Prison Reform Research Paper

Words: 520
Pages: 3

There are many injustices in our society's electoral system that call for quick notice and change. It is clear that we need to move effectively to solve the problems of overpopulation, social inequalities, and a lack of rehabilitation services within prisons. This essay introduces that significant prison reform is not only necessary, but also important for solving the inequalities within the criminal justice system. Prison overpopulation is one of the main problems facing the electoral system. According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), “the United States has the highest incarceration rate globally, with overcrowded prisons leading to inhumane conditions and a failure to provide adequate rehabilitation” (Smith, 2022). Prisons that …show more content…
According to a Sentencing Project report, individuals of color, specifically African Americans, “are incarcerated at significantly higher rates than their white counterparts, highlighting the racial bias inherent in the criminal justice system.” (Jones, 2021) Prison reform must include approaches that work to end racial disparities in order to address this injustice. Some of these steps include community policing, diversifying the court system, and reconsidering mandatory minimum sentences. A lack of rehabilitation programs in prisons restricts inmates' ability to get back into society and promotes the cycle of recidivism. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, “approximately two-thirds of released prisoners are rearrested within three years of their release.” (BJS, 2023). The main goal of prison reform should be to offer complete rehabilitation programs that include mental health services, job preparation, and education opportunities. It can lower the chance of repeat offenses and improve the chances of inmates successful rehabilitation into society by making investments in their development, making themselves a better person of who they used to