What is the difference between privileges and rights within the prison?

There is a difference between the rights that are accorded an inmate and privileges that are granted an inmate. An inmate has certain rights they enjoy from the Constitutions of the United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. These rights the inmate enjoys can not be taken away from the inmate. A few of the rights they have are:

  • Access to legal material
  • Freedom from cruel and unusual punishment
  • Freedom to practice their religion


Privileges that an inmate enjoy can be taken away for violations of the Prison rules and regulations. An inmate has several privileges such as:

  • Telephone
  • Television
  • Visitation
  • Work release


As you can see, one way you maintain order in a correctional facility is the administration of privileges. It all boils down to if you behave while in the prison you will have several privileges. If you misbehave, you will have some or all of your privileges taken away for a period of time. An infraction of the visitation rules could result in losing visitation privileges for a period of time.

Show All Answers

1. How much does it cost to house an inmate?
2. What is the average length of stay for an inmate at the prison?
3. What types of offenses have inmates in the prison committed?
4. What is the difference between privileges and rights within the prison?
5. How do you keep the inmates in line?
6. What is the Pre-Release Advisory Board?
7. How do inmates obtain and use money while incarcerated?
8. What is the policy for contraband within the prison?
9. What is the policy for inmate telephone use within the prison?