and why does the US incarcerate people at a higher rate than even Russia and Cuba (hell, than everybody)
http://www.sentencingproject.org/Admin/Documents/publications/inc_newfigures.pdf
2007-03-25 04:46:16 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
There are many reasons for this. First, we incarcerate people for non violent offenses, and for long terms in the case of low level drug offenses.
Second, beginning in the 1970's, many states began to empty mental hospitals with the stated intention of replacing them with community based treatment facilities. All too often these did not materialize. We warehouse people who commit crimes while suffering from from mental illness instead of providing them, upfront, with the kind of treatment services that might have prevented a crime in the first place.
We are also an extremely punitive society. Many politicians run on slogans (rather than thoughtful policy) without really considering the issue of what works. The death penalty, for example, has been advocated with eye for an eye slogans, without considering whether it is really an effective method of crime prevention and control.
2007-03-25 04:55:33 · answer #1 · answered by Susan S 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The article you reference actually explains it:
(1) Three strikes and you are out
(2) Widespread abandonment of parole
US incarcerate at a higher rate for a couple of reasons. First, the crime rates and resolve rates are both high. Secondly, US believes that long sentences will deter people from committing crimes and keeps criminals away from the streets.
European belief is that most criminals come from a bad childhood and where Americans tend to believe that criminals are bad people that need to be put away.
2007-03-25 11:57:25 · answer #2 · answered by Ivan 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
because prison is just like being in a 5 star hotel now .if your muslim in prison you get too pick your own menu .and for the jocks you can play sports of your choice. and the geeks have a computer room .and the barber shop is right there for your own convience. and theres medical staff right there and eye doctors and dentist also. everything is free for the stay! people dont mind going too prison anymore they get treated better there then at home. the elderly and the homeless are the ones i feel for . they dont get 3 hots and a cot and free medical! thats what sad about it!
2007-03-25 13:39:30 · answer #3 · answered by starglowshady 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prisons have become a business in America nowadays 2. The monies that used to be spent on education, are now diverted to incarceration. And we wonder why this country is going to hell in a gasoline handbasket with flammable marshmallows.
2007-03-25 11:50:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Simple math, longer sentences means people are staying in longer, and to the second part maybe America just has stupid criminals that get caught.
2007-03-25 13:29:01 · answer #5 · answered by STFU 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I remember hearing somewhere that when people are in jail the state makes money
2007-03-25 12:01:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
cuz marijuana is still illegal, violent crimes went down, but non-violent crimes stayed the same
2007-03-25 11:59:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
cuz all da rednecks have been locked up. no mo crime
2007-03-25 11:49:16 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋