Anonymous asked this question on 3/8/2000:

I am writing a two page report and giving a two minute speech with a slide show on THE GREEN MILE. I need information about the history of the Green Mile and also and other historcial prisons.

Thanks, IN NEED OF HELP

tbp gave this response on 3/8/2000:

Hi. Can't speak specifically about the green mile, but can give you an overview. Prison are based on the ideological concept of punishment via isolation, i.e., banishment in ancient times. Instead we segregate off person who we feel have violated our mores, norms and values. Prisons were initially called penitentiaries-folks were sent to do penenace for crimes. Then there were debtors' prisons-all of this is prior to about the 1750's or so (verify this date!) when the Quakers in Pennsylvania developed the first real prison-an isolation format. 24 lock down they even developed plumbing to ensure no interaction between inmates. Then came the labor camps, work details, and chain gangs. Prisons have become increasingly more punitive and are returning to the concept of punish punish punish. This is particularly true after the Attica riots in the early '70's. Need more? let me know--tbp ps my area of expertise is much more in therapy with inmates than prison hx....

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