ABSTRACT
Despite advances in human and civil rights over the last two centuries, prisoners’ rights remain contested in many societies. Prisoners (and former prisoners) carry legal sanctions that prevent them from engaging in activities associated with modern understandings of citizenship. In some jurisdictions, legislation has been enacted to diminish, or effectively erase prisoners’ status as citizens. In others, it is considered a secondary punishment that accompanies the deprivation of liberty. Many jurisdictions impose limitations on citizenship rights even after an individual has completed their sentence.
