Recidivism, as defined by the National Institute of Justice, is a term used when one has relapsed into criminal behavior after previously receiving punishment. Recidivism is one of the leading contributors to the high prison populations in the United States. Due to this prison overcrowding, it has been found that prison sentences are less effective and even dangerous for some prisoners. For this reason, many are starting to question which criminals should stay behind bars and which criminals, if any, should be offered an alternative to allow for more effective jail time. On a global level, the United States stands at the top of the list of number of people incarcerated. As reported by Peter Wagoner and Leah Sakala, journalists for prisonpolicy.org,
…show more content…
Prison overcrowding has been proven to have a direct effect on inmate violence, creating dangerous circumstances for prisoners. In Japan, a long-term study in 2006 found that prison overcrowding has a direct correlation with inmate violence (Portland State). Additionally, prison overcrowding has a direct tie to psychological issues in prisoners. Overcrowding has caused stressful situations for inmates and wardens due to the larger need for control to accommodate for the mass amount of people (“Prison …show more content…
Some states, like California, have found significant success in the implementation of drug court systems. Reductions in drug use, intensive supervision, and reductions in recidivism are some of the advantages listed by The Superior Court of California. Also listed by the Superior Court, less than four perfect of graduates from the drug court system return to jails. Through recovery based systems, drug courts allow addicts to receive the help needed to rid themselves of the addiction. Although there are many pros to the drug court system, like the cost effectiveness, there are some cons. As stated by drugpolicy.org, possible relapse can be better treated through a rehabilitation program. The drug court system is flawed, but with adjustments, it is possible that, through the drug court programs, recidivism rates and prison populations could be dramatically decreased.
Prison overcrowding has been proven to have a direct effect on inmate violence, creating dangerous circumstances for prisoners. In Japan, a long-term study in 2006 found that prison overcrowding has a direct correlation with inmate violence (Portland State). Additionally, prison overcrowding has a direct tie to psychological issues in prisoners. Overcrowding has caused stressful situations for inmates and wardens due to the larger need for control to accommodate for the mass amount of people (“Prison …show more content…
Some states, like California, have found significant success in the implementation of drug court systems. Reductions in drug use, intensive supervision, and reductions in recidivism are some of the advantages listed by The Superior Court of California. Also listed by the Superior Court, less than four perfect of graduates from the drug court system return to jails. Through recovery based systems, drug courts allow addicts to receive the help needed to rid themselves of the addiction. Although there are many pros to the drug court system, like the cost effectiveness, there are some cons. As stated by drugpolicy.org, possible relapse can be better treated through a rehabilitation program. The drug court system is flawed, but with adjustments, it is possible that, through the drug court programs, recidivism rates and prison populations could be dramatically decreased.