CRJ213 | Revitalizing Justice: Exploring Strategies for Progressive Prison Reform

Imprisonment is one of the most common forms of punishment worldwide and one of the most controversial, especially as prison populations continue to grow at unprecedented levels. This module aims to explore the broader historical, social, political and economic context of the modern prison and the ideology of imprisonment. This module will also introduce students to contemporary issues and debates about imprisonment, such as prison conditions, overcrowding, staffing, and prisoners’ rights. The students will also explore key social and legal issues arising from punishment by evaluating challenges of prison reform; and exploring alternatives to incarceration but also alternative perspectives in ‘doing justice’.

The inclusion of diverse topics such as prison conditions, overcrowding, staffing, and prisoners’ rights aims to present a holistic view of the challenges and complexities associated with incarceration. To keep the course relevant and engaging, discussions will incorporate contemporary issues and debates, allowing students to explore the dynamic landscape of imprisonment, especially exploring alternatives to imprisonment.

Regarding the choice of materials, it will be curated as a mix of primary and secondary readings, as well as case law. This approach ensures that students are exposed to both foundational texts and current perspectives. Primary readings will offer insights into historical contexts and foundational theories, while secondary readings provide analyses and critiques from scholars in the field. Incorporating case law allows students to understand legal implications and real-world applications of the discussed concepts.

The pedagogical approach for this course combines various methods to create an engaging and comprehensive learning experience. Recognizing the complexity of the topic and the need for a multifaceted understanding, the following methods will be integrated into the course structure:

Lectures:

Lectures provide a foundational overview of historical, social, political, and economic contexts surrounding imprisonment.

The inclusion of personal experiences from working in prisons across India adds a practical and real-world dimension to the theoretical aspects discussed in lectures.

Socratic Discussion:

Socratic discussions will be employed to encourage critical thinking and deep exploration of philosophical and ethical aspects of imprisonment.

Students will be prompted to question and challenge their own perspectives, as well as engage with diverse viewpoints presented in the course.

Seminar Style Discussion:

Seminar-style discussions facilitate open dialogue among students, allowing them to share insights, ask questions, and engage in collaborative learning.

Contemporary issues and debates about imprisonment will be explored through these discussions, encouraging students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations.

Field Visit:

Central Prison, Bangalore Open-Air Prison, Devanahalli

The module will be divided into two main parts: the first one explores prison issues in relation to wider societal implications the second one discusses the alternatives to imprisonment eg. Open prisons, community sentencing etc.