“Narrative of Neglect : Texas Prisons for Men” highlights the progress and injustices committed in the Texas Department of Corrections from its inception to 2011 (Price and Coleman, 2011). Nearly two centuries have passed since the creation of the Texas prison system, but there have been 37 changes at the top. This article details the evolution undertaken by the prison system, completing the highlights and negative points since its creation, which includes emblematic cases such as Ruiz v. Estelle, who defined and restored prisoners' rights. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayTexas, in 1987, imposed steep daily fines for violations. This was due to misrepresentation, cover-up, corruption, and an unwillingness to change current practices involving detainees. The article also frames what amounts to prisoner slavery with its use of an unpaid prisoner-led workforce. The Texas prison system has had two major reformers who have impacted prisons for the betterment of both inmates and staff. All of this culminates in the prison system we see in operation today. The first major reform was made when the Penitentiary Act passed in 1846 and established the need for a new prison, in which Huntsville was chosen and subsequently opened in 1849 with three inmates. The leadership, in an effort to keep operating costs down, began using inmates as workers, however, unhealthy living conditions and harsh disciplinary practices forced many to go to extremes to escape the situation. In 1876, 3.5% of the population died and another 22% fled (Martin, & Ekland-Olson, 1987). Huntsville State Penitentiary was commonly known as “The Walls” and conditions were dangerous as they harbored abuse and malnutrition. The statement “exile from civilized society to a dark and evil world completely foreign to the free world” reiterates the mistreatment and voiceless society in the criminal justice system (Holt v. Sarver, 1970). Convict rent was used as a means of paying for their care, but ended in 1910. A reformer in 1878 was found in Superintendent Thomas Goree. He brought education and libraries to prisons. It improved classification practices to separate vulnerable and first-time offenders from hardened criminals. He also instituted the use of “free time,” which incentivized inmates to behave well and make use of the lessons available to them. This was a step taken for the humane treatment of inmates in the state of Texas. Plagued by investigations almost every two years, the need arose to improve the prison's image. A rodeo, a baseball team, a choir and a radio program were used to help combat the negative findings of investigations into the prison system. In 1944, Austin MacCormick investigated the system and found that inhumane conditions, a need for more and better trained personnel, and low production due to obsolete farming techniques were rampant. In 1948 the governor appointed OB Ellis to reform Texas prisons in what became known as the “Ellis Plan.” He pushed for rehabilitation and better conditions not only for inmates, but also for staff. The brutal and corrupt staff were fired and greater benefits were given to the remaining staff. He was able to see the problem first hand and addressed all the underlying issues, ofAs a result he died while in his position. In 1974, Ruiz v. Estelle carried out prison reform through what are called "prison advocates." Problematic inmates pushing for their civil rights filed many complaints and were housed together. The judge acknowledged that confinement in Texas prisons was “cruel and unusual punishment” and a violation of the Eighth Amendment. His ruling addressed overcrowding, safety, healthcare, discipline and access to the courts. In 1987, seven years after the ruling, compliance was made mandatory with heavy fines in case of non-compliance. This has impacted prisons through oversight, transparency and the voice of prisoners in fighting for their rights. The newspaper article "Narrative of Neglect: Texas Prisons for Men" was published in the East Texas Historical Journal in the fall of 2011. It was written by a retired Texas prison warden, J. Keith Price, and Susan Coleman, a professor of political science and criminal justice. They historically analyze the phases of transformation of the prison system in its current condition. The evolution since its inception is marked by heroes for the treatment of prisoners and sheds light on the negative aspects plaguing the system. There is a push for better correctional policy aimed at emphasizing treatment and rehabilitation for readers. It ends with fear and the knowledge that neglect and abuse are creeping back into the Texas Department of Corrections. This article is aimed at an audience that seeks equality and wants reforms for the betterment of not only prisoners, but their respective communities after prisoners' release. prisoners who interrupt the cycle of recidivism. The fact that one of the authors is a retired prison guard from Texas gains more credibility as his experiences become his sources. He noted that in his last year as director he had to fire a third of the educators and all the drug counselors. He sees it as a step backwards and a step backwards towards abandoning prisoners. His co-author is a professor who has written other articles on criminal justice issues, making their collaboration more effective. The evidence provided in this prison reform process is believed to come from credible and impartial sources due to the focus on the positive and negative aspects of prison. reform. The statistics were confirmed by other sources and there was no overt bias throughout the speech. The authors' argument for prison reform has come a long way regarding the humane treatment of prisoners, but more needs to be done to prevent regression to old patterns of neglect. Upon further research, there are recent boycotts of prison labor due to mistreatment and no compensation, even a few cents. Another notable issue that was not addressed in detail was that of overcrowding, although the economics of prison relations were addressed on almost every page. Interestingly, media involvement has played a role in prison reform. There was talk of the San Antonio Express and the Houston Chronicle both getting quick reforms. This determines a possible control function of regular media coverage within prisons. This could counteract inhumane treatment by ensuring transparency not only to a selective audience within an oversight committee, but to the general public. Another impact this article has is the critical role the industry plays in the prison system. Everything is a business and the Texas Department of Corrections is no different.. 362, 381 24, 2018