Our 2015 final debate topic was “Should private prisons be legal?” The New York Times published an article describing some of the serious issues related to a private prison in Mississippi.
Tag Archives | prison
Prison Debate Team Beats Harvard
In 2015 our debate topic was “Should private prisons be legal?”
Now read about how a prison debate team has beaten Harvard University debate team.
(The TweenTribune article has different reading/lexile levels; choose the one best for you.)
It goes to show you that just because a person is in prison does not mean that they are not smart.
Drone Crash in OK Prison? Not Okay.
This incredible news story touches on TWO of last year’s debate topics (“The U.S. should continue to use drones” and “Should private prisons be legal?”).
Read Contraband-carrying drone crashes at Oklahoma State Penitentiary. There is a nice video clip, too.
Slave Wages at Private Prison?
A lawsuit alleges that some people awaiting trial were forced to work for $1 a day, or face solitary confinement, at a private prison.
Prison Reform in the News
As we celebrate our Debate Championships and the end of another exciting school year, many believe that the tragic story of Kalief Browder sheds more light on changes that are needed in our criminal justice system. While Kalief’s case if not strictly a matter of public vs. private, many Americans agree that our prison system needs reform. What do you think?
Kalief Browder, Held at Rikers Island for 3 Years Without Trial, Commits Suicide (From The New York Times)
Before the Law: A boy was accused of taking a backpack. The courts took the next three years of his life. (From New Yorker)
Topic 4 Cover Slide
I just saw the Final Topic (e.g., Round 4) cover slide, which appears during the online debates.
It makes me Scared Straight!
Wall Street Likes Private Prisons?
According to “Business Cheat Sheet,” private prisons are good investments.
Get Thee to Gaol
At one time, “jail” was spelled “gaol.” It is still spelled that way in parts of England today. Here are pictures about what “gaols” were like in Victorian England, about 200 years ago.
Jail vs. Prison
Did you ever wonder about the difference between a jail and a prison?
American Correctional Association
The American Correctional Association (ACA) is a Washington, D.C.-based organization that has as its mission:
“[The ACA] provides a professional organization for all individuals and groups, both public and private that share a common goal of improving the justice system.”
They may have information or position papers on the use of private prisons.
There is also a New York chapter.
Private Prison Corporations
Here are the names of two of the biggest private prison companies in America:
The GEO Group and Corrections Corporation of America.
This article by National Public Radio (NPR) has information about the companies, albeit with a left-leaning slant.
Brainpop Resources
To understand the current debate topic better, it may help to understand the different court systems in the United States.
Brainpop has two good videos: Trials and Court System. Also, explore the “FYI” tab of the Court Systems page, which lists the different types of courts in the country, as well as what can happen to young people convicted of crime.
And, if you have not already done so, you should definitely watch the movie Debate.
Use your school’s account to access Brainpop.com
For-Profit Prisons Spend $$$
Here is an article from the Washington Post about for-profit prison lobbying.