American Outcasts: U.S. Prisons and Modern Day Banishment

April 24, 2015October 16, 2015 James Ridgeway

The following article was published on Wednesday on The Intercept. It was written with the support of a fellowship from the Alicia Patterson Foundation. In 1986, Patty Prewitt was sent to prison for the murder of her husband. In addition to maintaining her innocence, she, like many others her age, has also been a […]

Pope Francis Denounces Solitary Confinement, Calls for Prison Conditions That "Respect Human Dignity"

October 26, 2014April 18, 2017 Jean Casella

Pope Francis washes the feet of youth in a juvenile detention center in March 2013.

In a wide-ranging speech on Thursday, Pope Francis revealed himself as a passionate criminal justice reformer. His words also suggest that he is familiar with the controversies surrounding solitary confinement and supermax prisons, and strongly opposes their use. Speaking at the Vatican to representatives of the International Association of Penal Law, the Pope said: “All Christians and people […]

Solitary Watch

By Valerie Kiebala, James Ridgeway, and Lawrence Ukenye | December 30, 2020

life sentences

American Outcasts: U.S. Prisons and Modern Day Banishment

Pope Francis Denounces Solitary Confinement, Calls for Prison Conditions That "Respect Human Dignity"