History of TDCJ Unit Test Flashcards

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?

1836-1861 Signup and view all the answers

What aided the South during the Civil War in the Texas prison system?

Cotton and wool Signup and view all the answers

What significant changes occurred during the Convict Lease Era?

More inmates were housed, and outside camps were converted into prisons. Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the prison system from 1910-1936?

Large agricultural ranching operations Signup and view all the answers

What was a major issue faced by the Texas prison system during the Decline era (1937-1947)?

Poor treatment of inmates Signup and view all the answers

What was the focus of the Reform Era from 1947 to 1973?

Emphasis on reform, teaching, and recreation Signup and view all the answers

What issues arose during the Backsliding period?

Inmate brutality, self-mutilation, and incompetence Signup and view all the answers

What model did the construction division use in 1948?

Inmate labor for prison-made bricks and concrete Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurred during the Beto Administration (1962-1972)?

Implemented the Windham School District Signup and view all the answers

What major right was established in Cooper v Pate (1964)?

Prisoners have the right to challenge administrative practices Signup and view all the answers

What did Guajardo v. Estelle (1971) establish regarding inmates' rights?

Inmates have the right to correspond about legal matters Signup and view all the answers

What did the case Lamar v Coffield (1972) address?

Segregation based on race Signup and view all the answers

What was established in 1969 to provide education for inmates?

Windham School District Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Prison Made Goods Act of 1963?

Produced materials for internal use and sales to state agencies Signup and view all the answers

What was challenged by the Ruiz v Estelle case in 1978?

Conditions of confinement Signup and view all the answers

From 1866 to 1957, the Texas Prison System was known as the ____________.

Texas State Penitentiary Signup and view all the answers

Who was the first woman correctional officer murdered in a Texas prison?

Minnie Houston Signup and view all the answers

As of 2011, Texas had __________ prisons.

82 Signup and view all the answers

From 1957 to 1989, the Texas Prison System was known as the ____________.

Texas Department of Corrections Signup and view all the answers

As of 2011, Texas had __________ State Jail Facilities.

21 Signup and view all the answers

From 1989 to the present, the Texas Prison System is known as the ____________.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice Signup and view all the answers

As of 2011, Texas had __________ Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facilities (SAFPFs).

5 Signup and view all the answers

What was the Carrasco Incident?

A hostage situation that lasted 11 days Signup and view all the answers

Who was placed on death row under the new law on 2/15/1974?

John Devries Signup and view all the answers

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.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

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.