CJ Today CH12 Key Terms

civil confinement

A legal process in which individuals with certain mental disorders or dangerous tendencies are confined for treatment or public safety after serving a prison sentence.

"deliberate indifference"

A legal standard showing that prison officials knew of and disregarded an excessive risk to inmate health or safety.

deprivation model

A theory suggesting that the prison environment itself causes inmate behavior and subculture.

desistance

The process by which individuals stop engaging in criminal behavior.

expiration release

The release of an inmate from prison after serving the full sentence, minus good time, with no further supervision.

furlough

A temporary release of an inmate for a specific purpose, such as a family emergency or job interview, with the expectation of return.

halfway house

A transitional living facility for inmates who are reintegrating into society.

"hands-off" doctrine

A former judicial approach where courts avoided intervening in prison management or inmate rights.

"identifiable human needs"

Basic necessities required for humane living, such as food, shelter, medical care, and safety.

pardon

An act by a government official, typically a governor or president, that forgives a person’s crime and removes penalties.

prisoner reentry

The process and programs involved in transitioning an inmate back into the community.

prison gang

An organized group within a prison involved in illegal activities and providing protection and status to members.

prisonization

The process by which inmates adopt the customs, norms, and values of prison life.

prison programs

Structured activities in prisons such as education, vocational training, and therapy aimed at rehabilitation.

prison segregation

The separation of inmates based on factors like behavior, security risk, or gang affiliation.

relative deprivation

A perception of being deprived compared to others, which can lead to frustration and aggression among inmates.

security threat group (STG)

A formal term for prison gangs that pose security risks.

sex offender notification law

Laws requiring that communities be informed when a sex offender is released from prison.

total institution

An isolated environment where all aspects of life are controlled and structured by the authorities, like in a prison.

work release program

A program that allows inmates to work outside the facility during the day and return at night, helping with reintegration.