Honors College Senior Thesis Presentations

An Analysis of Inmate Letters

Presenter Information

Lainie JonesFollow

Academic Level at Time of Presentation

Senior

Major

Criminal Justice

Minor

Psychology

Presentation Format

Event

Abstract/Description

The average person is unaware of what life is like for those in prison. People watch movies, read books, and hear stories about prison life, but never actually know what it truly consists of, and instead carry a faulty narrative. In order to better understand prison life, this thesis project will examine letters written by inmates across the state of Kentucky. Examining these letters will share the topics which inmates discuss most frequently. Themes such as everyday matters, maltreatment by staff, favors from judges, complaints about bureaucracy, and other matters will aid in the understanding of their current lives and changes that have resulted from the prison experience. Aside from the analysis of the letters, this project will also share ideas from Judge Cunningham, to whom the letters were written. The analysis of these letters will not only give insight into a side of life that we do not recognize but will also share valuable information about how a judge may perceive the content in the letters

Location

Waterfield Gallery

Start Date

November 2021

End Date

November 2021

Fall Scholars Week 2021 Event

Honors Senior Presentations

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Nov 17th, 1:30 PM Nov 17th, 2:30 PM

An Analysis of Inmate Letters

Waterfield Gallery

The average person is unaware of what life is like for those in prison. People watch movies, read books, and hear stories about prison life, but never actually know what it truly consists of, and instead carry a faulty narrative. In order to better understand prison life, this thesis project will examine letters written by inmates across the state of Kentucky. Examining these letters will share the topics which inmates discuss most frequently. Themes such as everyday matters, maltreatment by staff, favors from judges, complaints about bureaucracy, and other matters will aid in the understanding of their current lives and changes that have resulted from the prison experience. Aside from the analysis of the letters, this project will also share ideas from Judge Cunningham, to whom the letters were written. The analysis of these letters will not only give insight into a side of life that we do not recognize but will also share valuable information about how a judge may perceive the content in the letters