Before the 20th century various punishments were exercised that derived from different institutes and philosophies. In the eastern state, John Haviland was famous for his Eastern State Penitentiary’s design. The concept of intimidation and horror were portrayed by the thirty-foot-high wall that separated inmates from the outside world. Each prisoner was held in a complete solitary confinement. Prisoners did not have any contact with other convicts, and guards were not allowed to communicate with prisoners. They were required to work while in their cell. They were also allowed to read the bible, but no other entertainment such as, letters, or magazines were permitted.
In contrast, the western New York prisons, Auburn and Sing Sing, did not believe in solitary confinement unless for punishment or control. Unlike the eastern state penitentiary, inmates in the western prisons spend the majority of their times in the company of other inmates. However, no prisoner was allowed to speak to another prisoner. This rule of silence is one of the most important restrictions in the Auburn prisons. In Fact, Elam Lynds, warden of Auburn prison, believed “that convicts were cowards and dogs and ought to be treated accordingly” (Foster, 2005, p. 28). In an effort to cause humiliation, He also described inmates as a giant caterpillar with their stripped uniforms walking in silence while placing one hand on the shoulder of the men in front of them. Guards were instructed to use force to maintain order.
These punishments varied based on the social acceptance and different believes. For example while probation, is a modern sentencing, its concepts have been in effect for centuries. Judges were often hesitant to sentence females and juveniles to prison in fear of the physical punishment that one could endure. In fact, churches encouraged criminals to seek protection
