Prisoners of Politics: Breaking the Cycle of Mass Incarceration

Prisoners of Politics is a groundbreaking work that argues for an overdue shift in criminal justice policy to rely more on expertise and evidence and less on the whims of the electorate. It shows how problematic it is to base criminal justice policy on the electorate and suggests ways to insulate the process from political winds.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 304 pages
\n Publication date: 29 January 2021
\n Publisher: Harvard University Press
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The United States incarcerates more people than any other country in the world, leading to devastating social consequences. Criminal justice reformer Rachel Barkow argues that relying on expertise and evidence rather than being "tough on crime" would lead to safer communities and fewer prisoners. In her groundbreaking work, Prisoners of Politics, Barkow challenges the current criminal justice policy, which is based on the whims of the electorate, and advocates for a shift that could solve America's prison problem and create a more equitable society.

The book explores the political dynamics that have made the United States one of the most punitive societies in history and proposes solutions to achieve true institutional reform. Barkow argues that it is not enough to slash police budgets; we also need to find ways to insulate the process from political winds. She suggests that policymakers should focus on evidence-based policies, such as drug decriminalization and rehabilitation programs, that have been shown to reduce crime and improve public safety.

Prisoners of Politics is a critically important exploration of the complex issues surrounding criminal justice reform. It is a must-read for policymakers, activists, and anyone interested in creating a more just and equitable society.

\n Weight: 306g\n
Dimension: 209 x 140 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780674248328\n \n