While debtors’ prisons were thought to have been abolished in the 19th century, there is a new modern phenomenon of imprisonment in America today and although they no longer involve corporal punishment, modern-day debtors’ prisons do exist and continue to be growing concern.
The History of the Marshalsea Prison:
The …show more content…
According to article “Why Motive Matters: Designing Effetive Policy Responses to Modern Day Debtors’ Prisons,” a harsh and critical civil rights report prepared by the United States Department of Justice prompted a deeper analysis both locally and nationally, of city’s municipal courts, uncovering modern-day debtors’ prisons. What was once considered immoral in the Victorian era has surfaced right here in our backyard. The goals of the city courts are to maximize its revenue generation. This has led to lawsuits being filed and the United States Supreme Court continually criticizing the policies taking place that allow for this atrocity.
According to Marsh and Gerrick, debts occurred as a result of a criminal offense breaks down into two components. First is the fine, which is the sanction for the offense. Second are the “user-fees” which are costs incurred during the prosecution process. The “user-fees” typically end up costing more than the actual fine. The inability to pay these fines and additional costs can be converted into jail