This article is part of a larger project to reconstruct democracy in prison schools grounded in a discourse perspective. This paper introduces the concept of prison schools as spheres of civility where ethical forms of communication such as respect, politeness, reciprocity, and inclusiveness in teacher-student dialogue are examined or recommended. It is noted that attention to these micro level communicative processes is considered foundational to democracy and the formation of critical public spheres. The work includes some evidence from student dialogues, teacher interviews, and policy documents which is provided to illustrate these concepts. Detailed discussion is provided on civility and reconstruction of democracy in a prison setting; ethical conversations and confirmation of being; and ethical conversations, both dialogue and monologue. Also as means of illustration, a table is provided to contrast confirming and disconfirming behaviors. Further research into the communicative practices of prison teachers and the concept of prison schools as public spheres is recommended. Table and references