Prison Life

Total Institutions

Places where all aspects of life are conducted under the same authority.

Goffman

Sociologist known for his work on the concept of Total Institutions.

Jury

A group of people sworn to give a verdict in a legal case.

Presentence Investigation Report

A report prepared to assist judges in determining a convicted person's sentence.

Victim Impact Statement

A statement from the victim detailing how the crime affected them.

Types of Prisons

Categories of prisons based on security levels: minimum, low, medium, high, and supermax.

Minimum Security Prison

Prisons that house less dangerous inmates and offer more freedom.

Supermax Prison

Prisons designed to house the most dangerous criminals under strict security.

Stanford Prison Experiment

A 1971 psychological study exploring the effects of perceived power and authority.

Unionization in Prisons

Efforts in the 1980s to organize prison staff into unions for better working conditions.

Chaplains

Religious leaders providing spiritual support in prisons.

Correctional Psychologist

Mental health professionals working within the prison system.

Prison Life and Abuse

Dynamics of power between guards and inmates leading to potential misconduct.

Prison Gangs

Groups within prisons involved in organized criminal activities.

Drug Trafficking in Prisons

The illegal trade of drugs that occurs within prison systems.

Contraband

Items that are illegally brought into prisons, including drugs and weapons.

Roughly 12-17%

Percentage of inmates in state prisons identified as gang members.

Organization and Leadership in Gangs

Key factors that make prison gangs more effective than street gangs.

Prison Rape Statistics

1-2% of inmates report unwanted sexual acts within prison.

Protective Custody Unit

A section of a prison for inmates who need protection from the general population.

Support Staff in Prisons

Workers such as administrative personnel who assist in prison operations.

Judges Determine Punishment

Judicial role in assigning penalties after a conviction.

Military Prisons

Correctional facilities used for military personnel who violate laws or regulations.