Prison Life
The Report of the Commissioners of Prisons for 1938 reveals a continuance of the policy which makes for the humane treatment of prisoners and their reform rather than for their punishment. The punitive view of prison life has long ago been given up. The deterrent side must remain, but it is less conspicuous in this report than that side of the life which provides for the prisoner's physical well-being, insists upon his privileges, and gives him opportunities for improving himself. One could wish that education authori- ties always paid as much attention to school accommodation as is given to the buildings and kitchens provided for prisoners. Many experiments have been made in instruc- tion in various industries, and in schemes which enable prisoners to earn wages. But it is realised that the point must not be reached when kindly treatment conflicts with discipline. The prisoner is encouraged to display initiative within certain limits, but the fact always remains that he is not free ; and it is part of the paradox of the prison ideal that the prisoner should be taught to become a citizen capable of a free life under conditions which preclude all freedom. It is still the case that the best way to avoid the creation of confirmed criminals is to keep people out of prison. On the other hand, the majority of young men discharged from Borstal make good before the licence period has expired.
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