Abstract:

 

Performing or receiving tattoos while in prison is typically forbiudden in American jails.  What is the intention of this prohibition?  How well does the prohibition of jail house tattooing meet it’s own stated intentions?  How well does it promote the broader ends of prison institutions; to protect justice, encourage social order, promote the general welfare, deter crime, rehabilitate criminals, etc? I argue that repealing prohibitions of inmate tattooing would achieve outcomes more inline with the stated intentions of prison management than does the current prohibition.