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Overcrowding and Its Effects on the Criminal Justice System

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Overcrowding and its effects on the criminal justice system

Overcrowding and its effects on the criminal justice system
Prison overcrowding is a growing issue in the criminal justice system. It puts a strain on prison resources, effects rehabilitative programs, This paper will cover the effects of overcrowding on the justice system. It will cover the different causes of overcrowding, and possible solutions. This paper will also cover some changes that were directed at improving overcrowding directly or indirectly. Lastly this paper will include the authors ideas for more changes to improve overcrowding. Prison overcrowding is caused by a variety of reasons. An examples of a contributing factor is a rise in crime rates. Some of the factors that influence crime rates are economy, demographics, and education. It is easy to fathom that in a less then affluent area where education may not have been the priority could play a part in the rise of crime. Other influence on the fluctuation of crime rates are demographics, economic and social conditions, prisons that run at or over capacity, resources and expenses, changing laws and new advancements to law enforcement strategies. All of these reasons help create a combination of obstacles for an efficient, effective justice system.
Overcrowding in prison is also a key factor in ineffectual operations and poor prison conditions. According to Attorney General Eric Holder, "the U.S. prison population has grown by almost 800% since 1980, and federal prisons are operating at nearly 40% above capacity"(Merica & Perez, 2013, para. 11). Overcrowding not only affects the prison system's ability to meet basic human needs, like food, healthcare, and accommodations but it also strains and diminishes the success of programs aimed at rehabilitating offenders. Programs such as educational and vocational training,

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