What is it about?
This chapter explores solitary confinement (SC), the practice of isolating prisoners for 22 hours or more each day without meaningful human contact. Although intended to maintain safety and order, SC often causes severe physical and psychological harm. The authors review global practices, showing that SC remains common despite international guidelines limiting its use. They examine its effects on vulnerable groups such as people with mental illness, women, and children, and summarize research linking SC to serious health consequences, suicide risk, and difficulties with reintegration. The study concludes that SC should be a last resort and advocates for humane alternatives within correctional systems.
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Why is it important?
The findings highlight a major global human rights issue. Despite international agreements like the United Nations’ Mandela Rules, many countries still rely on solitary confinement as a regular disciplinary tool. Research shows that even short periods in isolation can cause lasting harm, raising ethical and medical concerns. Understanding these consequences helps policymakers, health professionals, and justice systems reform penal practices, reduce harm, and promote rehabilitation over punishment. The work also strengthens the case for global accountability, transparent documentation, and greater protection for people at risk of abuse in detention systems.
Perspectives
Solitary confinement illustrates how deeply punishment can affect the human mind and body. Stories of those who spend weeks or months alone reveal profound loneliness, despair, and trauma. The authors, drawing on research and advocacy, call for a more humane approach to incarceration—one that recognizes dignity and the need for connection as fundamental to recovery and reform. This work invites readers to reflect on justice not as isolation but as an opportunity for healing and reintegration. It also emphasizes that societies are judged by how they treat their most marginalized members, including those behind bars.
Dr. Daniel J.N. Weishut
Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Solitary Confinement, January 2025, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-443-21441-7.00312-5.
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