Death by Prison: The Emergence of Life without Parole and Perpetual Confinement

Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole (LWOP) has become a common practice in the US, but its origins remain unclear. This book combines historical analysis with state- and institutional-level research to challenge this problematic practice and shed light on the shifts in penal practice and social imagination that have led to its acceptance.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 12 July 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

In recent decades, life imprisonment without the possibility of parole (LWOP) has emerged as a distinct penal form in the United States, deeply ingrained in policy-making, judicial and prosecutorial decision-making, correctional practice, and public discourse. While LWOP has become a routine practice, the origins and evolution of this phenomenon remain a subject of debate. Fifty years ago, the imprisonment of a person until death was considered an extraordinary punishment. However, today, it constitutes the sentences of an increasing number of prisoners in the United States. What accounts for the significant shifts in penal practice and social imagination that have led us to become accustomed to imprisoning individuals until death without any reevaluation or expectation of release?

To address this critical issue, Death by Prison offers a provocative new foundation for challenging this deeply problematic practice that has long escaped close scrutiny. Drawing on a wide historical lens and comprehensive state- and institutional-level research, the book delves into the complex dynamics that have shaped the use of LWOP in the United States. It explores the historical roots of the practice, examining the social, political, and economic factors that have contributed to its proliferation. The book also examines the impact of LWOP on prisoners, their families, and society as a whole, highlighting the human costs and ethical implications of this punishment.

One of the key findings of Death by Prison is that the use of LWOP has been driven by a combination of factors, including public safety, retribution, and cost-effectiveness. The belief that LWOP deters crime and ensures public safety has been a driving force behind its widespread adoption. However, the book challenges this assertion by examining the empirical evidence and finding that LWOP does not necessarily reduce crime rates or improve public safety. Instead, it often leads to prolonged suffering and isolation for prisoners and their families.

Moreover, the book argues that the use of LWOP is driven by a desire for retribution and revenge, rather than by a commitment to justice or rehabilitation. The desire to punish individuals for their crimes has led to the disproportionate imposition of LWOP sentences, particularly for crimes of violence. This practice not only violates the principles of human rights but also undermines the goal of rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Furthermore, the book highlights the economic implications of LWOP. The cost of imprisoning individuals for life is astronomical, and it places a significant burden on state and federal budgets. The resources spent on maintaining prisons and providing care for prisoners can be redirected to other social and economic programs that benefit society as a whole.

In conclusion, Death by Prison provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking analysis of the use of LWOP in the United States. By combining a wide historical lens with detailed state- and institutional-level research, the book offers a new foundation for questioning this deeply problematic practice that has escaped close scrutiny for too long. The book challenges the conventional wisdom that LWOP is necessary for public safety and retribution, and instead advocates for a more humane and just approach to criminal justice. It calls for a reevaluation of the use of LWOP and the adoption of policies that prioritize rehabilitation, reintegration, and the protection of human rights.

Weight: 499g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520379978