A Legal Analysis of Educational Equity and Adequacy in U.S. Prisons

This research paper investigates the various legal doctrines and court rulings that establish legality and impact the growth of education programs within U.S. prisons. Historically, education within prison walls has been criticized for issues pertaining to personnel safety and funding in addition to the physical and financial barriers of operating within correctional facilities. However, evidence from numerous studies indicates that correctional education can reduce recidivism rates and is overall more cost-effective than treatment-as-usual in the state of mass incarceration, which prompts the current comparative examination of legislation and case law that establish the privilege of education in U.S. correctional facilities. This research paper will discuss the limitations of delivering quality education while in prisons, including the disparities associated with educational opportunities in male versus female facilities, that have been established in several different appellate court cases across the country. Additionally, this paper explores the California Legislature’s progressive nature toward correctional education and the possible trend in establishing face-to-face bachelor’s degree programs within the California state prison system. The research set forth in this paper addresses opposing arguments as well as establishes public policy suggestions that are plausible to the advancement of rehabilitation through education in prison.