Evolution of Prisons

Bentham's Panopticon introduced a revolutionary concept in prison design, emphasizing observation without inmates knowing when they were being watched. The U.S. adopted Enlightenment-era reforms, leading to the development of the Pennsylvania and Auburn systems, each with distinct approaches to rehabilitation. While the Pennsylvania system focused on isolation, the Auburn system became more prevalent due to economic factors and the effectiveness of communal labor. Ultimately, the 19th and 20th centuries saw a global shift towards incarceration as the primary form of punishment, moving away from harsher methods.