Solitary confinement, also known as segregation, maximum security, or lockdown, is essentially a prison within a prison. It is where prisoners who violate rules or laws in prison are sent. They are put in a cell and allowed no communication with other prisoners. Many times they are left in these cells for 23 hours a day. Some people consider this a necessary disciplinary action, while others would deem it inhumane.
People are social creatures, and need interaction in order to stay mentally healthy.
Is solitary confinement necessary? To answer this question, it is important to delve deeper into the pros and cons of solitary confinement.
The Pros of Solitary Confinement
The following are the advantages of solitary confinement.
Offers Prison Safety
One of the primary reasons for the use of solitary confinement is when prisoners are being regarded as threat to other inmates or staff. Supporters argue that it is absolutely necessary in order to ensure the safety of the majority.
The Cons of Solitary Confinement
The following presents the negative effects or disadvantages of solitary confinement:
The Loss of Freedom
Being isolated in cell or in a room strips an individual of the feeling of having control over his surroundings. This may cause an increased paranoia, claustrophobia, and anxiety. Most prisoners who are put in this situation may try to have a control of their surroundings by engaging in a self-destructive behavior.
It Violates Those Basic Human Rights
This condition actually fits the meaning of torture as stated in various international human rights treaties, thereby constituting human rights violation. For instance, the UN Convention Against Torture mainly defines torture as act by which suffering or severe pain, whether mental or physical, is intentionally inflicted on an individual for intimidation, punishment, information or for reasons that are based on discrimination.
May Cause Mental Health Disorder
People who are in solitary confinement are vulnerable or at risk to some mental health disorders including schizophrenia. Isolated individuals may experience hallucinations and delusions. They may also become very paranoid or may display some other symptoms of mental distress. When individuals are isolated, they can lose their grip on what is real. Solitary confinement has several psychological impacts that can destroy one’s physical and mental health.
What Are Your Thoughts About Solitary Confinement?
As being introduced to these facts, do you believe that solitary confinement is necessary? Will the underlying benefits of solitary confinement justify the mental and health effects of this condition? Debates about this issue will never cease.
