The 'Million Dollar Inmate' The Financial and Social Burden of Nonviolent Offenders

by Ahn-Redding, Heather

• ISBN13: 9780739114964
• ISBN10: 0739114964
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2007-12-17
• Publisher: Lexington Books

Summary

What kinds of beliefs do most Americans hold about crime and violence, and where do these beliefs come from? What kinds of people are sent to prison'¬ ;are the average inmates dangerous criminals, or are they involved in low-level drug-related, property, or public-order offenses? Who is ultimately paying for their time in prison? The "Million Dollar Inmate" highlights the financial and social costs of America's incarceration of non-violent offenders. With its focus on the specific population of non-violent offenders, this book provides a unique, sociological approach to the problem of handling such a large population at such tremendous costs'¬ ;paid, for the most part, by taxpayers. Basing her insight on extensive research into the origins of America's correctional systems, the visible and non-visible costs incurred by the practice of incarcerating non-violent offenders, and the goals of the prison system, Heather Ahn-Redding dares to expose flaws in current correctional practices and suggest ways they can be not only changed but also re-envisioned. Ideally suited to researchers, advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, and policymakers.

Author Biography

Heather Ahn-Redding is assistant professor at High Point University.

Table of Contents

List of Tables	p. vii
Preface	p. ix
Introduction and Early Sentencing
An Introduction to the "Million Dollar Inmate"	p. 3
Punishment in the Twentieth Century: Run-On Sentences	p. 17
Sentencing and Prisons Today
Sentencing Today: A Sentence Is a Sentence-Period!	p. 27
Prison Conditions	p. 49
Financial and Social Costs of Incarceration
The Financial Costs of Incarceration	p. 69
Expensive Prisoners	p. 93
The Social Costs of Incarceration: The Hidden Yet Expensive Side of Prison	p. 113
Goals of Incarceration
Retribution: Can We Have Our "Just Desert" and Eat It Too?	p. 133
Incapacitation: If We Lock Them Up, Maybe They'll Just Go Away!	p. 141
Some Specifics on Deterrence, in General	p. 151
Prison Rehabilitation and Treatment: Where Is the Correction in Our Correctional Facilities?	p. 161
Conclusion
The Benefits of Incarceration-Real and Perceived	p. 171
Policy Recommendations	p. 181
References	p. 201
Index	p. 233
About the Author	p. 241
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