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American Jail - Its Development and Growth

NCJ Number
82465
Author(s)
J M Moynahan; E K Stewart
Date Published
1980
Length
228 pages
Annotation
This book offers a comprehensive overview of the jail system by tracing the origins of the American correctional institution from its earliest roots to the often explosive prisons of today.
Abstract
Beginning with its 11th century roots -- the 'gaol,' where offenders were secured until they could be tried by the king's court --the book traces the development of places of incarceration in England. The 16th century, with the breakdown of the feudal system and the growth of large-scale manufacturing, coupled with rising prices, saw the establishment of houses of correction (for vagabonds and loose women) to supplement the gaols. After the English Civil War of the 1640's, when the unemployed filled the houses of correction to overflowing inmates were shipped to the New World. The old concept of incarceration came with them. The book focuses on the emergence of jails, houses of correction, and workhouses -- each a distinct institution -- in colonial America. With the birth of the United States came the establishment of the prison. It is these prisons and jails which have survived into the 19th and 20th centuries. Final chapters on the contemporary jail examine types of jails and issues involving jailers, administration, organization, conditions, treatment of inmates, codes of ethics, and other topics. Discussions are documented with reprints of special corrections reports, standards from national manuals, studies of behavior in jails, and tables from the National Jail Census of 1970. Photogrphs, chapter notes, an index, and about 250 references are provided. (Author summary modified)

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