Sashwat Gupta, Unitedworld School of Law, Karnavati University, Gujarat
ABSTRACT
For many years, prisons around the world have focused on one main thing: punishment. If you broke the law, you went to jail, and that was that. But things are changing, especially in countries like India, the United States, and Bangladesh. This paper explores how these countries are starting to balance punishment with another important goal: helping offenders become better people and rejoin society. In the past, these nations inherited prison systems left behind by British rule. These places were harsh, with little focus on anything but keeping people locked up. Thankfully, things began to improve. With the formation of a committee to address these brutal conditions, while the US built its first organized prison with a more structured approach. Even with these changes, punishment remains a key part of the prison system. It is meant to deter crime and make sure criminals face consequences for their actions.
Rehabilitation means helping prisoners learn from their mistakes and develop skills so they can succeed when they are released. The US, for example, introduced a system with parole, which allows some prisoners to be released early if they show good behavior. Similarly, courts in India are pushing for prison reforms that prioritize rehabilitation alongside punishment. Of course, there are challenges. Prisons in all three countries are often overcrowded, lack proper healthcare, and do not have enough staff. Bangladesh also faces the hurdle of outdated laws that make reform even harder. Despite these difficulties, there is a clear shift happening. All three nations are moving towards a more balanced approach to prisons. Human rights are becoming a bigger priority, and the idea of helping offenders is gaining ground.
The future requires addressing overcrowding and resource limitations. Effective reforms are needed to ensure humane treatment and create a system that truly helps people improve. This path may be long, but the focus on human rights offers a promising direction for a future where prisons can truly balance punishment with rehabilitation.
Keywords: India, United States, Bangladesh, Prisoner’s rights, Prison System
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