In recent years the prison and correctional system in the U.S. has come under close scrutiny. Mounting problems with violence, disease, and overcrowding have forced a reexamination of this country's entire prison and correctional program. Among the most important questions asked by this examination of the prison system is the underlying theory and purpose of the institutions. Under scrutiny, the question was raised as to whether or not the prisons of this country were doing the job that they were initially assigned to do. In reply to these questions, correctional institution officials were unified in their assertion that the lack of money, personnel, and space were among the most notable obstacles that stood in their way. This paper will deal with the increasing failure of the modern correctional system. It will examine the theory and purpose behind these facilities as well as changes and reforms that are presently underway. In addition to this, the problems facing reform programs will also be reviewed. In conclusion, this paper will summarize the existing situation and review possibilities for the future.
In a society that prides itself on origins based in liberty, it is ironic that an increasingly large social problem facing Americans today is that of prison overcrowding. There are well over half a million adults in the prisons and jails of the U.S. With over a million adults on probation and six million short time jail admissions per year, it is easy to see that the numbers of the problem are staggering (Sherman & Hawkins, 1981, p. 1). Even though this number does not include the juvenile statistics, it still reflects a significant problem. To attempt to rectify this problem, several officials have reexamined the initial theory that all offenders should go to prison. originally designed to be a substitute to physical punishment or execution, the idea of locking up offenders has gotten out of control. Most sociologist...