When one thinks of a prison, inmates studying law degrees does not primarily come to mind.

However, this is the case in Africa as part of the African Prisons Project, founded by Alexander McLean. Prisoners and prison staff are sponsored to study law through the University of London’s distance learning programme whereby they obtain the skills and knowledge to enforce their rights and, upon re-entry to society, contribute to increased access to the justice system.

In Australia, mental health and addiction problems in prisons are increasing, as is community concern and pressure to amend this “revolving door” phenomenon that has emerged between prisons and the community. As the number of adult prisoners continues to rise in Australia, a transformation of the approach to rehabilitation in the justice system will not only contribute positively to the individual health of those in the system, but also wider society.