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?

Answer preview

Since medieval times, it has always been custom that the policies and laws that a country enacts are geared to reflect the popular will of the people, Congress of the United States passes laws through the mandate given to them by the voters who elect them. It is, therefore, true that laws and policies are a reflection of the will of the electorate. The focus in the 1990s was on making sentences for drug and violent offenses harsher and making sure that such sentences are imposed by reducing judicial discretion. This was done by imposing mandatory minimum sentences, three strikes, truth-in-sentencing and life sentences without the possibility of parole. In compulsory minimum sentences…