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This paper must be typed double-spaced, using Times New Roman 12 pitch. Use one-inch margins. No extra space between paragraphs. • This paper must include page numbers (bottom, center of the page). • This paper must be evidence-based. Use your course readings to substantiate the arguments you make. A failure to cite the course readings will result in a failing grade. Papers that cite the readings extensively, including suggested readings, will receive a higher grade. • All quoted materials must be placed in quotes and cited. Do not paraphrase the text. Do not string together one lengthy quotation after another. Use your own words to answer the question. • Include a reference list typed in APA style. Single-space the references; double-space between the references. Title your reference section: References. Do not call it Works Cited or some similar title. Also, use APA style for all works cited in the text. See Section V of the syllabus for more information. Required Readings: Cullen, F. T. and C. L. Jonson. 2012. Cullen, F. T. and C. L. Jonson. 2012. Correctional Theory: Context and Consequences. Read Chapter 5, “Incapacitation: Locking Up the Wicked.” DiIulio, J. J., Jr. and A. M. Piehl. 1991. (link) DiIulio, J. J., Jr. and A. M. Piehl. 1991. \"Does Prison Pay?\" The Brookings Review 9 (Fall):28-35. Spelman, W. 2000. (link) Spelman, W. 2000. “What Recent Studies Do (and Don’t) Tell Us About Imprisonment and Crime.” Pp. 419-494 in M. Tonry (ed.), Crime and Justice: A Review of Research, Vol. 27. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. This is the Question I must answer: Review the research on the incapacitation effects of prison. Do prisons incapacitate? Compared to what? I will attach the reading
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There has been controversy surrounding the incapacitation effect of prisons, although the rise in number of prisoners in America has slowed down of late. Incarceration should be accompanied with other policies, and target the most serious offenders for it to work. Proponents of incapacitation state that the process has the effect of slowing down crime rates. However, Spelman (2000) states, “Some argue, quite convincingly, that crime reductions had nothing to do with the prison buildup. Crime has fallen because the number of poverty stricken youths has dropped, or because police are more effective.” Both views present some truth and incapacitation can lead either to an increase or reduction in level of crime levels. Nonetheless, relying on evidence facilitates better decision-making rather than being driven by ideology (Cullen & Jonson, 2011) like the case in American politics. There is a need for more policies other than incarceration, according to Lynch (2007) “Further a 75% reduction in crime would take until the year 2036, at which point imprisonment would have increased by more than 600%.” However, prison reforms from within the place are necessary to reduce crime rates, “State officials have to be the driving force for prison reforms,” (Jacobson, 2005).
Incapacitation deters those behind bars from committing crime because they are not capable of doing so in jails. Some may also seek to avoid further punishment upon release from jail, especially for l...