Alternatives to Incarceration
Catherine Dorman
Criminal Law
CJL2100
Abstract
This paper is an attempt to explore options available in lieu of traditional incarceration. It outlines the reasons for more liberal use of alternatives and the advantages to the use of them. This includes advantages in cost savings, advantages to society, and reducing prison population
Alternatives to Incarceration
Traditional incarceration is expensive and does very little to prepare an offender for reentry into their home environment and in the community. Alternatives to incarceration strengthen families and save the state money. Many times incarceration does not address the underlying reason cause that the offender got into trouble. It’s time …show more content…
The United States as a whole imprisons 693 people per 100,000, this number is five times higher than any other country in the world. The District of Columbia has the highest rate within the states, currently jailing an astounding 1,963 per 100,000. A person has to wonder what is going on. In the 1970’s a push began to start incarcerating Americans at globally unparalleled rates. In the years that followed the increase in the U.S. prison population can be more closely attributed to political policy choices than actual crime rates. The numbers also show that our country’s efforts to make change with mass incarceration has not boosted public safety, it has instead steadily and disproportionately stunted the social and economic wellbeing of poor communities and communities of color for generations. With this level of incarceration the effects are far reaching, from the destruction of families for petty repeat offenders to the destruction of society as a result. Data suggests that even the “states that incarcerate the smallest portion of their own citizens are out of step with the larger community of nations. As U.S. states continue to reevaluate their own hefty reliance on incarceration, we recommend that they look to the broader global context for evidence that incarceration need not be the default response to larger social problems.” (Wagner …show more content…
“Probation is a conditional release of a convicted criminal in lieu of incarceration” (Schreb 2014) Judges are given broad discretion in formulating the manner and conditions for the offender to remain on probation. Typically the person on probation is forbidden to participate in certain activities. They usually must remain employed and abstain from criminality and whatever got them into trouble in the first place. They are required to stay in the area and are typically given a cerfew. Probation allows the offender to participate in society, support their families, and the opportunity for a second chance. Probation offers accountability to stay out of trouble due to scheduled visits with a probation officer and usually random drug
Catherine Dorman
Criminal Law
CJL2100
Abstract
This paper is an attempt to explore options available in lieu of traditional incarceration. It outlines the reasons for more liberal use of alternatives and the advantages to the use of them. This includes advantages in cost savings, advantages to society, and reducing prison population
Alternatives to Incarceration
Traditional incarceration is expensive and does very little to prepare an offender for reentry into their home environment and in the community. Alternatives to incarceration strengthen families and save the state money. Many times incarceration does not address the underlying reason cause that the offender got into trouble. It’s time …show more content…
The United States as a whole imprisons 693 people per 100,000, this number is five times higher than any other country in the world. The District of Columbia has the highest rate within the states, currently jailing an astounding 1,963 per 100,000. A person has to wonder what is going on. In the 1970’s a push began to start incarcerating Americans at globally unparalleled rates. In the years that followed the increase in the U.S. prison population can be more closely attributed to political policy choices than actual crime rates. The numbers also show that our country’s efforts to make change with mass incarceration has not boosted public safety, it has instead steadily and disproportionately stunted the social and economic wellbeing of poor communities and communities of color for generations. With this level of incarceration the effects are far reaching, from the destruction of families for petty repeat offenders to the destruction of society as a result. Data suggests that even the “states that incarcerate the smallest portion of their own citizens are out of step with the larger community of nations. As U.S. states continue to reevaluate their own hefty reliance on incarceration, we recommend that they look to the broader global context for evidence that incarceration need not be the default response to larger social problems.” (Wagner …show more content…
“Probation is a conditional release of a convicted criminal in lieu of incarceration” (Schreb 2014) Judges are given broad discretion in formulating the manner and conditions for the offender to remain on probation. Typically the person on probation is forbidden to participate in certain activities. They usually must remain employed and abstain from criminality and whatever got them into trouble in the first place. They are required to stay in the area and are typically given a cerfew. Probation allows the offender to participate in society, support their families, and the opportunity for a second chance. Probation offers accountability to stay out of trouble due to scheduled visits with a probation officer and usually random drug