We seldom talk about mental health and male victims of domestic violence. And yet, I see it all in his eyes, in the traumatic look of someone… Read more “Mental health and false allegations: an inhumane system”
Blogs about Prison
Why do people want to be robbed? On ex-prisoners
Two things have struck me this week. Two things have confirmed suspicions brought to my attention by ex-prisoners. First, that so many ex-prisoner support charities seem to… Read more “Why do people want to be robbed? On ex-prisoners”
Magistrates and judges bias: what consequences for justice?
Magistrates courts are an intriguing place. I’ve spent many years thinking someone’s brother served a suspended 18-month sentence for possession of a firearm. Recently, I found out… Read more “Magistrates and judges bias: what consequences for justice?”
Moral Panics and Wrongful Convictions
There’s a discernable pain in Giuseppe’s face every time he recounts his time in prison. Behind the relatively calm exterior it is clear to see the rage… Read more “Moral Panics and Wrongful Convictions”
Crime, common sense, and the view from inside
Crime is one of those areas ruled by ignorance. Despite decades of research and millions of words written, the political and media hysteria over crime has ensured… Read more “Crime, common sense, and the view from inside”
Love overcoming convictions: prisoners and their other halves
If are one of the hidden regions, then prisoners are phantasms walking through them. Perhaps even more hidden away are the prisoner’s loved ones. Prisoners have sons, daughters, brothers and sisters. Many have wives, husbands and children, yet there is almost no consideration given to their fate.
Why a film about prison: A reflection on society’s failure
The criminal law system is like death. No matter how much you think you know about it, you know nothing until you’ve been through it. Other documentaries… Read more “Why a film about prison: A reflection on society’s failure”
Radical documentary and prison: a film making challenge
Radical film making, or Third Cinema, has conventions like any other form of art. Mainly, grab your camera and start filming. Go where the story is, live… Read more “Radical documentary and prison: a film making challenge”
Criminology, crime and aetiology
Many years ago a criminology student thrust a word into my limited vocabulary – aetiology. I’d not heard of the term back then, but it perfectly captured… Read more “Criminology, crime and aetiology”
Making a prison documentary: Should we film inside?
When we mention that we’re making a prison film, we’re often met with the same response. People easily recall that “Channel 4/BBC had something on recently… drugs… Read more “Making a prison documentary: Should we film inside?”