Conditions in our jails and prisons too often do not promote reform

The purpose of punishment is to reform behavior, and incarceration is no exception. Yet, there is mounting evidence that U.S. correctional facilities are providing poor conditions for rehabilitation. In November, the U.S. Marshals Service released a 52-page report detailing extensive constitutional rights violations within the Cuyahoga County Jail in Ohio. These violations included depriving incarcerated persons of food, water, exercise, and medical care, as well as a myriad of safety violations such as sexual abuse and housing youth with adults. Those housed in solitary confinement units reported needing to use rags, clothing, and towels for toilet paper after being denied toilet paper by staff.