Solitary confinement

Cornell University law professor Joseph Margulies describes the changes in the use of solitary confinement in Colorado—known there as administrative segregation. Margulies relates accounts of both inmates and prison officials.

Jail room with light coming in

If there’s a reason why Arthur Johnson has spent nearly four decades in solitary, Pennsylvania hasn’t given it—and now the case has national implications.

Federal agency guideline on the use of solitary confinement: An individual should never be locked in solitary confinement, except as an absolute last resort. Individuals, when in isolated confinement, must have the ability to socialize, to communicate and to physically interact with other individuals. This would be great news for those of us working on solitary reform, except for one thing: this guideline doesn’t apply to humans; it applies to mice.

prisoner of my mind | Prisoner in my own mind | psychology

What’s it like to spend 23 hours a day in a cell measuring 6x9 feet for days, weeks, months or even years? 6x9 is the Guardian’s first virtual reality experience, placing you inside a US solitary confinement prison cell, and telling the a story of the psychological damage that can ensue from isolation.

Prevailing understandings about race in prison often group black prisoners together, only separating them by gang affiliation. Yet, our essay suggests that religion has long been an important identifier for the prison staff who seek to control them.

Solitary confinement can cause neurological damage that is so profound it can be seen on EEG-scans and "the brain may become as impaired as one that has incurred a traumatic injury".

His experience on the inside is the centerpiece of his new book, Mr. Smith Goes to Prison.

As I wrote in a article several weeks ago, there are about 25,000 people held in solitary confinement in supermax prison