THE BIRTH OF PRISONS – EVOLUTION OF AN IDEA
THE BIRTH OF PRISONS – EVOLUTION OF AN IDEA

Summary/Abstract: A society without norms does not exist, just as norms that are not violated do not exist. The reaction of society to violation of basic norms on which it itself is based largely depends on the epoch, that is, on the value core on which the society itself is based. Imprisonment has always existed, but it has changed drastically throughout history— from imprisonment without purpose and meaning, alongside torment and suffering, to modern forms of deprivation of liberty and modern prisons. The ideological revolution has changed the value basis of society, thus changing all the norms that had arisen from such values. The perception and expectations of punishment have changed and, from the 18th and 19th centuries onwards, a new concept of prison as an institution of control, correction, i.e. re- socialization has been developing. Prison has ceased to be seen as hell on earth and became an instrument of society’s influence on those who dare to violate social norms. This paper follows this evolution, that is, the development of prisons and the idea of imprisonment from holes and lagoons to modern penitentiaries.

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