On the Outside: From Lengthy Imprisonment to Lasting Freedom

by Melissa Munn, Chris Bruckert

From the passage of Bill C-10, with its punitive, tough-on-crime provisions, to sensationalist media accounts of dangerous ex-convicts, it is no wonder that Canada is perceived as a country increasingly taking a hard line on crime. In reality, the vast majority of prisoners who serve out their sentences will never see the inside of a prison cell again. On the Outside explores the post-carceral lives of men who have successfully resettled into the community after serving at least a decade in Canada’s penitentiaries. Exploring the transition from imprisonment to the challenges of resettlement, this book will change the way you think about prisoners and open up the discussion on the perils of tough-on-crime legislation.

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Dot Enns · Rating 5 out of 5]

An informative book on the Canadian prison system and how it works in where it concerns men with Life Sentences as well as those with long sentences. At first I thought it odd to write about the two, since the two different sentences will play out differently: not when the men are inside, but when they will be released back into the community. A Life Sentence in Canada has eligibility dates, where they can apply to get back into the community. This "freedom" is suppressed with so many conditions such as the restriction of freedom of movement, that it puts Lifers in a second class status on the outside. Most parole conditions, such as the restrictions of freedom of movement, are life-long for Lifers. The authors also wrote about men with long sentences, where parole ends at a certain date. These men do get most of their freedom back. Their realities may be similar on the inside, but there are notable differences on the outside. Especially since a Lifer will be on parole for life.

I have to admit its been a couple of years since I read the book. So I'm unable to recall details. Anyone wanting to learn what its like for Canadian prisoners having survived lengthy imprisonment and the enormous challenges they face when they are released, I would highly suggest this book.