The Pennsylvania System and the Auburn System are two approaches to prison reform that were developed in the United States in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. These systems represented a shift in thinking about the purpose of imprisonment and how to rehabilitate prisoners. While both systems aimed to reform prisoners and reduce recidivism, they took very different approaches to achieving these goals.
The Pennsylvania System, also known as the "separate system," was developed by Quaker reformers in the state of Pennsylvania in the 1790s. It was based on the belief that isolation and solitude would allow prisoners to reflect on their crimes and repent for their actions. Under this system, prisoners were kept in individual cells and were not allowed to interact with one another. They were also required to work in silence and were denied access to books, newspapers, and other forms of communication.
The Auburn System, on the other hand, was developed in the state of New York in the 1820s. It was based on the idea that hard work and discipline could reform prisoners and prepare them for life outside of prison. Under this system, prisoners were required to work together in silence during the day, but were allowed to speak to one another during the evening. They were also allowed to read and write, and were given access to educational materials.
There were several key differences between the Pennsylvania System and the Auburn System. The most significant difference was the approach to rehabilitation. The Pennsylvania System emphasized isolation and solitude, while the Auburn System emphasized work and discipline. Another key difference was the level of interaction allowed between prisoners. The Pennsylvania System prohibited any interaction between prisoners, while the Auburn System allowed for some limited interaction in the evenings.
Overall, both the Pennsylvania System and the Auburn System represented important steps in the development of modern prison reform. While the Pennsylvania System was ultimately deemed too harsh and ineffective, the Auburn System provided a model for rehabilitation through work and education that is still in use today. Both systems played a significant role in shaping the modern prison system and our understanding of the best ways to rehabilitate prisoners.
