In general, what is the criminal justice system's current approach to sentencing?
Do you believe our current approach to sentencing and corrections is successful? Why or why not? (Be sure to find outside research to support your position!)
Do you believe we need a new paradigm for sentencing and corrections? Why or why not?
What specific alternative(s) exist relative to our current approach to sentencing and corrections?
First, recidivism rates remain stubbornly high. The Bureau of Justice Statistics found that within three years of release, approximately two-thirds of state prisoners are rearrested. This suggests that the current system is failing to rehabilitate individuals and prepare them for successful reintegration into society. Second, the punitive model has created immense social and economic costs. Mass incarceration disproportionately affects minority communities, leading to the breakdown of families and communities. The financial burden on taxpayers is also significant, with states spending billions of dollars on corrections. ⛓️
Outside research supports this position. A 2018 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine concluded that incarceration has limited effects on crime reduction and often harms communities. Furthermore, a 2019 study published in the journal Criminology & Public Policy found that states with higher incarceration rates did not see corresponding drops in crime rates, challenging the core assumption that mass imprisonment deters crime.
I believe we absolutely need a new paradigm for sentencing and corrections. The current model is unsustainable and ineffective. It is a reactive system that focuses on punishment after a crime has been committed, rather than a proactive one that addresses the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of education, and mental health issues. A new approach would shift the focus from punishment to rehabilitation, restoration, and prevention.
This new paradigm would view crime not just as an individual failing but as a societal problem. It would seek to reduce incarceration rates for non-violent offenses, invest in community-based alternatives, and prioritize treatment and education over imprisonment. The goal would be to help individuals become productive members of society, which ultimately benefits everyone.
Several specific alternatives exist to our current approach, moving away from punitive sentencing and toward a more restorative model:
Restorative Justice: This approach focuses on repairing the harm caused by a crime. It involves bringing victims, offenders, and community members together to find a path toward resolution. Instead of just punishing the offender, it seeks to hold them accountable by requiring them to make amends to the victim and the community. This can be done through victim-offender mediation or community service
The criminal justice system's current approach to sentencing in the United States is primarily a mix of four philosophies: retribution, deterrence, incapacitation, and rehabilitation. However, it is heavily weighted toward retribution and incapacitation, often focusing on punishment and removing offenders from society. This is evident in policies like mandatory minimums and three-strikes laws, which have contributed to mass incarceration.
Our current approach to sentencing and corrections is not successful in achieving its stated goals of reducing crime and rehabilitating offenders. The U.S. has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world, yet studies show that this does not correlate with lower crime rates. Instead, the focus on lengthy prison sentences has led to several negative outcomes.