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Jessica Mitford discusses her book "Kind and Usual Punishment: The Prison Business"

BROADCAST: Sep. 14, 1973 | DURATION: 00:54:49

Synopsis

Jessica Mitford an English born author, investigative journalist, and civil rights activist discusses her book "Kind and Usual Punishment: The Prison Business,". Ms Mitford and Studs discuss her finding that prisoners were used as test subjects for drug trials and other medical research, and slave labor. Ms Mitford's book makes the argument that prisons are a governments means to making money from the prisoners they have punished. They speak about reform needed in the laws and decriminalization of many things and the abolishing of prison altogether. Ms. Mitford reads the final paragraph of the book to close the interview. The interview begins with an excerpt of Ken Jackson talking about solitary confinement while in prison.