This comprehensive article delves into the multifaceted issue of prison overcrowding within the United States criminal justice system. Beginning with an overview of the U.S. criminal justice system, the article examines the root causes of overcrowding, encompassing legislative policies, the War on Drugs, and a dearth of alternative sentencing options. The subsequent exploration of consequences
With well over 2 million individuals confined in jails and prisons in the United States, it is easy to understand why the federal prison system and 24 state prison systems were above their rated capacity at the end of 2004. The data supplied by the Bureau of Justice Statistics revealed that the federal prison system
With well over 2 million individuals confined in jails and prisons in the United States, it is easy to understand why the federal prison system and 24 state prison systems were above their rated capacity at the end of 2004. The data supplied by the Bureau of Justice Statistics revealed that the federal prison system