Abstract
Privatization in the correctional setting takes many forms. This article focuses on an extreme variant of correctional privatization-privately owned and operated facilities-and critically examines the philosophical argument used to legitimate the practice. Among the more problematic features identified include a reliance on an interpretation of liberal theory that muddles the distinction between rights and authority, and confusion regarding the libertarian conceptions of the ultraminimal and minimal state. As a result, the attempt to justify the delegation of coercive authority from the state to private agencies is questioned. The authors attempt to advance ongoing debate by discussing one method for identifying what privatization alternatives are consistent with liberal theory's conceptions of the individual and the state's authority to punish.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 210-222 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| Journal | Prison Journal |
| Volume | 82 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Dec 2002 |
| Externally published | Yes |
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ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
- Law
Cite this
The ethics of correctional privatization : A critical examination of the delegation of coercive authority. / Reisig, Michael; Pratt, Travis C.
In: Prison Journal, Vol. 82, No. 4, 12.2002, p. 210-222.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - The ethics of correctional privatization
T2 - A critical examination of the delegation of coercive authority
AU - Reisig, Michael
AU - Pratt, Travis C.
PY - 2002/12
Y1 - 2002/12
N2 - Privatization in the correctional setting takes many forms. This article focuses on an extreme variant of correctional privatization-privately owned and operated facilities-and critically examines the philosophical argument used to legitimate the practice. Among the more problematic features identified include a reliance on an interpretation of liberal theory that muddles the distinction between rights and authority, and confusion regarding the libertarian conceptions of the ultraminimal and minimal state. As a result, the attempt to justify the delegation of coercive authority from the state to private agencies is questioned. The authors attempt to advance ongoing debate by discussing one method for identifying what privatization alternatives are consistent with liberal theory's conceptions of the individual and the state's authority to punish.
AB - Privatization in the correctional setting takes many forms. This article focuses on an extreme variant of correctional privatization-privately owned and operated facilities-and critically examines the philosophical argument used to legitimate the practice. Among the more problematic features identified include a reliance on an interpretation of liberal theory that muddles the distinction between rights and authority, and confusion regarding the libertarian conceptions of the ultraminimal and minimal state. As a result, the attempt to justify the delegation of coercive authority from the state to private agencies is questioned. The authors attempt to advance ongoing debate by discussing one method for identifying what privatization alternatives are consistent with liberal theory's conceptions of the individual and the state's authority to punish.
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UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=81255188111&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1177/0032885500080002005
DO - 10.1177/0032885500080002005
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:10844296516
VL - 82
SP - 210
EP - 222
JO - Prison Journal
JF - Prison Journal
SN - 0032-8855
IS - 4
ER -