Solitary Confinement: Cruel and Unusual

# Summary

Josh and Chuck dive deep into the controversial practice of solitary confinement in American prisons, exploring its history, psychological impacts, and ongoing debate over whether it serves as a necessary tool or constitutes cruel punishment. The hosts examine how this practice originated with Quaker reformers in the 1700s, evolved through the modern era, and became widespread through the rise of supermax prisons starting in the 1980s, while investigating the disturbing physical and mental health consequences documented in research. They also tell the troubling story of the Angola Three—prisoners held in isolation for decades under questionable circumstances—and discuss growing reform efforts worldwide that suggest the tide may finally be turning against this practice.