Prison Reform in the US
Topic:
The United States is known to have one of the highest incarceration rates in the world. Our recidivism rate is also astounding, a recent report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics concluded that inmates released from state prisons have a five year recidivism rate of 76.6%. Why is the US criminal justice system such an anomaly in the world? And what can be done to change this?
Readings:
Why We Should Reconsider the War on Crime: Link to Reading
Stepping Down from Solitary Confinement: Link to Reading
United Nations Prison Reform Website: Link to Reading
How Prisons Can Help Inmates Live Meaningful Life: Link to Reading
Secondary: What's Going on with Prison Reform in America?: Link to Reading
Secondary: A Prosecutor's Vision for a Better Justice System: Link to Reading
Discussion Questions:
What are some of the things that we must remember in present day about "The War on Crime" to better put our thoughts in the proper context?
What are things that can be done inside our prisons to reduce recidivism?
Is solitary confinement humane?
How much should the legal justice system be blamed for the current state of the system?
