The Causes and Consequences of Prison Growth in the United States

Abstract

The unprecedented growth in the prison and jail population in the United States can be traced to a complex set of political developments and changes in sentencing practice. The rise in crime in the 1960s came at a time of increasing social divisions and the politicization of crime at the national level. This influenced and coincided with a debate on sentencing practice, which led to a dramatic shift away from the indeterminate sentencing model that had prevailed for much of the 20th century. As a result sentencing practice today is characterized by severe constraints on judges and parole officials in many jurisdictions and decreased emphasis on examining the unique circumstances of offender and offense. These changes in sentencing and the impact of the `war on drugs' have been the most substantial features contributing to the rise in the use of incarceration since 1980. Any movement for reduced incarceration will need to develop a clear analysis of the role of politics, race, media and coalition building in order to succeed.