Incarceration in the United States

US timeline graphs of number of people incarcerated in jails and prisons

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Total juvenile detention chart for the U.S.

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Incarceration in the United States is a primary form of punishment and rehabilitation for the commission of felony and other offenses. The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with a significant portion of the population currently in prison or jail.

History

The history of incarceration in the United States dates back to the colonial period, where various forms of punishment were used, including public shaming, corporal punishment, and capital punishment. The modern prison system began to take shape in the early 19th century with the establishment of the Auburn system and the Pennsylvania system.

Statistics

As of recent data, the United States has an incarceration rate of approximately 655 per 100,000 people. This rate is significantly higher than that of other developed nations. The Federal Bureau of Prisons and state prison systems house the majority of inmates, with a smaller number held in local jails and private prisons.

Demographics

Incarceration rates vary significantly by race and ethnicity. African Americans and Hispanics are disproportionately represented in the prison population. Factors contributing to these disparities include socioeconomic status, systemic racism, and disparities in sentencing.

Causes

Several factors contribute to the high incarceration rate in the United States:

• War on Drugs
• Mandatory minimum sentencing
• Three-strikes laws
• Plea bargaining

Effects

The effects of high incarceration rates are widespread, impacting not only the individuals incarcerated but also their families and communities. Issues include:

• Recidivism
• Economic impact
• Mental health
• Social stigma

Reform

There have been numerous calls for criminal justice reform to address the high incarceration rates. Efforts include:

• Sentencing reform
• Decriminalization of certain offenses
• Rehabilitation programs
• Restorative justice

Related Pages

• Prison–industrial complex
• Mass incarceration
• War on Drugs
• Criminal justice reform
• Recidivism
• Private prison

See Also

• List of U.S. states by incarceration and correctional supervision rate
• Penal system in the United States
• Prison abolition movement
• Prison reform