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The conundrum of hanging points in correctional facilities

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Australasian Psychiatry

Published online on

Abstract

Objective:

We aimed to explore aspects of the removal of hanging points from correctional facilities.

Conclusion:

An argument can be made that individuals have a right to die/suicide. The United Nations holds that except for freedom of movement, prisoners have the same rights as non-prisoners. The rights of the individual and the duty of many custodial institutions are in conflict. This introduces a conundrum; when all hanging points are removed from correctional facilities, prisoners without mental disorder, but with a sustained wish to die, will not be able to achieve that end, while non-prisoners will be well able to do so.