Rehabilitation Over Punishment: United States Federal Prisons

Author: John Edom

Field of Study: Arts and Humanities

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Alexandra Moore

Easel: 12

Timeslot: Morning

Abstract: This project will analyze how United States federal prisons are places where punishment is prioritized over rehabilitation and the distinction between abuse and discipline are blurred. This issue can be traced back to the 1980s, with the passage of the Comprehensive Crime Control Act (CCCA) which prioritized punitive measures over rehabilitation and contributed to a sharp rise in incarceration rates. The discretionary power of prisons is far too entrenched. The Supreme Court’s rulings in Turner v. Safley (1987), Overton v. Bazzetta (2003), and Wilkins v. Gaddy (2010) reinforce this discretion by justifying abuse under the guise of discipline. This project will argue that these systemic flaws need to be addressed through clearer legal reforms and stronger judiciary oversight to protect the rights of incarcerated individuals and prevent further injustices from occurring.