Is 22% too high a percentage of drug offenders in prison?

Question

http://www.hrw.org/backgrounder/usa/incarceration/

Answer 1

Yes, they should all be set free.

Answer 2

1% is too high. What good does it do to put drug users in prison? The cost of doing so are enourmous. In addition to the cost of jailing them their children become dependant on the state for support.

Secondly most medical professionals treat addiction as a disease. We don't lock up people with leporsy or AIDS we shouldn't lock up people with drug addicitions.

I am very confused as to why the government doesn't inflict fines on convicted drug users. Require manditory treatment, anything put prison. Prison only creates a stigma attached to that person that will stick to them long after they serve their sentence.

If you take someone whose been busted for pot say 5 times, through them in jail where they will hang out with rapist, muderers, and the likes, how does that help society?

Answer 3

No I think that number is low balled. But if you consider the charges that get dropped there would be a huge increase on that number.

They really shouldn't keep our jails over crowded with people with traffic offenses & minor drug charges. Save the places for people who commit real deviant crimes.

Answer 4

Yes, because too many are junkies that tried to score a bag. They should be treated for their disease just as alcoholics are or alkies should be jailed in the same proportions. Their LEGAL drug but illegal activities only get them a pat on the wrist. Fair is fair.

Answer 5

if you ask me, I'd probably say to low. But my idea of drug offenders are people who use drugs, and this someone made them end up in jail. Such as they were high, and killed someone...

Answer 6

any percentage is too high..

Answer 7

i have no idea