Solitary Troubles

51 Pages Posted: 21 Feb 2018

See all articles by Alex Reinert

Alex Reinert

Yeshiva University - Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

Date Written: February 20, 2018

Abstract

Solitary confinement is one of the most severe forms of punishment that can be inflicted on human beings. In recent years, the use of extreme isolation in our prisons and jails has been questioned by correctional officials, medical experts, and reform advocates alike. Yet for nearly the entirety of American history, judicial regulation of the practice has been extremely limited. This Article explains why judges hesitate to question the use of solitary confinement, while also providing a path forward for greater scrutiny of the practice.

Keywords: Eighth Amendment, punishment, solitary confinement, prison

Suggested Citation

Reinert, Alexander A., Solitary Troubles (February 20, 2018). Notre Dame Law Review, Vol. 93, 2018, Cardozo Legal Studies Research Paper No. 536, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3126947

Alexander A. Reinert (Contact Author)

Yeshiva University - Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law ( email )

55 Fifth Ave.
New York, NY 10003
United States

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