Correction Facilities
Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words: Identify 2 individuals who have influenced the field of corrections. Explain their contributions. Do you think their influence is still evident today? Why?
Answer:
Two individuals who have significantly influenced the field of corrections are Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham. Cesare Beccaria, an Italian philosopher, is known for his influential work “On Crimes and Punishments” published in 1764. Beccaria advocated for the reform of criminal justice systems, emphasizing the principles of deterrence, proportionality, and the humane treatment of offenders. His ideas laid the foundation for modern penal reform, advocating for the abolition of torture, arbitrary punishments, and the adoption of fair and rational sentencing practices.
Jeremy Bentham, a British philosopher and jurist, further developed Beccaria’s ideas and is credited with the invention of the panopticon—a prison design intended to maximize surveillance and control over inmates while minimizing staff requirements. Bentham’s concept of the panopticon influenced prison architecture and the philosophy of prison management, shaping the development of modern correctional facilities and emphasizing the importance of discipline and surveillance in maintaining order within prisons.
The influence of Beccaria and Bentham is still evident today in the principles and practices of modern corrections. The emphasis on proportionality, deterrence, and humane treatment remains central to contemporary approaches to sentencing and rehabilitation. Furthermore, Bentham’s ideas about prison design and management continue to inform discussions on the effectiveness of incarceration and the need for reform within correctional institutions. While the field of corrections has evolved over time, the contributions of Beccaria and Bentham have left a lasting legacy that continues to shape policy and practice in modern correctional systems.
