Prison Overcrowding - The Threat of the 1980s (From Prisoners and the Law, P 6-3 to 6-18, 1985, Ira P Robbins, ed. - See NCJ-100564)

• NCJ Number: 100567
• Author(s): R B McKay
• Date Published: 1985
• Length: 16 pages
• Sale Source: Clark Boardman Company, Ltd
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper discusses the extent, causes, and consequences of prison overcrowding in the 1960's and 1970's, blaming it largely on legislative policies. Remedies are suggested.

Abstract

Responding to the public's fear of crime, legislatures have increased the average sentence served as well as the actual time served. The result is prison overcrowding, inhumane prison conditions, prison rioting, and the increased criminalization of inmates. Remedies for prison overcrowding include new prison construction and the expansion of existing facilities as well as the decriminalization of ''victimless' crimes to reduce the number of persons processed through the criminal justice system. The reduction of mandatory sentences would also help, as would expanded use of restitution, fines, and community service and the use of presumptive parole and emergency standby release power. 29 notes.