Leg 499 Research Paper Privatization of Prisons
Privatization of Prisons
Joseph Q. Kelley
Strayer University
Professor Dorothy Sliben
LEG 499
August 12, 2010
Privatization of Prisons for Business
Many feel that the line dividing the institution system and professional world should not be crossed. Privatization of prisons is a controversial topic for the business world. The advantages and disadvantages teeter on the scale of ethics. The temptation of financial gain has drawn the attention of many who seek to use the age old form of correctional rehabilitation as a way to increase their bank accounts. Through review of the prison system and its operational background with and without the influence of privatization the advantages and disadvantages of business involvement will be revealed.
Through historical research of the prison system and its operation one must understand the purpose of having a prison system. According to Webster (2010), “prison means a state of confinement or captivity” (para.1). Being imprisoned or jailed is a way to create a form of punishment to provide an atmosphere leading to rehabilitation. This task has been handled for hundreds of years at the state and federal level. An individual is sentenced according to the severity of his/her offense and sent to a period of confinement corresponding with the offense. As a prisoner of the state or federal institution they must abide by the laws of that entity. The problem arises when a private entity has the authority to make decisions on the operation and legalities of handling an institution.
Privatization defined by Webster (2010) is, “to change a business or industry from public to private control or ownership” (para.1). Privatization of prisons came into being because of the “tight strain on state and federal budgets” (Grapes, 2000, pg. 95). The private institutions record lower operational costs and equal quality in their institutions, the main issue concerns fall within the idea of private authority and law. The control afforded
Joseph Q. Kelley
Strayer University
Professor Dorothy Sliben
LEG 499
August 12, 2010
Privatization of Prisons for Business
Many feel that the line dividing the institution system and professional world should not be crossed. Privatization of prisons is a controversial topic for the business world. The advantages and disadvantages teeter on the scale of ethics. The temptation of financial gain has drawn the attention of many who seek to use the age old form of correctional rehabilitation as a way to increase their bank accounts. Through review of the prison system and its operational background with and without the influence of privatization the advantages and disadvantages of business involvement will be revealed.
Through historical research of the prison system and its operation one must understand the purpose of having a prison system. According to Webster (2010), “prison means a state of confinement or captivity” (para.1). Being imprisoned or jailed is a way to create a form of punishment to provide an atmosphere leading to rehabilitation. This task has been handled for hundreds of years at the state and federal level. An individual is sentenced according to the severity of his/her offense and sent to a period of confinement corresponding with the offense. As a prisoner of the state or federal institution they must abide by the laws of that entity. The problem arises when a private entity has the authority to make decisions on the operation and legalities of handling an institution.
Privatization defined by Webster (2010) is, “to change a business or industry from public to private control or ownership” (para.1). Privatization of prisons came into being because of the “tight strain on state and federal budgets” (Grapes, 2000, pg. 95). The private institutions record lower operational costs and equal quality in their institutions, the main issue concerns fall within the idea of private authority and law. The control afforded
References: Blackwell, John Reid. (September 9, 2003). Prison suppliers suing; they say privatization hurts business. Richmond Times Dispatch, C-1. Retrieved August 12, 2010, from LexisNexis Database. Clement, Douglas. (January, 2002). Private vs. public; The prison debate. Fedgazette. Retrieved August 13, 2010 from, AOCE Database. Cornell Companies, Inc. (2003). Retrieved August 12, 2010, from http://www.cornellcompanies.com Corrections Corporation of America Private prisons surrounded by conflict, profit. Las Vegas Business Press. Retrieved August 14, 2010, from AOCE Database. (January 31, 2002). Federal prison privatization J.W. Reed Cedar Company to the State Penitentiary Board, June 15, 1907. Texas State Library & Archives Commission. Retrieved August 14, 2010, from http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/governors/rising/campbell-prisons.html (May, 2002). Prison politics; it takes money to run a prison - or pass a prison bill. The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved August 15, 2010, from AOCE Database. Segal, Geoffrey F. (June 17, 2000). Privatizing more prisons could save Virginia millions. The Virginia-Pilot, B11. Retrieved August 15,2010, from LexisNexis Database. Stashenko, Joel. (November 26, 2003). Pataki vetoes bill to prohibit privatized prisons. The Associated Press State and Local Wire. Retrieved August 15,2010, from LexisNexis Database. The GEO Group, Inc. (2003). WCC. Retrieved August 14, 2003, from http://www.thegeogroup.com Wells, Ida B