Balancing Prisoners’ Rights and Institutional Safety in Modern Incarceration
Introduction
The question of whether prisoners should have certain rights while incarcerated is complex and elicits many different opinions. Some people tend to believe that prisoners’ rights should be heavily restricted, as they have violated the law and forfeited their civil rights as a result. However, another segment of the population believes prisoners should also have certain rights, as they are still part of society and can reintegrate after serving their sentences.
Prisoners’ Entitlement to Rights During Incarceration
Prisoners should have some rights even while in confinement. However, these rights should be strictly limited to prevent potential breaches of law and order and ensure prison safety.
For instance, prisoners should have the right to clean and healthy food, medical care, access to legal services, and education. These rights are necessary for prisoners to maintain their health and remain connected to the outside world (Hand, 2021). Furthermore, prisoners should have the right to freedom of religion and the opportunity to practice their faith according to their beliefs. This is also important for maintaining moral values and strengthening the moral resilience of incarcerated individuals.
However, there are numerous rights that prisoners should not have. For example, they should not have the right to engage in street protests and demonstrations, free movement beyond the prison walls, drug or alcohol consumption, access to weapons, or acts of violence. These rights can pose a threat to the safety of prison staff and other inmates, as well as contradict law and order.
Conclusion
In the end, prisoners should have certain rights, which should be limited and regulated to maintain safety and order. At the same time, prisoners should understand that they must serve their punishment and work towards rehabilitation to reintegrate into society and become productive members. They should comprehend that their freedom is restricted and that they must adhere to the rules and regulations of the prison. However, as a society, we must also ensure that prisoners are not isolated from society and have the opportunity to reconsider their actions and overcome challenges to return to the community.
Reference
Hand, J. (2021). Federal prisoners’ legal guide: Includes the first step act time credit system. BookBaby.