Disciplinary Infractions

Abstract

Disciplinary infractions in prison can range from major infractions, such as murder, to minor infractions, such as the use of vulgar language. Several explanatory models have been used to understand prison misconduct, including the importation model and the deprivation model. Once a disciplinary infraction has been committed, formal and informal methods can be employed to sanction inmates. Disciplinary actions can be issued by correctional officers or by disciplinary committees. Both correctional officers and disciplinary hearing committees rely heavily on the use of discretion, and inmates are afforded very limited legal protections during these disciplinary hearings. The monetary costs of infractions are examined, as is the impact of punitive sanctions on mentally ill inmates.