Locked Behind Bars: Another Caste System Essay

Locked Behind Bars: Another Caste System? What is the objective of a correctional officer if not to oversee people who are responsible for violating the law? In the United States alone, 2.3 million people are confined in a correctional facility and the same number are subjected to prejudice on a daily basis. As a result of the power entrusted to the prison guards, they are expected to effectively maintain the prison system and keep the inmates safe; nevertheless some of these officers take advantage of their position. This is gradually becoming a problematic issue as inmates are frequently encountering situations of physical assault by their prison guards in addition to being denied their basic interests. The essential human rights entitled …show more content…
In addition, the article “Abuse of the Human Rights of Prisoners in the United States: Solitary Confinement” asserts the idea that only the most corrupted prisoners are placed in solitary confinement, which in turn make the administrators turn a blind eye to the abuses. This kind of behavior is disgraceful and loathsome in numerous ways being that these officers should have taken on the responsibility of guiding these convicted individuals on the right path rather than mistreating them. Despite having the right to be free from inhumane treatment under the U.S. Constitution, “unfortunately, the Eighth Amendment did not clearly define what ‘cruel and unusual’ punishment would include” (“Do Inmates Have Rights? If So, What Are They?”). Consequently, this meant that prison guards had the capability of getting around the system to exhibit their display of authority. Furthermore, “Do Inmates Have Rights? If So, What Are They?” highlights that even though medical and mental health care are provided, only the minimum treatment is given as it is not necessary to extend the inmate’s life or combat his/her illnesses.