Prison Population Advantages

What drives the prison population to rise? Is it due to racial injustice, poverty, economic inequality or is it all of the above? While many do seek plea bargains from the courts, and with probation and parole this all intertwines with one another. Unfortunately, America has 25% of the prison population, with only having 5% of the world's population (Inimai, 2015). I have found some benefits, and some disadvantages to plea bargaining, probation and parole. As well as some issues with prison population.
Most convictions going to court end in plea bargaining. Which is strange, if people feel they are innocent instead of fighting it, they will settle for a plea bargaining. It is also easier for the judges, and the courtroom actors. The reason it is easier for a plea bargain is because …show more content…
Probation is the most commonly conviction, sixty-one percent of people are convicted to probation (Vann Damme, 2017). Housing an offender has cost 68 billion dollars per year (Vann Damme, 2017). A simple alternative is probation and parole, the only difference is the offenders on probation are typically considered nonviolent. People on parole had felony convictions although, they have had careful consideration before being released. Even though people on probation and parole are in society, they are not free. They must keep tabs with their probation or parole officer. Also, they must follow guidelines, from meeting with the officer frequently, to getting a job. Not only does it keep the cost from housing them, it offers second chances. From showing good behavior it goes a long way for the parole board. Many people on probation are from plea bargains, in order to avoid jail time. Since they have the chance of being sent back, many will try their best to not get convicted of another crime while being on probation, or parole. Thus, reducing the recidivism, and increasing safety to the