Why the Prison Population has Grown Larger and Younger

In: The Howard Journal of Criminal Justice, Band 19, Heft 1-3, S. 142-155

Abstract

It is almost universally agreed that the prison population in this country has grown too large, continues to grow and ought to be reduced. This article attempts an analysis of the manner in which this growth has taken place over the last 25 years. It is argued that many explanations have placed too much emphasis on sentencing policies and particularly the impact of long sentences. Consequently, too much of the hope for an improvement currently rests on reformed sentencing policies and shorter sentences. There is evidence that the courts, rather than tending to hand down proportionately more long sentences, have in fact behaved in a remarkably consistent way over time.