James Gilligan Beyond The Prison Paradigm Summary

James Gilligan explains his views in the article, Beyond the Prison Paradigm: From Provoking Violence to Preventing It by Creating “Anti-Prisons”. The article is about the history, of prisons from when they were first created to today’s prison systems and the reasoning behind creating them. Gilligan dates his research and extensive knowledge about prisons all the way back from the first civilization known to man, Sumerian. Dating back to the first prison the Sumerian people called it house of darkness, which basically represented of evil, pain, isolation, hell, and gloom. Compared to many of today’s prisons, also known as jails, the solitary confinement included the prisoner being placed in small space filled with darkness, with not connection

His explanation on the concept of an “anti-prison”, described three main points. It focused on an institute designed around education, rehabilitation, and the improvement of prisoners. The “anti-prion” was created to educate offenders on how to properly function as law abiding citizen. I believe Gilligan’s idea of an “anti-prison” would help push society in the right direction. A direction that would guide the misguided and hopefully deter them from making bad decisions. Often times the people imprisoned only know one life-style and fall victim to his or her environment. Once programmed to thinking this way of living is okay it is often hard for them to picture anything better. Having different background and no other options often results to a life of crime at a very early age. I believe that the idea of an “anti-prison” for these people would be a great benefit to them and society. While being imprisoned given the chance to learn lifestyle tools, receiving an education, and understand the do’s and don’ts of society would be beneficial for

If an offender is mentally ill can he or she truly be rehabilitated. If these offenders committed harsh crimes and would not successfully intergrade back into society they should be kept in jail under the original prion concept. Having them around other could do more wrong than good. If one cannot be rehabilitated and taught one should not be given the same treatment as those who can. The offenders should remain in solitary condiment, or executed according prison guidelines. My beliefs are structured around that fact that the offender may not be able to function in a non-criminal environment. If the crimes they committed are so harsh and they aren’t truly able to show regret, because if their mental state rehabilitant and education is a waste of time. The “anti-prison”, from my understanding should be used on people who have the mental ability to