4 - the separate system

History

What did the Prison Act of 1839 promote?

It encouraged prisons to adopt the Separate System, where prisoners were kept in individual cells to work, pray, and be visited by clergymen.

Who were the key reformers behind the Separate System?

Reformers such as John Howard and Paul proposed the Separate System to encourage reflection and rehabilitation.

What restrictions were placed on prisoners under the Separate System?

• Prisoners stayed in individual cells.

• They only left for religious services or exercise.

• They had to wear masks to hide their identity.

What types of work did prisoners do under the Separate System?

Prisoners made boots, mats, and prison clothes, and sewed mailbags and coal sacks.

By the 1850s, how many prisons had adopted the Separate System?

Over 50 prisons used the Separate System by the 1850s.

What was the most famous prison built using the Separate System?

Pentonville Prison in London, built in 1842 with a radial design of 5 wings.

What was the intended goal of the Separate System?

To give prisoners time to reflect on their mistakes and learn from them.

Did the Silent and Separate Systems reduce reoffending rates?

No, they failed to lower reoffending rates, and many prisoners went insane or committed suicide.

What did the government do in response to the failure of these systems?

They returned to harsh deterrence methods, introducing the Penal Servitude Act of 1865.

What were the three harsh conditions introduced by the Penal Servitude Act of 1865?

• Hard Labour – Physically demanding, pointless work.

• Hard Fare – A monotonous, poor diet.

• Hard Board – Sleeping on wooden boards instead of beds.