The American Spectator

Recently I had the opportunity to read an article dated October, 12, 2004, entitled “The American Chamberlain,” by William Tucker.

In the article, Mr. Tucker utilizes the term “deprisonization” in describing a political backlash against wanton imprisonment.

I am writing to inform the Spectator that the word “deprisonization,” and its definition were copyrighted in 2002.

I am sure the utilization of the term in the article is simply an oversight, as I am well aware of the Spectator’s professional reputation.

As well, in this particular case the appropriate term to use would have been “decarceration.”

If the Spectator, or contributors thereto, utilize the term “deprisonization” in the future, I would appreciate due credit for the coining and defining of the term (simply put, it is the completion of Donald Clemmer’s concept of “prisonization,” coined and detailed by Clemmer in his 1940 work The Prison Community).

The book in which the term “deprisonization” is issued and defined for the field of criminology and criminal justice is entitled: An Examination of Donald Clemmer’s Concept of Prisonization and Its Future Role in the Development of Penal Policy in the United States.

It can be found in the library of the University of Southern Mississippi.

I appreciate your time and professionalism regarding this issue.