The Pennsylvania system and the Auburn system were two competing models of confinement in the 19th century, each with a distinct approach to prisoner rehabilitation.
Pennsylvania System:
Also known as the Separate System, it was developed at the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia.
The focus was on solitary confinement, with each prisoner housed in a separate cell with no contact with other inmates.
Prisoners were expected to use their time in isolation to reflect on their crimes, repent, and reform their behavior.
The prisoners engaged in work, such as shoemaking or weaving, inside their individual cells.
This system was more expensive to build and maintain due to the larger facility and separate cells.
Auburn System:
Also known as the Congregate System, it was developed at the Auburn State Prison in New York.
This system emphasized silence and discipline rather than solitary confinement.
Inmates were housed in individual cells at night but worked together in silence during the day in workshops.
The system employed strict discipline, with physical punishments for rule violations.
It was less expensive to construct and maintain than the Pennsylvania system due to the shared workspaces and smaller facilities.
The Auburn system ultimately became the model followed by other states for several reasons:
Lower construction and operational costs made it more appealing to state governments.
The opportunity for inmates to work together during the day was considered more productive and efficient.
The strict discipline and regimented routine were believed to be more effective in promoting order and deterring future criminal behavior.
While the Pennsylvania system had its proponents, the Auburn system's focus on discipline and cost-effectiveness led to its wider adoption across the United States.