The number of Americans in prison or jail has increased dramatically in the past three decades. A number of different factors have been given as reasons for this long-term trend, which has only recently begun to level off. The “War on Drugs,” stricter penalties and sentences for various non-violent offenses, and mandatory sentencing rules such as “Three Strikes” laws have all played a part in this trend.
Consider the first three steps of the Criminal Justice Decision Making Model, and think about the questions associated with each as you prepare to write your paper:
Step One: Define the problem (and the questions that need to be answered). Read the information on “Inmate Population Trends.” What are the recent inmate population trends, and what do you think they mean for our society and our country?
Step Two: Gather evidence (law, policy, procedure, data) and evaluate for relevancy. What stories can you find online and in the media on prison populations, population trends, and sentencing guidelines and outcomes?
Step Three: Weigh moral considerations and direct/indirect consequences. Did you learn anything new about the prison population in this country or about the laws that are increasing that population still today?
Following Steps Four and Five of the Criminal Justice Decision Making Model, write a three-page essay in which you discuss the recent trends in the prison population in the United States, and what these trends mean for our prison system and for our society. As you write your essay, focus on quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing information correctly. When including content already published by professional writers or experts, be sure to avoid plagiarism. Make sure to cite your sources properly and in APA format to support your points.
Step Four: Write your proposal, using the above material.
Step Five: Balance your position by addressing alternatives and potential pitfalls.
Your paper should be a minimum of three pages, standard format, double spaced. This is a 30 point assignment: your assessment should be thorough, your analysis should be thoughtful and detailed, your conclusions and proposals should be well formulated and evidence-based; and your report should be well-articulated and college quality, including spelling and grammar and structure.
In addition, please review two other student’s posts and provide some thoughtful/meaningful commentary.
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