Argumentative Essay: The Prison System In America

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Prisons in America Currently in America, prisoners are living the life. It may sound crazy but it is true. The prisoners enjoy sports equipment, watching TV, and eating a decent meal. The prison system in America needs a reform. Do criminals deserve such a lavish life while 4 million wander the streets in search of warmth? Prisons aren't working because there are too many laws which lead to too many prisoners, prisons are not effective in recuperating the criminals, and are tremendously overpriced. This topic is often neglected. Many taxpayers don't realize how much these prisons cost for people, but they certainly eat away at your budget. Americans can pay twenty dollars a day. Prisons are necessary to stabilize society and separate delinquents…show more content…
The criminals mindset can not be changed at times. 66% are convicted of serious crimes and 52% come back due to violations or other serious crimes. This shows that criminals are not learning right from wrong. That is what most people think of the prisoners who go back, they are still terrible people but this is not totally true. Without family they have no motive to stay out, they have nowhere to go. Many states such as California are giving the prisoners freedom, to those who are least likely to be habitual offenders. California and other states are trying to save money but it won't work in this economy. Most prisoners will not find a job because of their criminal record and it is especially hard during the recession. Also, someone who is young and goes to prison is likely to come back feeling that their life is gone. Within the first 3 years of release 52% of prisoners come back(crimeinamerica.net). The prisoners are not at fault though. If a prisoner who was released misses a parole appointment they are sent back to jail. It is a little obscure to the ones who can't make it. The highest prison rates were mostly of theft and the lowest were of murder and homicide. Also, due to the overcrowding there is a lot of rape within prisons. Prisoners are sent in because they did something wrong and are meant to heal and never come back but that's not the case. With this overcrowding of prisons there is crime within prisons.…show more content…
People can't be walking next to a drug dealer, or a rapist. Prisons were at first put in place just as a holding cell till their trial which decided their punishment. In the 1800's a reform occurred and prisoners received better treatment. Now, they experience too much luxury such as flat-screen t.v's and yoga classes. Prisons are now a place to help fix prisoners lives and to become a better person. Sadly, some people can not be changed. There is another option. Prisons plan on saving money. Florida saved 56.7 million dollars just by putting their prisoners to work. Also, in California women and some men who seem to be innocent are leaving because of the early release program. This program could save millions if it is used correctly. In total, prisons are needed but not at the cost they are costing now. There will be a reform for the better and hopefully families are used to help keep those prisons
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