The British penal system deprives prisoners of basic citizen’s rights
The most difficult time for anyone in prison must surely be this time of the year, as Christmas approaches. Crown courts and magistrates’ courts across the country are inundated with the usual festive bail applications, made by practitioners who might think they have an arguable case to get their clients around the Christmas tree for the festivities, but who are, more likely than not, under pressure of a unique sort from their clients who have totally unrealistic expectations that they can be “out for Christmas”.
More seriously, however, the suicide rate in our custodial institutions is, on the whole, higher now than during other periods. It does not help when the attitude of the British penal system is structured in such a way as to deprive prisoners of some of the basic rights of a citizen.
the right to vote
A prime example is the illogical—and what can only be considered retributive—removal of their right to vote in public elections. Even after the torrent of government legislation during the past 10 years, I’m not
