Alexander Paterson (penologist)

Alexander Paterson (penologist)

Sir Alexander (Alec) Henry Paterson MC (20 November 1884 – 7 November 1947) was a British penologist who, as Commissioner of Prisons, introduced reforms that would provide a humane regime in penal institutions and encourage rehabilitation among inmates.

Paterson was born in Bowdon, near Altrincham, Cheshire. He attended school in Manchester and later studied at University College, Oxford where he obtained an honours degree in Greats. [http://www.infed.org/thinkers/paterson.htm infed.org article on Sir Alexander Paterson] ] During his time at Oxford, he joined the Church of England, which he preferred to his former denomination, Unitarianism. Not long after he graduated, Paterson went to work with the Oxford Medical Mission, a Christian charity which dealt with underprivileged youth in Bermondsey, South London. He recounted his experiences there in his 1911 book, "Across the Bridges". Later, he became the first chairman of the charity, Toc H.

Paterson served in the British Army during World War I, reaching the rank of Captain and receiving a Military Cross. In 1922, he was appointed Commissioner of Prisons and Director of Convict Prisons, a position he held until his retirement in 1946.

During his period as Commissioner of Prisons, Paterson used Wakefield Prison as a testing ground for his reforms, such as establishing a farm within the prison in which inmates could learn agricultural skills. Prisoners were also allowed to earn small sums working, attend training courses and participate in games.

Paterson was knighted in 1947 and died shortly afterwards in London at the age of 62.

References

Further reading

*Wright, Ronald Selby, "Great Men", Ayer Publishing (1970), ISBN 0836980352


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем решить контрольную работу

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Alexander Paterson — may refer to:* Alexander Paterson (Australian politician) * Alexander Paterson (penologist) …   Wikipedia

  • Paterson, Sir Alexander — ▪ British penologist born Nov. 20, 1884, Bowden, Cheshire, Eng. died Nov. 7, 1947, London       penologist who modified the progressive Borstal system of English reformatories for juvenile offenders to emphasize its rehabilitative aspects.… …   Universalium

  • Bowdon, Greater Manchester — infobox UK place country = England map type= Greater Manchester official name= Bowdon latitude = 53.3765 longitude = 2.3662 population= 8,806 (2006 Ward Profile) [http://www.trafford.gov.uk/cme/live/dynamic/DocMan2Document.asp?document… …   Wikipedia

  • List of people from Michigan — A list of notable people from the U.S. state of Michigan. Bolding indicates places in Michigan. People from Michigan are sometimes referred to as Michiganders, Michiganians, or more rarely as Michiganites. Actors, entertainers and… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”