A study of censorship of inmate newspapers produced in penal and correctional institutions

There is a need for study in the area of censorship of institutional newspapers. Those publications produced inside penal and correctional institutions, which are in a 'right-less' society, have in the past according to several sources been highly censored to meet the demands and desires of the custody officials. Does this situation still exist?Within the walled cities of America which serve as institutions of correction there exists a peculiar form of the American press commonly known as the penal press. History tells us that these publications have been highly censored in the content which could be printed. No items of detrimental character toward the institution could be published and few opinionated items were ever allowed.If a state of censorship exists, the av3nue of expression, information, and outlet for creative talent is cut off from the inmate.Hopefully, findings from this study as to the extent of censorship of the penal press will offer constructive ideas for institutional administrations in the handling of their publications. Seeing how other penal publications are handled or censored will lift the veil of secrecy and offer ideas for new systems whereby expression is allowed for the inmates each administration is obliged to treat and care for.This study is interested in the amount of censorship used at various institutions and how that censorship is enforced. 5hat the effects and results of censorship are will also be part of the goal of this study.Thesis (M.A.