Alexander Maconochie

Alexander Maconochie was a pioneering penal reformer in the 19th century, known for developing more humane treatment of prisoners. He believed in rehabilitation rather than strict punishment, introducing the concept of "indeterminate sentences," where prisoners had a chance to earn their release through good behavior. His approach emphasized education, moral improvement, and ongoing assessment, influencing modern correctional practices. Maconochie’s ideas aimed to prepare inmates for reintegration into society, fostering dignity and responsibility, and he is often regarded as a father of modern parole systems.