Case for Prison Standards - Conditions of Confinement, Segregation, and Medical Treatment (From Accountability and Prisons, P 81-96, 1986, Mike Maguire et al, eds. - See NCJ-100462)

• NCJ Number: 100465
• Author(s): L Gostin; M Staunton
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: Methuen, Inc
• Publication Type: Guideline
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The British Parliament should establish minimum standards for general prison conditions, inmate segregation, inmate health care, and the treatment of mentally disordered offenders.

Abstract

Corrections minimum standards should ensure that inmates are neither physically nor mentally harmed by incarceration conditions. Minimum standards for general prison conditions should specify the space, heating, lighting, occupational options, recreation, etc., necessary to prevent physical and mental deterioration among inmates. Standards pertaining to inmate segregation should restrict involuntary segregation to inmates who pose danger to others. Segregation should be for a specified and limited time, with regular assessment of the inmate's physical and mental condition by National Health Service personnel. The standard for inmate health care should require that prisoners receive the same quality of health care as other citizens. Thus, inmate health care should be the responsibility of the National Health Service rather than the Prison Medical Service. Standards should be enforced by the Boards of Visitors, the Inspectorate, and Parliament.