Throughout the course, you have been considering how the general community and the “will of the people” influence the criminal justice policy. You applied this concept to law enforcement and now will turn to corrections. As you have seen, elected officials are the primary connection between the populace and the government. By enacting laws, politicians translate the wishes of the voters into policy. For this discussion:
Describe the laws passed in the 1990s that relate to corrections and sentencing. What are the three changes that had the effect of keeping offenders incarcerated for longer periods of time, and for more crimes?
Analyze at least five effects these “get tough” policies have had. Are these negative effects are an acceptable price to pay for lower crime rates?
Can these “get tough” policies work alongside rehabilitation efforts? Why or why not?