Proposals to the federal sentencing guidelines

Proposals to the federal sentencing guidelines

Introduction

Over the years, the incarceration rates in the United States have tremendously increased to about 2.2 million; hence becoming the leading country in the world with incarceration rates. This has led to overspending by the federal government due to over population in these correction centers. Therefore, there is need for the review of the incarceration guidelines.

What should be included in the incarceration guidelines?

In the review of these guidelines, the federal government should limit mass incarceration by exploring other means of dealing with mass crimes. This is because a lot of the prison facilities are occupied by many petty offenders hence leading to unnecessary congestion.

Moreover, the prisons’ correction policies should be reviewed so that the intended correction is given to the inmates. The inmates should be fully prepared on how to interact with the outside world thus limiting the tendency of the repeat in time. Also, the rules governing parole should be softened so that good performing inmates can be set free (Elsner, 2006). Inclusion of these guidelines would play an important role in decongesting the prisons.

Sentencing programs offered

The federal law should allow for few sentencing programs for the less serious cases. This is because many Americans have a role of building their economy hence jailing them reduces the required work force. In addition, it is expensive for the federal government to manage a large number of prisoners with the tax payer’s money.

Specialization of the sentences

The prison sentences should be more specialized. This is because generalization of some crimes in unfair to those who committed a petty form of the offence. Therefore, imprisonment laws should be reviewed to include other specialized crimes.

Other incarceration alternatives

The federal government should seek other incarceration alternatives to individuals with petty offences. This includes the use of house arrests, travel bans and therapy sessions for certain individuals. This would play an important role in decongested the prisons.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the federal guidelines on incarceration should be critically reviewed so as to reduce congestion in the prisons. The government should also consider reducing the sentencing programs and also provide for specialization of sentences for certain crimes. This would play an important role in ensuring that the American society is free from crime.

References

Early, P (1995) the hot house: life inside Leavenworth prison. New York: Bantam publishers. Print

Elsner, A (2006) Gates of justice: the crisis in American prisons. New York: PH professional business publishers. Print