My prison system would not be based on physical punishment because as criminals band together they inflict punishment on each other anyway.
I would make education a manadatory requirement of my prision system. Those without HS diplomas, would get their GED. Those who had not finished a Bachelor's degree would have to finish it in jail. In fact, all time served would include educational requirements. Second, all prisoners would receive mandatory mental counseling.
Most importantly, prisoners would be placed by crime. The low level offenders (those caught stealing, etc.) would be on the first floor. On the top floor would be rapist and child molesters.
There would be no personal privilge for any prisoner. One TV per floor and that's it. No computer access. The prisoner's job would be there only source of income and that income would go into an account-- not to the prsioner. They could not access that money until there time was up. If they died, then the money would go to a designee, the victim(s), or the state-- the only three choices.
My overall focus would be counseling, education, and independence. So that when there time was up, they could leave prison with a degree of some kind, some money saved away, and a better understanding of themselves as people.
For repeat offenders, a one chance rule applies. If they serve time, are reeleased, and then commit another crime (and found guilty)-- it's automatically a 10 year sentence. Period. I'm tired of these repat fools walking free and chilling, only to hurt other innocent people.
Interesting question Ideal... very interesting.
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