Argumentative Essay On Mass Incarceration

Mass incarceration is one of the most prevailing issues that the United States faces. What was once an average of 100 people being imprisoned for every 100,000, prior to the 1970’s, has known grown to be more than 600 individuals for every 100,000. With only five percent of the total world population, the United States holds an astonishing 25 percent of the world’s prisoners. Even despite the fact that crime in the Country has declined steeply since the 1990s, the percent of people in prisons has risen to more than 450% than what it was prior to the 1980’s. It is for that reason that I strongly believe that within his first 100 days in office, President Donald Trump should make it his priority to address the problem which is mass incarceration.

The tough on crime mentality has led to the implementation of overly strict policies, including mandatory minimums that result in people spending too long in prison. Additionally, once convicted, no longer eligible for financial assistance, limited voting rights, few job opportunities, and little options, many former convicts land themselves back into prison. Unfortunately, the way in which the United States prison system stands, it is very difficult for individuals who have entered the system to progress, instead making it more likely for them find themselves back into prison. Mandatory minimums for one, shifting the power of the judges to the prosecutors, puts great pressure on the defendants to accept plea bargains to avoid a trial that may untimely land them more time in prison. Even if innocent, many prefer to take plea bargains in hopes of receiving shorter