Too many prison officers become cynical and jaded just a few years into the job, writes Erwin James. We need to encourage greater idealism

Theatre is a powerful tool to get prisoners' voices heard outside, as over 100 entries to a recent project attest, says Erwin James

Erwin James is concerned about an old friend's ability to battle a serious illness in prison

Lord Ahmed is just the latest on the prison celebrity roll call, writes Erwin James

Angered by the extortionate prices they pay for goods in jail, cons are trying to get Tesco to deliver, writes Erwin James

Giving prisoners opportunities to improve is crucial to them playing a positive role in society once they are released

New research on prisoners with learning difficulties and disabilities aims to increase understanding of a group who are over-represented in prisons but rarely heard, writes Erwin James

The justice secretary's slur on those advocating the needs of offenders is an attempt to deflect blame from his own failure to improve prisons, says Erwin James

Our acceptance of smacking children leads directly to the restraint techniques used on Adam Rickwood before his death in youth custody, writes Erwin James

How prisoners pass their time inside has become a matter of controversy, says Erwin James

Lord Carter's assertion that big jails will serve justice better has no factual grounding, says Erwin James

Some prisoners in despair resort to acts that are beyond horrific, writes Erwin James

The thirst for tabloid headlines and tough political soundbites is suppressing the harsh reality of prison life. But why aren't more individuals standing up for the truth?