Problem
The United States incarcerates more people (in terms of raw numbers) than any other country (when county, state, and federal prison systems are included in the equation). Moreover, we also have one of the highest per capita rates of incarceration. Disturbingly, there are also racial disparities in how punishment is applied. Probably most people, regardless of political affiliation, would like to see these numbers lower considerably. But we disagree on how to get there. What policies would help lower our incarceration rates? What has contributed to the problem? And what other problems are created or exacerbated by mass incarceration?