In my opinion, I think it really depends upon the crime, I mean a person who has just taken another's life should be treated differently then that of a shoplifter or thief. The reason they are in prison is to accept their punishment. Punishment doesn't or shouldn't have privileges. I am not talking about give them bread and water as that would be to the extreme. Prisons in . North America on the whole treat inmates properly. I realize that there are prisons around the world that are very different and not as lenient as ours, but as I remarked earlier in a round about way is that the punishment should fit the crime. (and I am not talking about cutting off a hand if one steals.)

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE WITHOUT PRAYER IS LIKE COMPUTER HARDWARE WITHOUT THE SOFTWARE!!!!!

I'm pretty much with PrettyPeaceful on this one... depends on the severity of the crime I suppose but I know there are people who write to inmates and things and I don't think I'd be able to do that. I think prisons give inmates privileges so they don't turn on each other and cause riots.

I wasn't meant to walk this world without you - Kelly Clarkson - Maybe.

I agree,it depends on the crime.

Bread, water, bed and a roof over their heads, no automatic home comforts such as tv, radio, recreation room etc.

But most importantly hard physical labour and education no inmate (2yrs+) should leave prison without the ability to read and write.

A bit draconian I admit, but hey, they are not there for a holiday……

"On the sixth day God created man. On the seventh day, man returned the favour."

The un-inspirational behavior of others determines our willingness to believe their words. Their life and truths then become like wind, collecting dust in its passing. -lea

You are saying "bread and water" in the figurative sense, no?

Well I agree it depends on the crime, but I guess they should be allowed communication with the outside world...why not? All letters are read by prison officials and boxes searched. If a family member wants to give someone inside a TV, e.g., I suppose they should be able to. It's the taxpayers funding such stuff that bothers me more. That includes tuition paid for by taxes. If honest and law-abiding citisens have to pay back loans for their educations, why should criminals get it for free?

But I guess also they should be given some sort of incentive to progress and move forward to a new and more productive line of thinking. If a person is inside for 10 years, then I doubt 10 years of nothing but punishment and deprivation will be an incentive to change. So in that respect it seems worth SOME public funding to have recreation and a library and some stuff, because if they are rehabilitated then society does benefit from that.

From the sublime to the ridiculous is but one step--Napolean Bonaparte

it depends on their crime

Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over it and whispers, 'Grow, grow.'

Ha-ha yes figuratively, Chana, they should receive the odd, used soup bone after the guard dogs have finished with them. Sorry I have no sympathy for miscreants however harsh the treatment or conditions they find themselves in , I retain my sympathy for their victim’s.

"On the sixth day God created man. On the seventh day, man returned the favour."

Depends on the crime!

"I dont need the internet..I already know everything."

As mostly was said, it depends on the crime. But I like to add: Most of them will be free again some time. Make them work for this moment from the first day on. Have them develop usefull skills to prevent them from falling back. Prepare them for their second chance.
In this context it is necessary to provide them with basic information about the world outside. If someone was in prison for let me say 10 years and has never had contact to the changing world outside, how can he master a live outside?
Annother aspect: Relations have a hard time during imprisonment. But relations are vital to find back. So every contact to support relations should be (controlled in a moderat way) possible either to save an existing relationship or to built up a new one (maybe by websites to meet prisoners)

I suppose it depends upon the nature of the crime they committed. Still amazes me how some people join these websites you mentioned and send inmates money.

"Watch your step by the crowd of fanatics, while they kill in the name of applied mathematics"

I think this is a good point.

"Watch your step by the crowd of fanatics, while they kill in the name of applied mathematics"

If a person is in for a short stay, because of a lesser crime, yes any and all rehabilitation for these individuals should be at their disposal. But if a person has been taken out of society for 10 years or more this is a more heavier crime and more restrictions should be in place.
If people are taken out of society because of a crime, how much availability to society should be given?

The un-inspirational behavior of others determines our willingness to believe their words. Their life and truths then become like wind, collecting dust in its passing. -lea

In Scotland the courts are backed up wae killers who's cases never go to trial, an if they do, the killers will only do 7-8 years for murder, they're laughin at the police cause they can do bugger aw to put these heidbangers awa.
The monster who killed ma lover is still walkin about like, I've seen him sinkin a pint in the pubs, wae no a care at aw...justice is a joke!!