Should prisoners be allowed to watch T.V., have intimate encounters with their girlfriends, recreational time?

I'd rather they be watching TV than some of the other despicable / violent things they can do in prison. Everyone needs recreational time, even inmates. Or do you prefer prison riots?

Who do you think it going to be calmer? Someone that's allowed some TV, some recreations, personal relationships? Or someone that's being denied these sorts of thing? I'm not saying to reward prisoners. But, if it helps keep them under control, it seems worth it.

Yes they should. If they don't have activities to keep them occupied, and activities to look forward to after doing whatever prison job they have (as many prisons have inmates work), then inmate management would become a far larger problem. Inmates without things provided for them to do will instead find things to do. This means harassing staff, harassing other inmates more than already happens, plotting, etc. It can also mean increased stress, which can lead to medical problems that the taxpayer must pay to treat. Make no mistake, it is punishment going to prison, even with television. There are still strict rules, inability to control your own life, make your own decisions, and see who you want to see. Instead, inmates must deal with whatever other inmates are assigned near them, and whatever guard is placed over them that day. If they are unable to get along, they will be rehoused in more restrictive locations. Except for sexual contact, which I am unprepared to give an opinion on, I have no problem with inmates having privileges such as television, rec time, etc.

It depends on many factors. I wouldn't say yes or no absolutely to any of them. Just like with children,different things work as rewards or incentives for good behavior.

Aside from the girlfriend part, I think they should. Prison violence is a natural result when you shove them into a box with no mental stimulation. And if they're in prison for non-violent, drug-related offenses, let them out.

Why should they, they're CRIMINALS and they forfeit those luxuries when they break the LAW!!

Of course they should.

no