Inmates Conjugal Visit, Essay Example

Conjugal visits can be traced back to 1918 where the earliest program was implemented by James Parchmann, a warden at Mississippi State Penitentiary as an incentive for prisoners to work harder. This proved to be quite effective as more prisons adapted the system and special buildings were built for the visits. Although it started out as an encouragement to the inmates, it serves nowadays as a means of preserving family relationships. Only 6 states have embraced the conjugal visits, and they are California, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, Connecticut and Washington.

Personally I support the conjugal visits as it is designed to preserve the family ties of the inmates. This keeps families together and strong. Furthermore, those implementing it say the idea behind was that through supporting the family ties, chances for rehabilitation of inmates will be strengthen and reduces rates of them reverting back to the life of crime and later on returning to the prison.

Conjugal visits also called extended family visit programs should not only be limited to inmates and spouses who are legally married. Other family members such as inmates children, grandparents should also be allowed to visit the inmates as it gives them a chance to spend time with their loved ones. This is because one of the policies on the extended family visits was that it was a privilege. It was not a right that the prisoners must earn it for them to participate in the program hence they deserve it. Homosexuals and lesbians should also be allowed for their conjugal visits although its only in California that there is legislation that awards rights to registered domestic partners and prohibits state agencies from discriminating against domestic workers, I support it because they are also human beings with feelings and needs.

Prisoners’ rights

People who are incarcerated is those who are suspected or convicted of committing a crime. Incarceration serves the purpose of isolating, punishing, deterring and rehabilitating criminals. Although, these criminals are stripped of many of their civil rights, they still receive protection according to federal and state laws. For example, the Eighth Amendment protects all prisoners from unusual and cruel punishments and inhumane treatments. Some of the prisoners’ rights include;

• Right to file a grievance regarding how they are treated or condition of their housing.
• First amendment right such as freedom of speech, religion, and equal protection under the laws
• Right to adequate medical treatment and care including mental healthcare
• Right to nourishing and nutritious meals on a daily basis
• Right not to endure bodily assault from guards, unless the guard is performing it in good faith to control a precarious situation
• Right to be protected from attacks by other inmates
• Right to make phone calls, send and receive mail but still under the control and discipline of correctional officers.
• Disabled inmate has the right to adequate housing if they are eligible under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This means they should be able to get an entry to programs or facilities that they are competent to engage.
• Right to receive an early written notice of allegations, evidence or action taken during a disciplinary investigation or proceeding regarding his violation. (As per the Supreme Court)

I agree with all of them since they are in accordance to the human rights and prisoners just like other people are entitled to enjoy the rights.

References

The Rights of Individuals in Prison; Lawfirms.com

www.eiuc.org/veniceschoolVenice, Italy, 28 June-7 July 2012 Venice School of Human Rights About Incarceration Rights | eHow.com