The Usefulness of Therapeutic Jurisprudence for Re-thinking Babies in Prison

Abstract

International human rights state that imprisonment for mothers with babies should be used as a last resort. Currently, there is no international agreement for the age limit of children in prison and a lack of consistency with the treatment of this minority population. This article is significant in its advocacy of using a theoretical approach that emphasises the benefits of using legislation, including international human rights frameworks. The premise of Therapeutic Jurisprudence (TJ) is that law influences emotional life and psychological well-being (Winick & Wexler, 2003). Significantly, the duty bearers of the Bangkok Rules (2010) include individuals from non-governmental organisations, local communities and the voluntary sector. This article examines the role of activists who represent the rights of women, practitioners who work in prisons and other potential stakeholders. Moreover it recognises the reality for creating a rights respecting culture in prisons across the globe is complex for babies in prison.