Did Quakers Invent Solitary Confinement?

After Quakers spent time in 17th century prisons under horrendous conditions, many of them went on to help reform the prison system. As AFSC’s Laura Magnani explains, it didn’t go exactly as planned.

Jon Watts

Jon Watts launched and directed the QuakerSpeak project for its first 6 seasons. Keep up to date with Jon’s work at his website.

5 thoughts on “Did Quakers Invent Solitary Confinement?

  1. Have toured Eastern State. Originally conceived to be a place for prisoners to live in a solitary cell in silence to become reformed through Quaker practices. Know known as place where Al Capone was imprisoned and a Halloween destination

  2. You just have to look for groups of quakers working against mass incarceration, including FCNL, AFSC, several (at least) Monthly Meetings, including working inside prisons to reduce violence (Alternatives to Violence Project) . The resources are out there if you want to become involved.

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