treating mentally ill patients by sentencing them into solitary confinement has captured the attention of human rights experts who conclude that “solitary confinement may amount to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment” that violates rights specifically targeting cruel, inhuman treatment. health care professionals and organizations recognize the fact that solitary confinement is not ethical, yet the segregating treatment fails to come to a halt. “experience demonstrates that prisons can operate safely and securely without putting inmates with mental illness in typical conditions of segregation.” despite this and medical professionals’ obligations, segregation policies have not changed because mental health clinics believe that “isolation is necessary for security reasons.” in fact, many believe that it is ethical for physicians to help those in confinement but that the physicians should also be trying to stop the abuse. if they cannot do so they are expected to undertake public advocacy.