Title

Analyzing Prison Sex: Reconciling Self Expression with Safety

Authors

Brenda V. Smith, American University Washington College of LawFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2006

Abstract

This article examines the complexity of prison sex and the challenges that it raises in the context of recently enacted United States legislation, specifically the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). It begins by identifying a range of prisoner interests in enhanced sexual expression. These interests are described below in an attempt to disentangle prisoners’ rights in sexual expression from states’ legitimate interests in regulating that expression. This article also directs policymakers and decision makers to mine international documents and human rights norms that recognize the necessity of punishment and at the same time outline a standard for the safety of individuals in custody, the protection of human dignity, and the acknowledgement of the right to sexual self-expression.

Comments

Human Rights Brief

Volume 13, Issue 3, pg 1-6

Recommended Citation

Smith, Brenda V. "Analyzing Prison Sex: Reconciling Self-Expression with Safety," 13 Human Rights Brief 1 (2006)