Through litigation and campaigning, criminal justice reformers are attempting to reduce the number of people in jail. The nation can rectify wrongs before they get worse by fighting for nationwide reform at various levels of government. To ensure that this principle is honored, inmates' human rights are preserved, and their chances for social reintegration are improved, prison reform is required.
Over 250,000 youth are tried, sentenced, or incarcerated as adults every year across the United States.10,000 youth are detained or incarcerated in adult jails and prisons. Studies show that youth held in adult facilities are 36 times more likely to commit suicide and are at the greatest risk of sexual victimization. Youth of color are over-represented in the ranks of juveniles being referred to adult court.
Wrongful convictions data reveal that the percentage of wrongful convictions is anywhere between 2% and 10%, according to the National Registry of Exonerations' annual report for 2019. That translates to 46,000 to 230,000 people imprisoned for crimes they did not commit. Since 1989, over 2400 people have been exonerated in the United States. In 40 cases (31%), the witness' identification was incorrect. Furthermore, 81 people made false confessions, bringing the total number of false confessions to 62 percent, with 17 percent of them including informants.
Despite making up close to 5% of the global population, the U.S. has more than 20% of the world’s prison population. Since 1970, our incarcerated population has increased by 500% – 2 million people in jail and prison today, outpacing population growth and crime.
Incarceration is a permanent punishment for many Americans. Even after they’re released from prison, parole conditions require formerly incarcerated people to pay restitution, supervision fees, and other costs. Loss of employment and housing, threatened immigration status, and disqualification from welfare benefits, student loans, and certain licenses often condemn formerly incarcerated people and their families to lifelong poverty.
Overcrowding, violence, sexual abuse, and other conditions pose grave risks to prisoner health and safety. Mistreatment of prisoners based on race, sex, gender identity, or disability remains extremely common in prison.
An estimated 250,000 youth are tried, sentenced, or incarcerated as adults every year across the United States. Most of the youth prosecuted in adult court are charged with non-violent offenses.