Solitary Confinement Banned in Federal Juvenile System

In January, President Obama banned solitary confinement - the confinement of a prisoner in a cell for virtually the entire day without environmental stimulation and limited opportunity for social interaction - for juveniles in the federal prison system. In his announcement, he stated that solitary confinement has been overused and has the potential to cause tremendous psychological consequences. His decision came after a review by the Justice Department. The report stated that the practice of solitary confinement reduces the chances that a prisoner can be eventually rehabilitated to society.

This article will examine the anticipated impact of the President's executive action and efforts to eliminate solitary at the local level.