Sentencing Reform Can Reduce Prison Overcrowding (From America's Prisons: Opposing Viewpoints, P 145-149, 1991, Stacey L. Tipp, ed. - See NCJ-159858)

• NCJ Number: 159877
• Author(s): A J Bronstein
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: Greenhaven Press
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article argues that traditional approaches to prison overcrowding, most notably construction of new facilities, have failed to resolve the problem.

Abstract

Correctional officials have also developed large programs of alternatives to incarceration, or have opted to do nothing, to resolve their prison overcrowding crises. The two factors most responsible for overcrowded prison conditions are changed sentencing practices which focus on longer sentences and mandatory sentences, and current antidrug policies. The author contends that prison overcrowding should be relieved by eliminating most mandatory sentences and repeat offender enhanced sentences, shortening sentence length, and adopting a new approach to drug policy.