The Penitentiary Era (1790-1825) (jan 1, 1790 – jan 1, 1825)
Description:
Philosophy: Rehabilitation, DeterrenceIn 1790, Philadelphia’s Walnut Street Jail was converted into a penitentiary by the Pennsylvania Quakers. The Quakers viewed incarceration as an opportunity for penance and saw prisons as places wherein offenders might make amends with society and accept responsibility for their misdeeds. This style of imprisonment made use of solitary confinement and encouraged rehabilitation.
Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 1, 1790
jan 1, 1825
~ 35 years