8th Annual WML Academic Symposium

Time: 1:00
Room: 303
Presenter(s): Valeen Jennings
Title: Segregation/Solitary Confinement and the 8th Amendment
Developed under the guidance of Dr. Catherine Cowling , Criminal Justice

This paper will begin by defining segregation/solitary confinement and how it is used in prison. Next, the paper will discuss the development and history of the Eight Amendment prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment and its possible application to segregation/solitary confinement. The paper will then explore the mental health effects of segregation/solitary confinement on prisoners over time. The paper will review Supreme Court decisions relating to the use of segregation/solitary confinement. Finally, the paper will advocate for limited to no use of segregation/solitary confinement.