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Solitary confinement is the practice of isolating incarcerated individuals in a small cell for 22-24 hours per day, typically with minimal human interaction. Its primary purpose is to maintain order and security by separating individuals deemed dangerous to others or at risk themselves. However, research shows that prolonged solitary confinement can significantly harm mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, hallucinations, and even suicidal ideation, which undermines rehabilitation efforts (Cloud et al., 2015). A notable case highlighting these effects is Madrid v. Gomez (1995), where the court ruled that placing mentally ill prisoners in solitary confinement constituted cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. Alternatives to solitary confinement include step-down programs that gradually reintegrate inmates into the general population, increased use of specialized mental health housing units, and evidence-based behavior management strategies that prioritize treatment and monitoring over isolation. These alternatives provide safer and more humane options while still addressing safety concerns within correctional facilities. Need Assignment Help?