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Prison environments pose substantial health risks and may adversely affect the health and wellbeing of both prisoners and staff. Drawing extensively from international literature across several disciplines and supported by empirical data, this article presents a multidisciplinary study that focuses on mental health in prison settings and examines unconventional healthcare interventions, using yoga and meditation as a case study. Despite compelling research suggesting overall positive outcomes, the idea of yoga in prisons is not fully integrated into criminal justice policy and practice, and there are gaps in prison yoga research. Recognising the multifaceted roles of yoga within correctional institutions, this article specifically explores the impact of yoga on improving the mental health of incarcerated individuals and prison personnel. The primary aim is to raise awareness about mental health challenges in prisons and underscore the healthcare benefits of implementing prison yoga programmes. Accordingly, the article provides an overview of mental health issues in prisons, assesses the potential benefits and mechanisms of yoga and meditation as alternative mental healthcare methods and explores the barriers to integrating these practices into prison healthcare. It advocates for yoga and similar practices as viable mental healthcare alternatives for both prisoners and prison staff. The article's analysis contributes to a preliminary framework for policymakers, prison managers, staff, and scholars seeking to enhance mental health outcomes in penal facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an editorial introducing a special issue of the Journal of Criminal Law focused on mental health in prisons. The editorial highlights the adverse impact of prison environments on the well-being of both prisoners and correctional staff. It cites statistics from various countries, including Europe, the United States, India, and Canada, to demonstrate the prevalence of mental health issues in prisons and the lack of adequate healthcare resources. The special issue aims to address these issues, explore interventions, and improve the well-being of individuals in prison settings. The articles in the special issue cover topics such as historical perspectives on prisoner health, the impact of work-related stress on correctional personnel, the benefits of unconventional interventions like yoga and meditation, and the need for a rehabilitative prison culture. The special issue aims to contribute to the understanding of mental health challenges and solutions in different prison systems. [Extracted from the article]