The federal government's argument is simple: its wardens need segregation cells to discipline inmates. Its defence of the indefensible --- torture by any other name-- demonstrates a horribly obvious fact; prisons may channel revenge but they achieve none of the other objectives so often stated in their defence.  Prison doesn't rehabilitate and can  debilitate. Prisons don't protect society they act as finishing schools for the socially weak to learn new skills to survive at the expense of society. Prisons don't discourage others from committing crimes they provide employment for thousands of men and women who might well be happier elsewhere if the opportunity was provided. The prison system, perhaps first perceived in the western world by Mr. Bentham, needs constant reform and updating. Canada is nicely positioned to lead this endeavor. We have a relatively small prison population, an expensive system per capita inmate and some excellent albeit often frustrated prison staff leaders.