Should we continue the practice of solitary confinement in the United States criminal justice system

1. I agree with the definition of solitary confinement; however, I would also like to add that they are allowed to see/interact with prison guards.2. If a person is placed into solitary confinement, then they will be properly disciplined. 3. Solitary confinement is not entirely immoral nor is it unethical because of its intention of disciplining someone. 4. Being disciplined is good.5. All other negative consequences of solitary confinement, such as: damaged psyche, being unable to 'properly' integrate back into society, and deviating from society's norms with new mental instability, are acceptable in light of the benefits of being disciplined. 6. The eighth amendment states: “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.” 7. Solitary confinement cannot be considered cruel and unusual punishment because it might be harmful to one’s psyche. It is not a definite outcome of being placed into solitary confinement. 8. Regarding the statistic “…A third of the population in solitary confinement are made up of mentally ill people,” does that reflect our current time, or the past? Because in the past, prior to the eighth amendment, people that were mentally ill were considered a danger to society, so they incarcerated them. Thereafter, the ‘cruel and unusual’ part of the eighth amendment was created. If it is allowed, then it does not violate the eighth amendment. 9. I do not agree with it being a social burden. How is this a social burden if the prisoners are being placed in isolation? They are no longer a burden if they are out of sight. 10. Americans pay enough taxes on prisons and prisoners now, how is ‘fixing them in a way society can see them as able to join the free population’ going to lessen that amount? It won’t – it will only add to the massive amount of taxes each American citizen already has to pay. 11. There are other ways to integrate them back into society. For example look at a soldier returning home for war that's been diagnosed with PTSD. The mental state is clearly unstable; however, after some time they are able to socialize with society again. How? Because of their influences they have in their life. With the right motivation and incentive a person can accomplish whatever they want. 12. Forms of solitary confinement are used in every day life and work; for instance, children -- (instead of being hit) they are placed in a corner for an hour or two. These tactics are used for discipline. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 13. Therefore, solitary confinement is necessary, and we should continue the practice of it. Non-controversial: premise 1 is stating, and adding to, the definition of solitary confinement. Premise 2 is a casual claim; therefore, it cannot be controversial. Premise 6 is what the eighth amendment states, nothing is being argued there. Premise 8 is asking for additional clarification because pro’s premise was too vague to determine what was meant by “…a third of the population.” Controversial: All other premises can be refuted and argued. None of my arguments have accurate evidence to support the claims; however, it is based off of common knowledge -- what that may be considered will vary depending on the person. Premise 9 is a question, but is also followed by a subjective statement, and it can be argued.