The Ethics of Total Confinement

A Critique of Madness, Citizenship, and Social Justice

Bruce A Arrigo author Heather Y Bersot author Brian G Sellers author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Oxford University Press Inc

Published:28th Jul '11

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

The Ethics of Total Confinement cover

In three parts, this volume in the AP-LS series explores the phenomena of captivity and risk management, guided and informed by the theory, method, and policy of psychological jurisprudence. The authors present a controversial thesis that demonstrates how the forces of captivity and risk management are sustained by several interdependent "conditions of control." These conditions impose barriers to justice and set limits on citizenship for one and all. Situated at the nexus of political/social theory, mental health law and jurisprudential ethics, the book examines and critiques constructs such as offenders and victims; self and society; therapeutic and restorative; health; harm; and community. So, too, are three "total confinement" case law data sets on which this analysis is based. The volume stands alone in its efforts to systematically "diagnose" the moral reasoning lodged within prevailing judicial opinions that sustain captivity and risk management practices impacting: (1) the rights of juveniles found competent to stand criminal trial, the mentally ill placed in long-term disciplinary isolation, and sex offenders subjected to civil detention and community re-entry monitoring; (2) the often unmet needs of victims; and (3) the demands of an ordered society. Carefully balancing sophisticated insights with concrete and cutting-edge applications, the book concludes with a series of provocative, yet practical, recommendations for future research and meaningful reform within institutional practice, programming, and policy. The Ethics of Total Confinement is a thought-provoking and timely must-read for anyone interested in the ethical and legal issues regarding madness, citizenship, and social justice.

"This is an important topic and this well-written book, replete with case law, thoroughly fulfills its purpose, making readers really think about issues for which there are no easy answers." -- Doody's "In sum, this important book accomplishes two distinct goals-- a close reading of case law addressing confinement choices for three groups of offenders and a large-scale societal critique." -- Susan Goldberg, PhD, Duquesne University, PsycCRITIQUES

ISBN: 9780195372212

Dimensions: 160mm x 236mm x 28mm

Weight: 536g

318 pages