This assignment requires each student to write a response to the narrative below. The page length of the paper will be no less than one (1) page and not exceed two (2) pages in length.
Below is the topic narrative for this assignment:
Topic: Future of Prisons: Prison Reform and the Challenges of Justice Reinvestment in the Era of Mass Incarceration
Narrative:
The War of Drugs and the War on Crime Society has been engaged in addressing these issues for many years. Despite the commitment of time, people and fiscal resources, the question remains whether or not we have won or are winning these wars.
A consequence of these practices has created what some have referred to Mass incarceration, America’s addiction to incarceration. As a result, Mass Incarceration has been characterized by many as a failed and grossly expensive outcome of past sentencing and penal practices.
Today, questions have arisen concerning the viability of maintaining the current prison system. Justice Reinvestment has emerged as a natural response to Mass Incarceration and some may refer to efforts to establish a sense of rationality to the current state of prison affairs. In addition, efforts involving prison reform have been on-going as well.
Nonetheless, questions persist:
Do the numbers of incarcerated offenders justify the astronomical costs for operating such a system?
Have the expenditures in prisons provided a sufficient return on investment (ROI) for society?
What can Justice Reinvestment offer to stem the tide of spending while addressing crime in a more rational manner?
What could be the future of prisons be and can we (society) design and administer a humane prison and prison system?
Directions:
Be specific in your analysis and provide concrete examples to support your paper’s thesis. Remember that this paper must be no less than one (1) and no more than two (2) pages in length
