5 - the need for prison reform

History

What caused the dramatic rise in the prison population after 1776?

The dramatic rise in the prison population occurred after the ending of transportation to North America in 1776. This caused many people to seek reform for the appalling conditions inside prisons.

Who was John Howard, and what did he find in his 1776 prison survey?

John Howard was the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire. In 1776, he surveyed prisons and found that prisoners could be held even if found not guilty due to unpaid discharge fees, there was a lack of separation by crime type, and disease (like jail fever) caused many deaths. He believed in reforming criminals, clergymen visiting prisoners, and keeping prisoners in solitary confinement.

What were John Howard's key beliefs for prison reform?

John Howard believed prisons should reform criminals, clergymen should guide prisoners, and prisoners should be kept in solitary confinement to help with their reform.

How did Sir George O. Paul contribute to prison reform?

Sir George O. Paul, influenced by Howard, wrote a book in 1784 that helped spark the prison reform movement. His work led to the 1785 Gloucestershire Prison Act, which introduced new prison designs focusing on security, health, and separation, such as polygonal buildings, isolation sections for new prisoners, and separate facilities for males and females.

What were the main features of the 1785 Gloucestershire Prison Act?

The 1785 Gloucestershire Prison Act allowed for new prison designs with features like polygonal buildings for security, isolation sections to check new prisoners for disease, exercise yards, good ventilation, separate facilities for trial offenders and those serving punishment, and separate areas for male and female prisoners.

Who was Elizabeth Fry, and what was her contribution to prison reform?

Elizabeth Fry was a devout Christian who, in 1813, was horrified by the conditions for female prisoners in Newgate Prison. She formed the Association for the Improvement of Women Prisoners in Newgate in 1817 and introduced reforms like female warders, schools for women and children, and work programs for female prisoners. She influenced the 1823 Gaols Act.

What were Elizabeth Fry's key reforms for female prisoners?

Elizabeth Fry introduced reforms such as female warders, schools for women and children, and work programs for female prisoners. She also traveled the country to establish Ladies' Prison Committees to spread her reforms.

What was the 1823 Gaols Act, and how did Elizabeth Fry influence it?

The 1823 Gaols Act was a reform law influenced by Elizabeth Fry, which improved conditions in prisons, especially for women. She had a big role in advocating for these changes, though she disagreed with the idea of complete separation in prisons.

What was the Gladstone Report of 1895, and what changes did it bring to prisons?

The Gladstone Report of 1895 was the result of a government investigation into prisons, showing a shift towards reform. It led to the abolition of hard labor on the tread wheel, the cropping of hair, and the introduction of probation. It also ended the silent system and flogging of prisoners.