The Ethics of Prisons: Unethical and Ethical Issues
1. Introduction
The prison system has long been a controversial topic, with people arguing over the ethics of imprisoning people. One of the main arguments against prisons is that they are inherently unethical, due to the conditions that prisoners have to endure. This essay will explore some of the unethical and ethical issues in prisons, in order to try and answer the question of whether prisons are unethical or not.
2. Unethical Issues in Prisons
There are a number of unethical issues in prisons which make them difficult places to live. These include:
2. 1 Lack of Training in Practical Skills
One of the main problems with prisons is that prisoners are not given any training in how to live outside of prison. This means that when they are released, they often do not have the skills necessary to find a job and support themselves. This can lead to them reoffending, as they resort to crime in order to make money.
2. 2 Lack of Education
Another issue with prisons is that there is often a lack of education available for prisoners. This means that they are not able to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to get a job when they are released from prison. This can lead to them reoffending, as they do not have the means to support themselves legally.
2. 3 Religious Teachings
Another issue with prisons is that religious teachings are often forced upon prisoners. This can be problematic for those who do not subscribe to the same religion as the prison authorities, as they may feel that their beliefs are being undermined. It can also lead to conflict between different religious groups within the prison population.
3. Ethical Issues in Prisons
There are also a number of ethical issues in prisons which make them difficult places to live. These include:
3. 1 Conjugal Rights
One of the main ethical issues in prison is the lack of conjugal rights for prisoners. This means that prisoners are not allowed to have sexual relationships with their partners, even if they are married. This can be incredibly damaging to both the prisoner and their partner, as it can lead to a feeling of isolation and loneliness.
3. 2 Homosexuality
Another ethical issue in prison is the treatment of homosexual prisoners. Homosexuality is often seen as taboo in prison, and homosexual prisoners can be subjected to abuse and violence from both other prisoners and prison staff. This can make it difficult for homosexual prisoners to feel safe and secure in prison, leading to increased levels of mental health problems.
3.3 Rape
One of the most serious ethical issues in prison is the issue of rape. Prisoners can be raped by both other prisoners and prison staff, and this can lead to serious physical and mental health problems. It can also lead to prisoners feeling humiliated and degraded, which can make it difficult for them to reintegrate into society upon their release.
4. Children of Prisoners
There are also a number of issues facing the children of prisoners. These include:
4. 1 Mothers in Prison
One of the main issues facing mothers in prison is the lack of contact they have with their children. This can lead to mothers feeling isolated from their children, and can also impact on the children’s development. It can also be difficult for mothers to get the support they need from prison staff, as they are often overstretched and under-resourced.
4. 2 Children in Prison
Another issue facing children of prisoners is the fact that they often live in poverty. This is because their parents are not able to earn a living while they are in prison, and so the children have to rely on state benefits. This can lead to children feeling ashamed and embarrassed, and can also impact on their mental health.
5. Toilets and Lavatories
One of the main problems with prisons is the lack of privacy that prisoners have when using the toilet or taking a shower. This can be very humiliating for prisoners, and can also lead to them feeling unsafe. It can also be difficult for prisoners to stay clean, as there is often a lack of running water in prison cells.
5. 1 Calls of Nature
Another issue related to toilets is that prisoners often have to go to the toilet in front of other people. This can be very humiliating, and can lead to prisoners feeling degraded. It can also be unsanitary, as there is often a lack of soap and towels in prison cells.
6. Death Penalty
The death penalty is another controversial issue surrounding prisons. Many people argue that it is unethical to kill someone, even if they have committed a crime.Others argue that it is a necessary evil, as it deters people from committing serious crimes. The death penalty is still used in some countries, and so it is an issue that needs to be considered when discussing the ethics of prisons.
7. Conclusion
Prisons are places where people are confined against their will, and so it is not surprising that there are a number of ethical issues surrounding them. These issues include the lack of training in practical skills, the lack of education, the forced religious teachings, the lack of conjugal rights, the treatment of homosexual prisoners, the issue of rape, and the death penalty. All of these issues need to be considered when discussing whether prisons are ethical or not.