The Long Overdue Reform within the American Prison System
With over 2 million citizens behind bars and the highest incarceration rate, it is questionable if the United States is still able to pride itself on the nickname “the land of the free”? While although the United States population accounts for less than five percent of the world’s population, it accounts for a staggering 25% of the global prison population. The country’s mass incarceration rate, which is the highest in the world, has left prisons bursting at the seams and little resources and funding. These monumental numbers present the financial burden on the country, as well as confirms the need for the current failed criminal justice system. America is in a crisis; however, as the media focuses on current and more interesting political issues, many forget about the large percentage of the nation that is locked up behind bars. Corruption within the American prison system has been a demanding issue for decades, and the long overdue reform will require cooperation from both political parties.
Per 100,000 United States citizens of any age, approximately 716 are estimated to be imprisoned in their lifetime. Harsh sentences with drug offense are a large component of the high rate of incarceration. In the 1980s, the Reagan administration authorized the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 which sparked the “War on Drugs”. Since then, the number of people put behind bars increased by over 350%. The war on drugs is often blamed for the overpopulation of jails and prisons due to mandatory minimum sentences. A mandatory minimum sentence is a minimum number of years a person must serve when convicted of a particular crime. In the case of drug possession, it typically depends on the amount of drugs. The purpose of this act was to harshen punishment on high level drug offenders; however, most drug cases that resulted in a mandatory minimum sentence involved low level offenders.
1.) The title offers reform in the American prison system. It does echo the thesis as it shows how the United States needs reform.
2.) Yes the title shows exigence, as it shows that this issue is “long overdue” and needs reform. I think it needs to make it more relatable and pressing to all audiences.
3.)Yes the issue clearly shows how the reform will occur and almost provides a plan into how this will occur. Yes I can imagine how the rest of the argument will unfold very well done!
1) title: “The Long Overdue Reform within the American Prison System ” – This title clearly indicates that the issue brief will talk about the problems with the current American Prison system. I think this is a clear title, but maybe consider making it more concise or change a bit the wording of the first part of the title.
2) I really like your topic about the American prison system. It is a very important topic but most people don’t even consider it as prisoners and criminals do not technically hold the same or any rights as others. I think it would be very interesting to include surveys about people’s opinions, like what people think about increase the budget for prisons, and what people think about prisoners in general- are they “worth” it?
3)”Corruption within the American prison system has been a demanding issue for decades, and the long overdue reform will require cooperation from both political parties” it seems like this is the thesis- it is a really good thesis but maybe be more specific- what exactly do you mean by “long overdue reform..”?