Full Description
What kinds of beliefs do most Americans hold about crime and violence, and where do these beliefs come from? What kinds of people are sent to prison—are the average inmates dangerous criminals, or are they involved in low-level drug-related, property, or public-order offenses? Who is ultimately paying for their time in prison? The "Million Dollar Inmate" highlights the financial and social costs of America's incarceration of non-violent offenders. With its focus on the specific population of non-violent offenders, this book provides a unique, sociological approach to the problem of handling such a large population at such tremendous costs—paid, for the most part, by taxpayers. Basing her insight on extensive research into the origins of America's correctional systems, the visible and non-visible costs incurred by the practice of incarcerating nonviolent offenders, and the goals of the prison system, Heather Ahn-Redding dares to expose flaws in current correctional practices and suggest ways they can be not only changed but also re-envisioned. Ideally suited to researchers, advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, and policymakers.
Contents
Chapter 1 Preface
Part 2 Part I. Introduction and Early Sentencing
Chapter 3 Chapter 1. An Introduction to the "Million Dollar" Inmate
Chapter 4 Chapter 2. Punishment in the 20th Century: Run-On Sentences
Part 5 Part II. Sentencing and Prisons Today
Chapter 6 Chapter 3. Sentencing Today: A Sentence is a Sentence - Period!
Chapter 7 Chapter 4. Prison Conditions
Part 8 Part III. Financial and Social Costs of Incarceration
Chapter 9 Chapter 5. The Financial Costs of Incarceration: An Overview
Chapter 10 Chapter 6. Expensive Prisoners
Chapter 11 Chapter 7. The Social Costs of Incarceration: The Hidden Yet Expensive Side of Prison
Part 12 Part IV. Goals of Incarceration
Chapter 13 Chapter 8. Retribution: Can We Have Our "Just Desert" and Eat It Too?
Chapter 14 Chapter 9. Incapacitation: If We Lock Them Up, Maybe They'll Just Go Away!
Chapter 15 Chapter 10. Some Specifics on Deterrence, in General
Chapter 16 Chapter 11. Rehabilitation and Treatment: Where is the Correction in our Correctional Institutions?
Part 17 Part V. Conclusion
Chapter 18 Chapter 12. The Benefits of Incarceration - Real and Perceived
Chapter 19 Chapter 13. Policy Recommendations
