Arguably, there are various crimes in the world today. As a result of a tremendous increase in criminal activities, there are various ways of punishing criminals’ in order to prevent crime in society. One of the correctional tools is solitary confinement. The press has begun raising various issues related to solitary confinement, despite the fact that it is no longer used as a correctional tool. Solitary confinement refers to the confinement of a prisoner in a cell for twenty three hours, and minimal opportunity to socialize and environmental stimulation. Just like the death penalty, solitary confinement is also extreme sanction that may be inflicted to prisoners. Based on its effects, solitary confinement should be banned because it is unusual punishment and cruel.
Undeniably, solitary confinement should be panned because it develops a lot of mental health issues. It is evident that this correctional tool develops a lot of mental problems because the inmate is cut off from interacting with other humans. Studies show that solitary confinement increases mental illness and suicide among prisoners (Moore, 2011). In this case, solitary confinement harms various parts of the brain, making it impaired. The prisoners under solitary confinement develop SHU (Special House Unit) Syndrome, which has symptoms such as hypersensitivity to touch and noise, insomnia, paranoia, PTSD, as well as distortions of perception and time (Bulman, 2012).
Additionally, solitary confinement should be banned despite the press raising various issues. Solitary confinement is a violation of human rights; this is because this sort of correctional tool is of equal measure to torture, which is stated in various human right treaties. Hence, it is noteworthy to ban solitary confinement, as a way of eliminating torture in society. The main objective of correctional tools is to change the offenders and rehabilitate them back to society. In this case, solitary confinement worsens the situations, since it makes it difficult for inmates to interact and be integrated back to the community. Those who have undergone solitary confinement are prone to depression and anger (Moore, 2011).
On the other hand, solitary confinement is better since it guarantees other inmates or the society security. Hence, solitary confinement is crucial in maintaining the safety of the inmate and others. Moreover, solitary confinement prevents the inmates from commit more crimes. In conclusion, it is crucial to ban solitary confinement since it takes away the feeling of being human. Moreover, it increases mental problems and it is a violation of human right as stated in international treaties.
References
Bulman, P. (2012). The Psychological Effects of Solitary Confinement. Corrections Today,
74(3), 58-59
Moore, J. (2011). Put Away: Solitary Confinement. Christian Century, 128(26), 12-13
