Behind the Walls: A Guide for Families and Friends of Texas Prison Inmates
Behind the Walls: A Guide for Families and Friends of Texas Prison Inmates is a 2002 book by Jorge Renaud, published by University of North Texas Press. It is aimed at relatives and friends of inmates at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).
Background[edit]
Renaud, a prisoner, began writing the book after the prison newspaper he was editing for was closed by the administration.[1] He had been involved in the prison system for at least 25 years.[2]
Contents[edit]
The book begins with "A Short History of Texas Prisons," documenting the history of the TDCJ and its predecessor agencies, then has the guide on prison life and operations.[2]
According to Lisa E. Brooks of The Urban Institute, the author describes the TDCJ in "laudably evenhanded" ways, and criticizes both inmates and TDCJ employees.[2] The author explains that there are ethical and unethical people among both groups, and that, in Brooks' words, the "dehumanizing and highly charged prison environment" is the root of problems.[2] The history section describes the agency and its predecessors in a way that, according to Brooks, demonstrates "a long history of corruption and abuse."[2]
The book refers to the Ruiz v. Estelle decision and explains how it altered practices and life in Texas prisons.[2]
Reception[edit]
Brooks described the work as an "important contribution".[3] According to Brooks, the guide portions are more "enlightening" than the history section, which she characterized as "vitriolic"; the argued the history portions about Ruiz v. Estelle were also educational.[2]
See also[edit]
- In This Timeless Time, a book about the Texas death row for men
- Texas Tough, a book about the Texas prison system
References[edit]
- Brooks, Lisa E. (2007). "Book Review: Renaud, J. A. (2002). Behind the Walls: A Guide for Family and Friends of Texas Prison Inmates. Denton, TX: University of North Texas Press. 218 pp". Criminal Justice Review. 32 (2): 177–178. doi:10.1177/0734016807300509.
Notes[edit]
External links[edit]
- Behind the Walls: A Guide for Families and Friends of Texas Prison Inmates - University of North Texas Press
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