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When I first arrived at prison, years ago, I overheard many refer to Prison Industries (P.I.) as “Plantation Industries.” The ribald humor was lost on me, and actually made me feel a little uncomfortable. P.I. may go by many different names depending on the state, but the policy is the same: private businesses contract, or [...]

While supplies last, correctional staff and volunteers may request a box of “Serving Time, Serving Others: Acts of Kindness by Inmates, Prison Staff, Victims, and Volunteers.” For the box of 36 books, pay only $99, which shipping and handling within the contiguous USA.
For additional details and to arrange, please call 302-475-4825 or e-mail: TomLagana@yahoo.com

Graffiti Magazine (http://www.graffitimagazine.com) is written by inmates and the staff of this publication specifically for the prison community. Correctional staff may request access to the online version of the magazine, as well as a few issues to place in their libraries for the inmates to peruse. For further information and inquiries, please e-mail: deanna_graffitimagazine@yahoo.com and [...]

“I just finished reading “Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul.” I must say it was a very uplifting experience for me. It was also very touching. I can relate to a lot of stories in that book. I am currently incarcerated, and I’ve read a lot of self help books. This is one of the [...]

Forgiving the Person I Hated the Most
By TOM LAGANA
from “Serving Productive Time”
Almost everyone I meet receives a hug—a hug coupon, that is. My unique calling cards not only provide information about our business but are also redeemable for a hug, a smile, or an act of kindness.
Working with inmates doesn’t make me the most sought [...]

As we all know, last Wednesday, Frank Sterling was freed after DNA testing requested by the Innocence Project proved his innocence. He spent nearly 20 years in prison for a crime he didn’t do. With the help of the Innocence Project, he is working on readjusting to life on the outside.
In order for the Innocence [...]

On March 24th, 35 minutes before his scheduled execution, Hank Skinner was granted a stay of execution. Not from the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, not from Texas Governor Rick Perry, but from the U.S. Supreme Court. Now, he pleads with district attorney Lyn Switzer to test DNA evidence that has never been tested.
Family [...]

Confessions of an Innocent Man: Torture and Survival in a Saudi Prison by William Sampson is a book about a Canadian’s wrongful incarceration in Saudi Arabia. He endured torture, rape and living conditions unfit for rats. He describes everything in horrific detail and tells us what went through his head. He spent almost 3 years [...]

This seems like an awful lot of effort and tax dollars to carry out something they are obviously uncomfortable with.
State law requires the New Hampshire Supreme Court review death penalty sentences to determine three things.
First, was the sentence imposed under the influence of passion, prejudice or any other arbitrary factor.
Second, does the evidence support the [...]

One need only possess 1 gram of crack cocaine in order to receive the same punishment as another person in possession of 100 grams of the powder from of the drug.