Shelby County Ends Excessive Solitary Confinement

Shelby County, Tennessee, has become the first government in the South to end excessive solitary confinement by adopting the United Nations Mandela Rules, which prohibit solitary confinement beyond 15 days and require at least two hours per day out of the cell. Mayor Lee Harris signed an executive order implementing these standards at the Shelby County Division of Corrections, emphasizing the reduction of mental and physical harm to inmates. The reforms are part of a broader justice initiative that includes a point system for infractions to encourage rehabilitation and reduce recidivism. Officials state that the new policies align with international human rights norms and improve safety for both staff and inmates. The changes are regarded as a major step toward humane treatment and reintegration of inmates. The ordinance to formalize these standards will be presented to the Shelby County Board of Commissioners.