NCJ Number
244899
Date Published
July 2013
Length
14 pages
Annotation
After showing the prevalence of solitary confinement for death-row inmates and the inhumane effects it has on their mental and physical health, this briefing paper calls for immediate action to end this practice.
Abstract
A recent survey by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) found that among 26 responding States with capital punishment, the vast majority confine death row prisoners in segregation or solitary conditions based solely on their being death-row inmates. Cell sizes range from 36 square feet to little more than 100 square feet. Most cells contain a steel bed or concrete slab, steel toilet, and small writing table. The majority of death-row prisoners eat alone in their cells, with the food trays inserted through a slot in the door. The majority of their medical and mental health care is also received through these slots. Face-to-face contact with another human being is rare. They live in these conditions for extended periods that range from many hours to decades. Eighty-one percent of States with death rows allow only 1 hour or less of exercise daily for prisoners; and nearly half provide only a cage, pen, or cell in which to exercise. Many live for years without access to fresh air or sunshine. Also, despite the fact that Congress and the courts have recognized the importance of religious freedom in prison, death-row prisoners are given little to no access to religious services. Empirical research has consistently shown that prisoners subjected to isolation suffer many of the same symptoms caused by physical torture. The human rights violations inflicted on death-row prisoners require immediate attention.