High prison population in the US
The first factor that has contributed to the rise in the high prison population in the US is the policy choices adopted by decision-makers that have significantly heightened the utilization of imprisonment in responding to crimes (Travis et al., 2014). Consequently, this has resulted in a punitive political ambiance regarding criminal justice policy for longer sentencing, required imprisonment for minor offenses, and escalated punishments for drug-related crimes. This has led to compulsory prison sentencing, escalated execution of drug-related legislation, and longer prison time has led to an overall high prison population as well as extraordinary higher percentages of imprisonment amongst people of color. Similarly, as Flores (2018) established, controversial police practices, racism, and recidivism have resulted in a higher prison population in the US (Flores, 2018). Therefore, the factors that have contributed to the high prison population in the US include punitive criminal systems, racism, and recidivism due to socio-economic inequality.
Rawls’ Ethical Approach
From the lens of Rawls’ ethical approach, since the socio-economic system does not ensure a fair distribution of wealth, income, powers, opportunities, and dignity for all, which is a contributing factor for high prison rates, then the high US prison population is unethical. The high prison population is associated with racism and poverty and the correlated effects of social inequality, and therefore its impacts have been negative in the society. Besides, the punitive punishments adopted in the criminal justice system are not comparable to the harm that the offenders have caused the community and victims, especially when they are people of color (Travis et al., 2014). Therefore, since the high prison population perpetrate socio-economic inequalities that leave the worst-off members of the society negatively affected, then it is unethical.
References
Flores, N. E. (2018). Contributing Factors to Mass Incarceration and Recidivism. Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science, 6(4), 16.
Travis, J., Western, B., & Redburn, F. (2014). The Growth of Incarceration in the United States: Exploring Causes and Consequences. The National Academies Press. https://academicworks.cuny.edu/jj_pubs/27