Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
Editorial
November 2, 1820
Kentucky Gazette
Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky
What is this article about?
The editorial critiques the U.S. penitentiary system, arguing that short confinement periods due to lenient laws and juries fail to protect society. It advocates longer sentences, like those in other states, to prevent recidivism and enable prisoners to offset costs through labor.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
PENITENTIARY.
This humane establishment appears to give great trouble to the country. We apprehend there are serious defects in the law, and the administration of the law under which criminals are convicted. The period fixed for confinement in the penitentiary is too short, and our Juries, from feelings of humanity, no doubt, seldom go to the limit of that period. For an offence for which we punish with five years labour in the penitentiary, other states punish with ten, and sometimes twenty. The advantages to society by a change to the mild punishment of penitentiaries, arises chiefly in depriving the offender of opportunities to depredate on the community. No one at this day expects him to mend his morals in the company of criminals; but there is the greatest necessity of keeping him confined and out of the reach of mischief. By prolonging the confinement of prisoners, they would understand and improve in their work so as to pay at least for the expenses of the establishment.
This humane establishment appears to give great trouble to the country. We apprehend there are serious defects in the law, and the administration of the law under which criminals are convicted. The period fixed for confinement in the penitentiary is too short, and our Juries, from feelings of humanity, no doubt, seldom go to the limit of that period. For an offence for which we punish with five years labour in the penitentiary, other states punish with ten, and sometimes twenty. The advantages to society by a change to the mild punishment of penitentiaries, arises chiefly in depriving the offender of opportunities to depredate on the community. No one at this day expects him to mend his morals in the company of criminals; but there is the greatest necessity of keeping him confined and out of the reach of mischief. By prolonging the confinement of prisoners, they would understand and improve in their work so as to pay at least for the expenses of the establishment.
What sub-type of article is it?
Crime Or Punishment
Legal Reform
What keywords are associated?
Penitentiary Reform
Prison Sentences
Criminal Confinement
Penal Defects
Jury Leniency
Societal Protection
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Reform Of Penitentiary Confinement Periods
Stance / Tone
Advocating Longer Prison Sentences For Societal Protection
Key Arguments
Serious Defects In Laws And Administration For Criminal Convictions
Confinement Periods Too Short
Juries Lenient Due To Humanity, Rarely Impose Maximum
Other States Use Longer Punishments (10 20 Years Vs. 5)
Penitentiaries Benefit Society By Isolating Offenders From Community
No Moral Reform Expected Among Criminals
Necessity To Prolong Confinement To Prevent Mischief
Longer Terms Allow Prisoners To Learn Skills And Cover Establishment Costs