NCJ Number
103280
Date Published
1986
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Areas addressed by comments from the report of the Prison Reform Trust on the Home Office Committee on Prison Discipline include forfeiture of remission as a punishment, the publication of prison rules, inmate's legal representation in disciplinary matters, and segregation policies.
Abstract
Opening comments note that the Prison Reform Trust welcomes the report and urges the government to translate the recommendations into legislation. The Trust believes that no great significance should be attached to the question of disciplinary tribunals versus panels of magistrates, as long as adjudicatory powers are removed from the Boards of Visitors. The Trust accepts that forfeiture of remission can be a possible punishment, but argues that withdrawal of privileges is more humane and effective. It proposes a right of appeal when forfeiture of remission is imposed. The Trust disagrees with the report by maintaining that the offense of making a false allegation of misconduct be abolished and urges that information on rules be posted. Other criticisms of the Trust address the report's recommendation against a right to legal representation before a disciplinary tribunal and suggestions that prison officers assist inmates in preparing their defense. Other areas considered are segregation pending adjudication, the punishment of extra work, grievance procedures, prison officers' code of conduct, and disciplining mentally ill inmates.