The differences in the modern correctional systems worldwide are more noticeable in America.
The United States has the largest prison system in the world, with a population that strains the system to capacity. This leads to overcrowding and various challenges for prisoners. Among those within this system are individuals who have committed offenses of varying degrees, ranging from minor misdemeanors to serious crimes like murder. Due to its substantial prisoner population, America annually allocates billions of dollars towards its prison system. Nevertheless, despite having the highest number of individuals under punishment, the country still maintains the highest crime rates when compared to other developed nations (Aronowitz, pg.).
129). The subjects of prison and crime are so diverse and influenced by various sociological, psychological, and societal factors that determining the most influential factors is challenging. This paper aims to investigate Am
...erica's correctional system, its advantages and disadvantages, and compare it to other developed countries' systems. The American Correctional System has experienced numerous transformations throughout history. In the colonial era, corporal punishment served as the primary mode of punishment, with execution being reserved for severe crimes.
During the early 1800s, parole and probation became alternative methods for managing offenders. In the United States, crimes are classified into two categories: felonies and misdemeanors. As stated by Aronowitz (pg. 32), felonies include serious offenses that result in stricter punishments like fines and longer periods of imprisonment in federal facilities.
Misdemeanors, which are minor offenses punishable by fines or up to one year in jail, present a challenge for the American correctional systems. These systems have evolved to view punishment as the only solution for crime problems, resulting in strict policies enforced by la
enforcement and the government. However, these practices contribute to various issues including high rates of repeat offenders, overcrowded prisons, failure to reduce crime, and significant budgetary costs.
Ironically, what was once intended as a rehabilitation center now primarily functions as a storage facility for society's outcasts. The American correctional system is considered unsuccessful in achieving its goal of rehabilitating criminals because they tend to become more violent and socially maladjusted upon release from prison.
The failure is attributed to the environment in which prisoners are housed, as it fosters more criminal activity through the exchange of illegal ideas. The United States grapples with an overcrowded inmate population and spends billions annually to address their needs. In contrast, other developed nations face prison closures due to a scarcity of criminals. When comparing America's correctional system to those of other developed countries (Stohr, Mary, Anthony, and Craig pg. 54), we will examine China's correctional systems, specifically Hong Kong, and Canada's. There are both similarities and differences in terms of the types of crimes and the nature of these two countries' correctional systems. Both nations encounter similar challenges within their respective correctional systems.
Both the United States and Canada are currently dealing with pressing issues such as racial disparities, overcrowding, and riots. While sentencing in both countries is determined by the seriousness of the crime committed, their correctional objectives differ. In the United States, there is a focus on rehabilitating prisoners through training and development programs. This approach is driven by factors like economic crisis, costs, and overcrowding. The main goals of the correctional system in the United States are reformation and reintegration. On the other hand, Canada gives more importance
to institutional service programs that aid offenders after their release from prison. While punishment through incarceration is emphasized in the United States, Canada prioritizes providing alternative measures to confinement.
The Americas have the highest incarceration rate in the world due to varying prison systems in China and America. In China, prisons are government-operated, while in America, there is a trend towards privatization with for-profit institutions managing American prisons. According to Davis et al. (year), approximately eight percent of American prisoners are held in private prisons. Additionally, Chinese prisons mainly accommodate Chinese individuals while American prisons have a more diverse population consisting of Latinos, Caucasians, Asians, African Americans, and whites.
Prison conditions and freedoms for prisoners vary greatly between China and America. In the United States, prisoners enjoy more privileges when it comes to visitation and phone calls. On the other hand, Chinese prisoners can only receive visits from their loved ones but do not have access to making phone calls.
Both countries' correctional systems face the issue of overcrowding, leading to negative consequences like increased violence and health issues. The American correctional system, established by the federal government, has both pros and cons for prisoners and the state. However, it also leads to the separation of families.
Regularly maintaining communication is essential for preserving strong family connections. If the incarcerated individual serves as the primary breadwinner, the family would have to depend on other resources (DeLisi, Matt, and Peter pg. 312). The sudden absence of a family member necessitates adjustment and education for the remaining members, which can be a protracted journey.
The country's economy is negatively affected by the increase in the dependency ratio. As previously stated, America's
correctional system places a burden on taxpayers. Nevertheless, this system also has its advantages. One benefit is its ability to isolate criminals from society, thereby safeguarding law-abiding citizens and promoting community unity. Furthermore, it serves as a deterrent for prospective offenders by deterring young individuals from engaging in criminal acts out of fear of being incarcerated.
Future criminals are compelled to select an alternate way of behaving if they possess a comprehensive comprehension of the outcomes. Due to the system focusing on rehabilitation, those who have acquired diverse skills upon release will strive to adhere to the law in order to prevent re-incarceration.
