Articles
U.S. Has Highest Number of Prisoners
According to recent reports, the United States has less than five percent of the world’s population, but is home to the highest number of prisoners.
The U.S. reportedly is in the lead for producing the most prisoners in the world, which many believe is a direct reflection of the American approach to crime and punishment.
America Reigns for Having the Most Prisoners
Citizens of America are locked up for a variety of crimes including writing bad checks and illegal drug use.
In other parts of the world, these types of crimes would rarely produce a prison sentence.
Those punished in America are also reportedly imprisoned for far longer than those living in other countries.
Criminologists and legal scholars say they are “mystified and appalled” by the number and length of prison sentences in the U.S.
Prison Statistics
Statistics show that the United States has 751 people in prison for every 100,000 in population.
This breaks down to reveal that one in every 100 American adults are currently locked up.
Reasons Behind the High Prison Rate?
Criminologists and legal experts believe that there are a number of things that account for the high prison rates in the U.S. including:
- Higher levels of violent crime
- Harsher laws in regards to sentencing
- Legacy of racial turmoil
- Lack of social safety net
(Source: New York Times)
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