What was solitary confinement at Alcatraz?

Solitary confinement at Alcatraz was a form of punishment used for inmates who violated prison rules or posed a threat to others. Those placed in solitary were confined to small, bare cells for 23 hours a day, often leading to severe psychological effects due to isolation. The conditions were harsh, with minimal human interaction and limited access to light, designed to deter misbehavior and maintain order within the prison. This practice reflected the broader punitive philosophy of the era regarding inmate management.