Questions and Answers
The cost per execution for the drugs used is _____________
$86.08
Who was the first offender executed by lethal injection in Texas on 12/7/1982?
Charlie Brooks
What was the claim made by the inmate who killed a warden and an officer in The Pack/Moore Homicides?
Self-defense
What years are considered the formative years of the Texas prison system?
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What aided the South during the Civil War in the Texas prison system?
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What significant changes occurred during the Convict Lease Era?
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What characterized the prison system from 1910-1936?
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What was a major issue faced by the Texas prison system during the Decline era (1937-1947)?
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What was the focus of the Reform Era from 1947 to 1973?
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What issues arose during the Backsliding period?
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What model did the construction division use in 1948?
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What significant change occurred during the Beto Administration (1962-1972)?
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What major right was established in Cooper v Pate (1964)?
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What did Guajardo v. Estelle (1971) establish regarding inmates' rights?
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What did the case Lamar v Coffield (1972) address?
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What was established in 1969 to provide education for inmates?
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What was the purpose of the Prison Made Goods Act of 1963?
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What was challenged by the Ruiz v Estelle case in 1978?
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From 1866 to 1957, the Texas Prison System was known as the ____________.
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Who was the first woman correctional officer murdered in a Texas prison?
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As of 2011, Texas had __________ prisons.
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From 1957 to 1989, the Texas Prison System was known as the ____________.
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As of 2011, Texas had __________ State Jail Facilities.
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From 1989 to the present, the Texas Prison System is known as the ____________.
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As of 2011, Texas had __________ Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facilities (SAFPFs).
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What was the Carrasco Incident?
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Who was placed on death row under the new law on 2/15/1974?
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Study Notes
Key Historical Events and Figures in TDCJ
- Cost per execution estimated at $86.08 for the drugs used.
- Charlie Brooks became the first person executed by lethal injection in Texas on December 7, 1982.
- The Pack/Moore Homicides involved a warden and officer killed by an inmate who claimed self-defense.
Development of the Texas Prison System
- Formative years (1836-1861) saw inmates housed in jails, with the establishment of Huntsville penitentiary; first inmate was William Sansom.
- During the Civil War Era (1861-1865), Texas prison system supported the South, leading to the destruction of facilities, with only Huntsville remaining operational.
- Convict Lease Era (1866-1909) marked an increase in inmates and the development of outside camps into prisons, with the second prison, Rusk, opening in January 1883.
- The Farm System (1910-1936) emphasized agricultural operations as major components of the prison system.
Challenges and Reforms in the Prison System
- The Decline period (1937-1947) involved poor treatment of inmates and corruption, leading to a transition of purchased plantations into farms.
- Reform Era (1947-1973) prioritized rehabilitation with new teaching and recreational programs and the introduction of a classification system.
- Backsliding was characterized by a surge of inmate violence, self-harm, and other issues.
Inmate Conditions and Reforms
- Darrington farm housed 333 inmates in a unit meant for 250, with infrequent showers and no laundry service.
- Retrieve farm held 475 inmates in a space designed for 350, with 31 individuals sleeping on brick floors.
- Penal reforms initiated in 1947 modernized agriculture production and improved facility conditions.
- Construction division formed in 1948 utilized inmate labor for building new structures.
Key Administrative Figures and Changes
- Ellis Administration (1949-1961) renamed the prison system to Texas Department of Corrections, enhanced living standards, and reduced escape rates.
- Beto Administration (1962-1972) established Windham School District, receiving national acclaim for its clean and secure facilities.
- Landmark case Cooper v Pate (1964) affirmed inmates' rights to challenge administrative practices.
Legal Developments and Educational Programs
- Guajardo v. Estelle (1971) granted inmates the right to correspond on legal matters, regardless of unit.
- Lamar v Coffield (1972) prohibited racial segregation in housing and job assignments.
- Windham school district, established in 1969, provided educational opportunities like GEDs and high school diplomas to inmates.
Lawsuits and Incidents
- Ruiz v Estelle (1978) was a significant class action lawsuit addressing prison conditions, becoming one of the longest-running cases.
- Minnie Houston was the first woman correctional officer murdered in a Texas prison.
- The Carrasco Incident was a hostage situation lasting 11 days, involving inmate crime and smuggling of weapons.
Current TDCJ Structure
- The Texas Prison System had various names over the years, including:
- Texas State Penitentiary (1848-1866).
- Texas Department of Corrections (1957-1989).
- Texas Department of Criminal Justice (1989-present).
- As of 2011, Texas managed 82 prisons, 21 state jail facilities, and 5 Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facilities (SAFPFs).
- John Devries was placed on death row on February 15, 1974, under new legislation.
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Description
Test your knowledge on key facts regarding the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). This quiz includes significant events, figures, and costs associated with capital punishment in Texas. Use these flashcards to prepare for your unit test effectively.