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Law students assist on research project into prison

Law students have assisted with a multidisciplinary report calling for an end to any solitary confinement in Queensland prisons due to the impact on mental and physical health.

user iconNaomi Neilson 21 May 2020 Big Law
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A report co-authored by the University of Queensland and Prisoner’s Legal Service (PLS) found prisoners are being held in solitary confinement for long periods of time, while those who are restricted experience inadequate care and treatment for mental health.

The law school’s Professor Tamara Walsh said the report’s findings are concerning due to the severe harm that solitary confinement can have on pre-existing health conditions.

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“In solitary confinement, prisoners are isolated in their cells for at least 22 hours per day with little to no contact with others and limited mental stimulation and access to fresh air and natural light,” Professor Walsh said. “It’s not uncommon for these prisoners to show signs of psychosis, engage in self-harm and obsessive-compulsive behaviours.”

The team interviewed prisoners, lawyers and advocates and analysed client files to learn about prisoners’ lived experiences in solitary. Based on the overall findings, the main point and key recommendation were to abolish solitary confinement altogether.

Law student and PLS volunteer Claudia Smith said the research project was a rewarding experience, that allowed her to create real change: “My participation has confirmed skills acquired by law students can be utilised to impact individuals directly and significantly.”

She said that during the project, she worked alongside many empathetic people, and this taught her to appreciate the significant value of “empathetic lawyering”.

“It is important that the wider legal profession engages in conversations about issues such as solitary confinement. We can learn from each other and move forward to ensure these issues are seriously discussed and not overlooked,” Ms Smith said.

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