Restrict the use of solitary confinement, so it can only be used as punishment for serious violations and for no more than 30 days in a row
Solitary confinement places prisoners in isolated cells for 22-24 hours a day, with minimal human contact. It is used both as punishment for rule violations and as a management tool. A proposal would restrict the use of solitary confinement to cases where it is necessary for the safety of prison staff or other prisoners, and set a maximum time limit.
Arguments For & Against
Pro Argument
Solitary confinement is cruel and counterproductive. There is no evidence that it reduces bad behavior in prisons. It causes serious and lasting psychological harm, including anxiety, hallucinations, and psychosis. Prisoners in solitary miss rehabilitation programs that reduce recidivism. Restricting it makes prisons safer and more humane.
Con Argument
Prison officials need tools to manage truly dangerous prisoners. Inmates who assault staff, possess weapons or drugs, or engage in gang activity make prisons less safe for everyone. Prison wardens understand the needs of their facilities and should not be told by the government how to maintain order.
Source document: CriminalRecords_Solitary_Quaire_0421.pdf
| Type | Organization | Date | Nat | Rep | Dem | Gap | Metric |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New PPC Survey (2026) | Program for Public Consultation | February 2026 | – | – | – | – | other |
| New PPC Survey (2026) | Program for Public Consultation | February 2026 | 13% | 10% | 16% | 6% | other |
| New PPC Survey (2026) | Program for Public Consultation | February 2026 | 47% | 42% | 53% | 11% | other |
| New PPC Survey (2026) | Program for Public Consultation | February 2026 | 82% | 75% | 90% | 15% | other |
| New PPC Survey (2026) | Program for Public Consultation | February 2026 | 17% | 25% | 10% | 15% | other |
| Deliberative Survey | Program for Public Consultation | February 2021 | 28% | 13% | 40% | 27% | other |
| Deliberative Survey | Program for Public Consultation | February 2021 | 58% | 71% | 50% | 21% | other |
| Deliberative Survey | Program for Public Consultation | February 2021 | 10% | 12% | 7% | 5% | other |
Program for Public Consultation — February 2026
Here are proposals related to the use of solitary confinement which means putting a prisoner in a cell by themselves for 22-24 hours a day. People are put in solitary confinement for the following purposes: as punishment for minor or serious violations of prison rules; for the prisoner's safety (protection from other inmates, or they are suicidal). Currently, there are no federal laws that regulate how many days a person can be kept in solitary confinement, or for what purposes. Proposals have been put forward to limit the use of solitary confinement. Which do you favor:
Program for Public Consultation — February 2026
Prohibit any use of solitary confinement
Program for Public Consultation — February 2026
Limit the use of solitary confinement only when it is necessary for the prisoner's safety, and to no more than 15 days in a row or 20 days in a two-month period
Program for Public Consultation — February 2026
Limit the use of solitary confinement as punishment for serious violations only or for their own safety, and to no more than 30 days in a row or 40 days in a two-month period
Program for Public Consultation — February 2026
Do not limit the use of solitary confinement.
Program for Public Consultation — February 2021
Proposal 1… Solitary confinement could only be used when a prisoner has committed an act of violence or prison officials have made the judgement that the prisoner poses a serious threat to others or themselves, and a less restrictive intervention would not be adequate. The prisoner would receive a regular medical and mental evaluation by a medical professional to determine if the isolation is having harmful effects. If so, the confinement will be stopped. In no case would it be more than 15 days in a row or 20 days in a two-month period.
Program for Public Consultation — February 2021
Proposal 2… Solitary confinement could not only be used when the prisoner is violent or poses a serious threat to others or themselves in the judgement of the prison officials. It could also be used as a punishment when a prisoner commits a serious violation of regulations, like possessing drugs or weapons, or trying to escape. Confinement for disciplinary purposes would be limited to 30 days in a row, but not more than 40 days in a two-month period.
Program for Public Consultation — February 2021
Neither proposal
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