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People

Transforming the Philippine Prison System: Addressing Overcrowding and Advocating for Reform

Introduction The Philippine prison system is notorious for its severe overcrowding and inhumane conditions. Supreme Court Justice Maria Filomena Singh aptly describes the situation: “It’s really not humane.” In facilities like Manila City Jail, inmates live in dire circumstances, with some 200 male prisoners sleeping on the floor without enough space to lie on their […]

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World

Behind Bars: Rediscovering Lost and Forgotten Stories of Victorian England’s Prisons

Introduction During the Victorian era in England, prisons were used not only as places of punishment for criminals but also as tools of social control. Many inmates were incarcerated for minor offenses, and the conditions in these institutions were often brutal and inhumane. However, recent research has shed light on the stories of those who […]

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World

The Ambiguous Legacy of Victorian Prisons: Did They Really Aim to Reform Offenders?

Introduction Victorian prisons are often associated with brutal conditions and harsh punishments, but did they actually attempt to reform prisoners? While it’s true that conditions in Victorian prisons could be appalling, particularly in the early part of the era, there were also efforts to introduce more humane and rehabilitative practices. Although Victorian prisons are commonly […]