Prison systems have become an argumentative issue as of late, especially with the CIA’s released report of Guantanamo Bay interrogation methods. Mr. Chad Zwolinski’s sociology class has been taking a closer look at prison systems, specifically the U.S. and Norway.

“Norway believes in rehabilitation; their longest sentence is 21 years, even for murder,” Mr. Zwolinski said. “They treat ‘prisoners’ and the goal is to better prepare for their future outside whereas our system in America is focused on punishment.”

Students will be making a project, in which they devise a prison system of their own.

“I think students will be able to reflect on what they find important and if our system is truly working,” Mr. Zwolinski said. “They’ll answer the question of ‘When they are given the chance to create their own correctional facility, how would they want ‘prisoners’ to be treated?’”

During this process, students will be able to express their opinion on the matter.

“Most students try and mix – after Deputy Ashley gives them a full understanding of what our system is like,” Mr. Zwolinski said. “They don’t agree it is working, but aren’t ready to completely remove punishment from their facility.”