Around 1842-1877

• prisoners spent most of their time alone in their cells. This was to keep them away from other prisoners and to prevent a school of crime from forming.
• by being kept alone, the prisoners had the opportunity to reflect on their actions
• they had to attend chapel
• they were taught skills so that once they were released they could seek employment and wouldn’t have to result in crime

Strengths:
- prevented a school of crime

Weaknesses:
- expensive

Question 7

Describe the silent system

Answer 7

1860s

• prisoners had to be silent at all time
• hard wooden beds (uncomfortable)
• same food every day
• had to take part in hard labour for several hours a day
• punishments included being put on a diet of bread and water