Incarceration in the United States: The Extent and Future of the Problem
- 1 March 1985
- journal article
- Published by SAGE Publications in The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science
- Vol. 478 (1) , 15-30
- https://doi.org/10.1177/0002716285478001003
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to summarize and interpret the most current data on imprisonment in the United States. These data will be examined in light of other criminal justice and national trends affecting prison population growth. Of special importance will be analysis of historical and projected trends in the use of American prisons. This will include an examination of the methods used to forecast future incarceration rates in light of changing criminal justice policies and other factors believed to influence prison population growth. The authors conclude that despite a projected national trend of a leveling off of prison admissions, prison populations will continue to rise, reflecting the effects of sentencing reforms aimed at increasing prison terms.Keywords
This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit:
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- Modeling Crime Trends: a Criminal Opportunity PerspectiveJournal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 1981
- A Theory of the Stability of PunishmentThe Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology (1973-), 1973