Why the Traditional Prison System Fails Us All

Red
Mar 25, 2024
7 min read

Updated: Oct 1, 2024

The prison system once considered a harsh and unfair means of punishment that perpetuates cycles of violence and oppression, now appears to have become normalized in modern society. However, it stands as a stark reminder of the failures of justice and humanity. In this article, we will examine the contradictions of the traditional prison system, which creates more crime than it prevents. By exploring the systemic inequalities and injustices that fuel criminal behavior, we hope to expose the flaws of the prison system and advocate for a completely new approach.

The Flaws of Traditional Incarceration

The traditional prison system in countries like the US and many in the EU is mired in inhumanity and inefficacy. Conditions within these institutions are often deplorable, fostering environments of violence and despair. Rather than addressing the root causes of criminal behavior, prisons serve as warehouses for people who have been deemed to be societal outcasts.

The current prison system is primarily focused on punishment rather than rehabilitation, which is a disturbing form of state-sponsored vengeance. The lack of emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration into society creates a vicious cycle that perpetuates crime and the need for more prisons. As a result, measures for offenders do not decrease the likelihood of them re-offending, it does quite the opposite.

Contrary to popular belief, incarceration has a contradictory impact. The Vera Institute of Justice reports that in the US increased incarceration rates have not shown any clear impact on violent crime and, in some instances, may even contribute to an increase in crime. The heightened use of jails and prisons has accounted for almost zero percent of the overall crime reduction since 2000 [1]. Similarly, the National Research Council has found no conclusive evidence that a greater reliance on imprisonment significantly reduces crime as is the alleged intent.

In addition to its effects on crime rates, incarceration also deeply affects inmates' mental health, which can hinder their successful reintegration into society and contribute to recidivism. Research indicates that prison sentences can have a critical impact on inmates' mental well-being, often leading to post-incarceration syndrome, which resembles post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even after serving their sentence, many individuals continue to suffer from the mental effects of incarceration. According to the American Psychological Association, a significant percentage of incarcerated individuals report mental health concerns, with 64% in jail, 54% in state prison, and 45% in federal prison expressing such issues [2].

After examining the outcomes of the conventional prison system, it appears that the system may be doing more harm than good. The evidence we have just reviewed indicates that this is indeed the case. If individuals who are released from prison are more vulnerable and prone to reoffending, then the system has failed to accomplish its intended goal. We can draw only one conclusion: the traditional prison system is outdated and must be replaced with a new one.

Rehabilitation is key

Society often has a negative perception of criminals, viewing them as brutal and inhumane individuals who do not belong in society. This attitude is reflected in the media, where criminals are often portrayed as irredeemable monsters who deserve severe punishment. However, it is important to understand that criminals are also human beings and should be treated with dignity and respect.

It is essential to recognize that even those who have committed the most heinous crimes require psychological help, rather than punishment. Instead of treating them as mere human trash, we should offer them help and support to reform themselves. Punishment does not solve anything; it only satisfies a barbaric vengeful hunger we may have. It does not address the root cause of their actions, nor does it help them become better individuals.

Unlike what most people may think, individuals do not necessarily become criminals by choice. Factors such as poverty, lack of education, or mental illness contribute to their involvement in criminal activities. These underlying causes are the side effects of the capitalist system [3]. Hence, it's essential to address the root issues and provide the necessary support to help individuals overcome their problems, which cannot be done through punishment.

To prevent repeat offenses by individuals who have committed crimes, we need to make significant changes to how we deal with criminality. This involves abolishing the traditional prison system completely and creating a new system with the primary goal of rehabilitating and reintegrating offenders back into society. The key to breaking these cycles lies in a radical reimagining of our approach to criminal justice. Instead of perpetuating punitive measures, we must prioritize rehabilitation and social reintegration.

Countries that have adopted a rehabilitation-focused approach, particularly those with Social Democratic systems, have witnessed encouraging outcomes. By granting access to counseling, education, and vocational training programs, these systems empower individuals to tackle the underlying causes of their behavior and lead fulfilling lives upon reintegration into society.

Tackling Root Causes

Let's not forget that getting rid of the prison system is only one part of a larger effort aimed at addressing the problem of criminality. Although it can undoubtedly lead to a significant drop in crime rates by ensuring that offenders are rehabilitated and reintegrated into society, we must also focus on dealing with the root causes of criminal behavior.

There is still an underlying issue that needs to be addressed to reduce the number of people who require rehabilitation. Our ultimate goal is not only to have an efficient rehabilitation system but also to establish a society in which such a system is almost unnecessary. To achieve this, we must confront the root causes.

One of the most significant underlying causes of criminal behavior is the systemic inequalities and injustices that result in poverty, lack of education, and other social issues. These factors can push people toward criminal behavior, and we must address them to reduce the number of people who turn to crime. We can only achieve this by abolishing capitalism, which perpetuates these social issues. It wouldn't be a Politdigm Blog article if we didn't call for the abolition of capitalism.

In a Post-Capitalist Socialist system, we can ensure that everyone has equal access to essential resources and opportunities, including education and mental health care. This will help prevent individuals from turning to criminal behavior in the first place. Additionally, addiction treatment and mental health care can address the root causes of criminal behavior, which will further reduce the number of people involved in criminal activities.

While it is true that some people may still choose to engage in criminal behavior, even in a Post-Capitalist Socialist system, we must strive to create a society where criminal behavior is minimized, and everyone has the support they need to lead fulfilling lives. By doing so, we can create a society where everyone has equal opportunities, and no one is trapped in a cycle of crime and punishment.

Capitalist Interests

The prison system is an integral part of capitalism, and like other sub-systems of capitalism, it is designed to extract wealth. Unfortunately, there are groups of people who want to keep the prison system as it is, as it is a source of wealth for them. This issue is more prevalent in the United States, where prison labor is rampant [4].

The prison system primarily incarcerates poor people, and this imprisonment keeps people and communities impoverished. The criminal justice system extracts wealth from the least fortunate and keeps them under its control. This economic model is a form of governance that uses police violence and debt to oppress marginalized communities.

It is essential to note that the 13th Amendment of the United States Constitution abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, but it carried an exception for "a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted." This exception allows penal labor or work performed by prisoners, often for little to no pay.

The use of prison labor is not just a moral issue; it is also a socio-economic one. Capitalists have a vested interest in maintaining a high incarceration rate as the prison system generates profits for private corporations. These corporations frequently exploit prisoners for their labor. Furthermore, imprisonment keeps people in poverty, which ultimately benefits the capitalist class.

The prison system is used to maintain power and oppress marginalized communities. The relationship between capitalism and incarceration is complex and an obstacle that we must overcome if we want to abolish the prison system and create a new system that prioritizes rehabilitation.

Conclusion

The prison system in its current form is an obsolete and brutal institution that has always been savage and appalling, and yet, we tend to disregard this fact. Although we acknowledge how barbarous medieval prisons were, we seem to be indifferent to the present. The current system is nothing but a cosmetic modification of the old one, a superficial facelift given to another disastrous human invention.

Furthermore, the prison system is callous and inhumane and is often exploited by capitalist interests to maintain their position as the ruling class. As always, this exploitation comes at the expense of marginalized communities and ultimately, society as a whole.

All humans possess inherent dignity and worth, regardless of their background or actions. We must recognize and respect everyone's fundamental human rights, including the right to fair and impartial treatment. Regrettably, the current prison system fails to uphold these values, reducing individuals to mere objects or trophies of a solved criminal case.

This dehumanizing approach perpetuates a cycle of violence and trauma and undermines our collective humanity. As a society, we must strive to adopt a more compassionate and restorative justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation and healing over punishment and revenge. By doing so, we can create a safer and more equitable world for all.

Explore more with us! Join our Newsletter, support us on Patreon, listen to our Podcast, and discover our other captivating content. Together, let's shape a better future. #Politdigm