, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE TO ANSWER YOUR ASSIGNMENT
QUESTION 1
1. The Nelson Mandela Rules (The United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment
of Prisoners) provide guidance on the treatment of offenders. Explain what the following rules
refer to:
A) Rule 12
Rule 12 of the Nelson Mandela Rules addresses the accommodation of offenders during the night. It
emphasizes that, wherever possible, each prisoner should have an individual cell or room. When
communal cells are necessary, careful consideration must be given to selecting prisoners who are
compatible with each other to avoid conflict, ensure safety, and encourage positive interactions.
Additionally, the rule mandates regular night supervision, aligned with the prison’s security
requirements, to safeguard prisoners’ well-being and maintain order.
B) Rule 22
Rule 22 focuses on the provision of healthcare in correctional settings. It stipulates that each facility
must have a resident medical officer with expertise in psychiatry, and offenders requiring specialized
care must be transferred to appropriate hospitals. Dental care must be available to all prisoners, and
when mothers are permitted to keep their infants with them, facilities with qualified nursery staff
should be provided. Upon intake, all prisoners must be examined by a medical professional to detect
any illnesses, including infectious diseases, which must be managed to prevent spread. Daily medical
assessments are required, and any health deterioration due to incarceration must be reported to the
prison director. The medical officer is also responsible for monitoring and reporting on the quality of
food, hygiene, bedding, clothing, and the general physical well-being of the offenders.
QUESTION 1
1. The Nelson Mandela Rules (The United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment
of Prisoners) provide guidance on the treatment of offenders. Explain what the following rules
refer to:
A) Rule 12
Rule 12 of the Nelson Mandela Rules addresses the accommodation of offenders during the night. It
emphasizes that, wherever possible, each prisoner should have an individual cell or room. When
communal cells are necessary, careful consideration must be given to selecting prisoners who are
compatible with each other to avoid conflict, ensure safety, and encourage positive interactions.
Additionally, the rule mandates regular night supervision, aligned with the prison’s security
requirements, to safeguard prisoners’ well-being and maintain order.
B) Rule 22
Rule 22 focuses on the provision of healthcare in correctional settings. It stipulates that each facility
must have a resident medical officer with expertise in psychiatry, and offenders requiring specialized
care must be transferred to appropriate hospitals. Dental care must be available to all prisoners, and
when mothers are permitted to keep their infants with them, facilities with qualified nursery staff
should be provided. Upon intake, all prisoners must be examined by a medical professional to detect
any illnesses, including infectious diseases, which must be managed to prevent spread. Daily medical
assessments are required, and any health deterioration due to incarceration must be reported to the
prison director. The medical officer is also responsible for monitoring and reporting on the quality of
food, hygiene, bedding, clothing, and the general physical well-being of the offenders.
