Professor Hans Toch
PRT staff members were saddened to hear of the death of Hans Toch, whose pioneering work inspired a generation of people committed to prison reform. Professor Toch’s writing reflected both a rigorous analysis and a humane and affirming spirit—a rare combination. He was one of the first to advocate for giving prisoners a voice in the running of a prison. His insightful explorations into prison reform, how to survive in prison, mental illness, and prison violence provided practical reforms that remain urgently needed. We who work for a fairer, more humane prison system are forever in his debt.
PRT staff members were saddened to hear of the death of Hans Toch, whose pioneering work inspired a generation of people committed to prison reform. Professor Toch’s writing reflected both a rigorous analysis and a humane and affirming spirit—a rare combination. He was one of the first to advocate for giving prisoners a voice in the running of a prison. His insightful explorations into prison reform, how to survive in prison, mental illness, and prison violence provided practical reforms that remain urgently needed. We who work for a fairer, more humane prison system are forever in his debt.
