Prison Ain’t Hell: An Interview with the Son of Sam—David Berkowitz, and Why State-Funded Faith-Based Prison Rehabilitation Programs Do Not Violate the Establishment Clause

Abstract

The article discusses the relationship of prison rehabilitation programs to the U.S. Constitution's Establishment Clause. It features the life of David Berkowitz, a serial killer who was in his early life was greatly feared as "Son of Sam," his life in prison in Sullivan Correctional Facility, and how he finds his faith by attending faith-based programs in the correctional. It mentions the two philosophies of the theory of punishments such as retributive and utilitarian approach. It mentions the Christian nonprofit organization "Prison Fellowship Ministries" (PFM), which provides religious services for prisoners. It states that PFM arm, the InnerChange Freedom Initiative aims in creating and maintaining the religious life of prisoners that will respect right of others and the law of God.