There were two main types of prison systems during the 19th century, the Auburn system and the Pennsylvania system. The Auburn system, created in 1816, isolated criminals from corruption completely. It gave them lessons on Christian morals and order through the use of discipline. The prisoners had separate cells and gathered only for meals and group labor. The prisoners were never allowed to talk and never met face-to-face with other prisoners. This system completely isolated criminals from corruption. The inmates were forced to work 10 hours a day, for 6 days a week, talking as little as possible. The prisoners returned to their cells only at night to reflect, in silence, what they had done.

Another important prison system of this time period was the Pennsylvania system. The Pennsylvania system was put into use at the Cherry Hill Penitentiary in 1829. This system relied upon solitary confinement as opposed to labor. The Pennsylvania system used 24 hour separation that consisted of work, feeding, and occasional vocational periods. New inmates were brought in hooded, to avoid seeing other inmates. Visitors and mail were banned. The main goal of this prison system was to destroy the sense of "criminal community" and encourage penance.

Reasons for Reform: