Title: Ethical Issues in Correctional Systems | Legal Beagle
Headings: Ethical Issues in Correctional Systems
Ethical Issues in Correctional Systems
Rehabilitation vs. Punishment
Prison Privatization
Prison Labor
Prison Guard Ethics
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Content: Prison Privatization
A possible workaround for using taxpayer money to fund prisons is to give up their administration to private companies. Opponents argue that the profit motive encourages corporations to reduce costs needed to ensure the safety of prisoners, staff and the public. Further, private prisons have an incentive to keep convicts longer as more inmates mean more profits. They may lobby the government to pass unneeded mandatory minimum sentencing laws and exert a negative influence on parole hearings. However, advocates point to the public demand for increased incarceration and harsher sentencing during difficult economic times when the government cannot afford this. Prison Labor
One important way of reforming prisoners is giving them jobs in prison. Even menial tasks help instill a sense of responsibility and develop the proper mindset for work after release. At the same time, many businesses have profiteered off their captive workforce by paying them significantly less than civilian employees. Further, prisons often do not have the same safety regulations that a union shop would demand. As a result, worker exploitation is a frequent outcome.