Assignment 8 – “Jail Time”

CRJ/SOC 4520 (Women & Crime)

Point Value: 25 Points
Due on Canvas by 11:59pm on Sunday, April 2nd, 2023
CONTENT WARNING: This reading discusses several potentially sensitive topics related to
female incarceration. It features discussion of sexual assault, domestic violence, bullying and
emotional abuse, physical abuse, and medical trauma (blood and bodily fluids are mentioned). I
want you all to be aware of that before you do this reading. If you have concerns regarding this
reading, please reach out to me so we can discuss alternate arrangements for you.
For this assignment, you will need to read the article titled “Jail Time” by Erin George. This
reading is on Canvas. After you do the reading, please answer the following questions:
1) In this chapter, Erin George talks about the testimony of several jailhouse snitches being
used against her. What do you think of the practice of using jailhouse snitch testimony in
criminal trials?
2) Were you surprised by the availability of drugs in the jail? (Label as 2a) What are some
negative effects of the availability of drugs in jail? (Label as 2b) Why do you think more
effort is not made to eliminate or reduce the availability of drugs in jail? (Label as 2c)
3) In several instances in her chapter, George talks about her role in tormenting and bullying
other inmates (specifically Deena). Why do you suppose that George, a well-educated,
first-time offender, would engage in such an unexpected way? (Label as 3a) What does
George’s adoption of this uncharacteristic behavior tell us about the jail environment and
its effects in general? (Label as 3b)
4) In reading George’s chapter about life in jail, what kinds of problems with the jail
environment become evident to you? (Label as 4a). Give TWO suggestions for how we
can change one or more of the problems. (Label as 4b & 4c)
5) What did you think of the jail staff’s failure to accommodate George’s roommate’s
(Kelli) needs while she was detoxing from heroin? Did you think they were justified in
their treatment of Kelli, or should they have handled it differently? What led you to this
conclusion?
6) What are three things you are taking away from doing this reading? (Label as 6a, 6b, &
6c)
Submission Guidelines:

 Minimum Word Count: 300 words (excluding any title information)

 Numbered Responses
o I should not have to guess where on response ends and another begins. Failure to
number your responses will result in an automatic 5-point deduction from
your assignment.
 12-Point Times New Roman Font; 1-Inch Margins; Double Space
 Include hyperlinks for any outside sources at the end of your document. This does not
count toward the final word count.
 Failure to adhere to these guidelines will result in point deduction