solitary confinement: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

News •

Pooh Shiesty Says He’s in Solitary Confinement 23 Hours Per Day: ‘Serious Psychological Risks’ • Oct. 16, 2026, 1:18 PM ET (Billboard)

Photos

solitary confinement cell

Nelson Mandela sits and works with his hands while imprisoned on Robben Island, wearing a jacket and looking down in a contemplative pose.

See All Images →

Topics

Pennsylvania system imprisonment Elmira system Irish system Auburn system mark system parole Today in History—June 12: Nelson Mandela Receives a Life Sentence extraordinary rendition Borstal system