Hollywood pushes a fantasy version of what neuroscience can do in the courtroom. But the field does have real benefits to offer, right now: solid evidence on what would improve prisons.
Many women are released from prison with untreated mental and physical health problems, and no access to a doctor. In pain, they seek solace in illicit drugs. Pictured here, women mourn those who have died of drug overdose in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, B.C.
(THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)
A staggering 70 per cent of female inmates are back in prison within two years of their release. Basic health and dental care could help change this, according to new research.
A far larger proportion of prisoners have histories of dependent substance use than the general population.
Anthony Devlin/PA Wire/
New research has analysed the effectiveness of ten Drug Recovery Wings piloted in British prisons.
To improve on a building like the Don Dale centre, design that properly considers human behaviour needs to take priority for its replacement.
Neda Vanovac/AAP
Architecture can affect behaviour and the choices we make. The brief is out for a centre to replace the Don Dale facility, but word is, it’s ‘a disgrace’. We can do much better.
The prison system is tasked with several purposes: punishment, deterrence, protection and rehabilitation.
AAP/Paul Miller
In the new introduction to his prison memoir South African anti-apartheid stalwart Raymond Suttner uses the word ‘betrayal’ to explain his break from the ANC.
Jeff Sessions wants prosecutors to ‘charge and pursue the most serious, readily provable offense.’ That’s a step back to our failed experiment in mass incarceration.
Repealing a legal provision that excludes people in prison or jail from Medicaid could improve access to treatment, save state and local governments money and reduce recidivism.
The Norwegian government wants the right to keep Anders Behring Breivik i solitary confinement.
Lise Aserud/EPA
Homeless children charged in NSW with a criminal offence who are unable to meet bail conditions are being kept in custody. It’s due, in part, to a well-meant but flawed section of the Bail Act.
Deaths after leaving custody are often ‘hidden’ from proper scrutiny.
Peter Macdiarmid/PA Wire