Respecting Beasts: The Dehumanizing Quality of the Modern Prison and an Unusual Model for Penal Reform

31 Pages Posted: 17 Aug 2018

See all articles by James M. Binnall

James M. Binnall

California State University, Long Beach

Date Written: January 1, 2008

Abstract

Through a lens carved with unfortunate personal experiences, but mindful that my experiences as an inmate may vary significantly from those of others, I examine the interpersonal climate inside the walls of prison. Focusing on the notion of withholding respect, this Article contends that current prison management practices do not foster a healthy sense of self-respect among inmates. Instead, I argue that the inmate culture, guided by the normative expectations of the convict code, is a prisoner‘s only source of recognition as a human being worthy of respect. Accordingly, I propose that those charged with running modern prisons look to this aspect of the inmate culture for guidance and treat those who exist behind concrete and steel as beings rather than beasts.

Keywords: Prison, Incarceration, Respect, Warehouse Prison, Prison Management

Suggested Citation

Binnall, James, Respecting Beasts: The Dehumanizing Quality of the Modern Prison and an Unusual Model for Penal Reform (January 1, 2008). Brooklyn Journal of Law and Policy, Vol. 17, No. 1, 2008, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3226069

James Binnall (Contact Author)

California State University, Long Beach ( email )

1250 Bellflower Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90840
United States

HOME PAGE: http://web.csulb.edu/colleges/chhs/departments/criminal-justice/profiles/James_Binnall_Bio.htm

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