What is the “Hole” in Prison?
Published April 17, 2023
There are a ton of ways to punish an inmate when they violate a rule inside the prison system, but among them, sending an inmate to the “hole” is perhaps the worst. That’s precisely why any inmate would know what the hole in prison means, but understandably, the general public is often unfamiliar with the term.
What’s the Hole in Prison?
Unlike what the name implies, the hole in prison isn’t actually a hole but rather an ordinary prison cell.
What makes it terrifying, however, is that a hole in prison houses only a single inmate. The idea is to put them in solitary confinement, disabling them from interacting with other inmates, much less humans.
Of course, you can imagine how terrifying the experience can be.
Consequences of Being Sent to the Hole in Prison
Solitary confinement has long been viewed as an inhumane punishment. Not only does it lead to serious issues during the punishment, but it can also cause lasting psychological damage even after the prisoner has left the facility. After all, it involves physical and social isolation, not to mention sensory deprivation.
While the entire experience or punishment can only last up to 24 hours, to the inmate, it can feel like days, as stated by many former prisoners that have been a victim of this cruel punishment. That’s why it’s fortunate that the term “hole in prison” no longer refers to solitary confinement, at least not always.
Why Do Inmates Get Sent to the Hole?
Naturally, inmates only get sent to the hole for bad behavior. If they engage in violent fights with another inmate, for instance. It’s mostly due to violent tendencies. Unfortunately, certain prison guards can be particularly strict and send an inmate to the hole due to talking back or getting caught with contraband.
Interestingly enough, there are times when inmates have no choice but to engage in fights as they may be labeled as a coward, which often ends badly not just for 24 hours but for the rest of their prison life.
Is There a Hole in Prison Today?
On the bright side, there’s no longer a “hole in prison” in this modern age, at least not in the fundamental sense. That’s because The Eighth Amendment of the Constitution prohibits inhumane and cruel punishments. And the Supreme Court considers solitary confinement as one such punishment.
For that reason, even though a “hole” may exist in prison still, their purpose is no longer the same as they can house more than one inmate, and they’re slightly bigger than before.
What Does the Hole Look Like in Prison
The traditional hole in prison is essentially a prison cell with nothing in it. It’s the size of an elevator, and in some cases, smaller, and this size forces the inmate to idle by as they cannot walk around even a bit.
The prison cell is also devoid of natural light as there are no windows.
Parting Words
One of the fears of the family and friends of the incarcerated is to meet with their loved one only to find out they’re no longer the same. That’s why the concept of the hole in prison can be terrifying, as it’s known to change a person in such a short time. Hopefully, we’ve made you realize that this kind of punishment is no longer dished out that often, and when it is, the punishment is usually less severe.
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About The Author
Lenard Arceo is an experienced writer who enjoys coding software when not working. He has been blogging for a number of renowned publications for years. His commitment to writing facts based content has allowed him to help his readers uncover the truth and render justice in their lives.
