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Essay / Mass Incarceration in the United States criminal justice reformConclusionReferencesDespite its goal of maintaining public safety, mass incarceration has become an urgent concern in the United States due to its disproportionate impact on marginalized communities and its failure to effectively address root causes of crime. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayHistorical Background on Mass IncarcerationMass incarceration policies first emerged in the United States in the 1970s as part of the "tough on crime" movement, which was driven by the desire to reduce crime rates and restore public safety. Politicians have increasingly advocated tougher sentencing laws and expansion of the prison system as means of achieving these goals. However, research has shown that the implementation of these policies is also influenced by political motivations, including the desire to appeal to certain demographic groups of voters and to appear tough on crime. As a result, the use of mass incarceration has grown significantly over time, with the United States now having the highest incarceration rate in the world. The war on drugs, which began in the 1980s, also played a significant role in fueling mass incarceration. The campaign characterized drug use as a threat to national security and prioritized aggressive law enforcement tactics, including mandatory minimum sentences and targeting minor drug offenders. Disproportionate Impact on Marginalized Communities One of the most troubling aspects of mass incarceration is its disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. marginalized communities, particularly Black and Hispanic individuals. Although they represent a relatively small percentage of the overall population, these groups are vastly overrepresented in the prison system. According to recent data from the Sentencing Project, Black Americans make up 12% of the U.S. population but 33% of the prison population, while Hispanics make up 18% of the population but 23% of the prison population. This disparity exists even when accounting for factors like crime rates and socioeconomic status. Experts have identified several factors that contribute to this overrepresentation, including that minorities are more likely to experience poverty, have limited access to education and employment opportunities, and suffer discrimination in the justice system. criminal. For example, research has shown that black individuals are more likely to be arrested, charged, and convicted than their white counterparts, even when charged with similar offenses. This systemic bias perpetuates the cycle of mass incarceration for marginalized communities. Ineffectiveness of Mass Incarceration in Combating Crime Despite its widespread use, there is little evidence to suggest that mass incarceration has been effective in reducing crime rates or in addressing underlying social problems. In fact, research suggests that incarcerating individuals can actually exacerbate these problems. For example, punitive policies such as, (268), 8-13.
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