Duffy, Clinton T.

Duffy, Clinton T.

(1898–1982) penologist; born in San Quentin Prison, San Francisco. Inspiration for the movie Duffy of San Quentin, he was the son of a San Quentin guard; born and raised within the prison gates, he became warden (1940–52). Known for his humanitarian reforms, he abolished airless cells and physical punishment, fired guards for cruelty, and introduced a night school, a cafeteria, and a prison newspaper. He campaigned ceaselessly against the death penalty. Author of several books, his work was widely imitated by other penologists.