In this day and age, the numbers for incarceration has risen drastically in the last ten years. Men, women, boys, and girls are being convicted; for a numerous amount of reasons. With this being stated, I raise the question of: How many out of those who were and are convicted actually deserved the sentence received? In 2006, a man was sentenced to eighteen years in prison for being an enforcer for a gang called the Terminators in Bridgeport, Connecticut. This man brutally fought with competitor gangs, sold heroin, and killed a potential witness. Taking the previously stated strikes into consideration, it would be easy to say that this man does, in fact, deserve to be sent to prison, correct? It is not that easy to conclude. Due to a falling
…show more content…
Keeping this man in prison for any longer than the six years he has already served costs the state and tax payers an annual amount of $30,000. Underhill suggests that the reformation of the Three-strike laws, the Federal sentencing guidelines, and mandatory minimums can help with the tragedy that mass incarceration has become. Judges should also have the option to re-evaluate the sentences that are put into action. Underhill claims that Congress should pass a law to let an inmate petition his or her sentencing court for a lesser amount of time spent in prison for good behavior and rehabilitation. This claim seemed very questionable because it is very easy for someone to take advantage of the system by doing this. It also seemed too easy; good behavior and promised reform is wonderful, but that person would have to prove him or herself more. After all, that person was put in prison for a reason. Underhill also listed specific proposals for those of who can use this so called ‘second-look’ review. He recommended that the person seeking early release to have support from the warden of the prison, this person will only have one opportunity to fight for this release, but only after serving at least half of the sentence (or two-thirds). He also addressed the fact that just having good behavior is not enough to be released. Underhill suggested that those release should be ready for a job, has successfully completed treatment for drugs, completion of training for educative and vocational education, and a good record of health and family wellness. I agree that the recommendations previously listed are great to start with, but the family affected by the crimes committed should be
Keeping this man in prison for any longer than the six years he has already served costs the state and tax payers an annual amount of $30,000. Underhill suggests that the reformation of the Three-strike laws, the Federal sentencing guidelines, and mandatory minimums can help with the tragedy that mass incarceration has become. Judges should also have the option to re-evaluate the sentences that are put into action. Underhill claims that Congress should pass a law to let an inmate petition his or her sentencing court for a lesser amount of time spent in prison for good behavior and rehabilitation. This claim seemed very questionable because it is very easy for someone to take advantage of the system by doing this. It also seemed too easy; good behavior and promised reform is wonderful, but that person would have to prove him or herself more. After all, that person was put in prison for a reason. Underhill also listed specific proposals for those of who can use this so called ‘second-look’ review. He recommended that the person seeking early release to have support from the warden of the prison, this person will only have one opportunity to fight for this release, but only after serving at least half of the sentence (or two-thirds). He also addressed the fact that just having good behavior is not enough to be released. Underhill suggested that those release should be ready for a job, has successfully completed treatment for drugs, completion of training for educative and vocational education, and a good record of health and family wellness. I agree that the recommendations previously listed are great to start with, but the family affected by the crimes committed should be