Most people did not entirely oppose the idea of prison reform. Some people felt the current prison systems were beneficial how they were. Supporters of the Auburn system claimed it had a beneficial effect on the inmates and it saved money since the workshops supplied prison needs and produced goods for sale.

Some people felt the Pennsylvania system was beneficial to the inmates. Some felt the strict solitary confinement helped the criminals reflect on their wrongdoings and caused them to strive to do better.

Opposition of Prison Reform: