Criminal law unjust, ineffective

For many, the U.S. correctional system is failing. An unacceptable amount of the incarcerated are drug offenders and petty thieves. Instead of focusing on more proactive, intelligent ways of dealing with this systemic problem, we continue to pour money into a system that needs a complete overhaul.

Currently we put young men and women (but mostly men) into jail for possession charges, petty crimes and a multitude of other minor illegalities. While there, they go from being young, dumb lawbreakers to being young criminals. This doesn't always happen. I don't want to speak in absolutes. But more often than not, this is the reality.

The United States has both the highest incarceration rate per capita and the highest rate in straight numbers. In 2007, the U.S. prison system held nearly 2.3 million inmates.

Prisons are needed. Allowing criminals to run free in our country is not a viable alternative. But there has to be some sort of reform. It's necessary for both economic and social justice reasons.

On average, each inmate costs the U.S. $22,000 a year. Nationwide we are spending $60 billion a year. Over the last two decades, prison spending has quadrupled. This is the biggest increase in the federal budget, other than Medicaid. While spending has increased recidivism, (the percentage of inmates who return to prison after being released), has also increased.

So, what are the alternatives? There are many, but the most obvious is to simply focus more on prevention and less on reaction.

Currently, we arrest someone after they break a law. But what if instead of waiting until it was already too late, we became proactive. Providing education and opportunities could dramatically decrease the number of petty crimes. If we give people options, they will take them. This is especially pertinent in inner city ghettos and other low-income areas. For many this is the only thing they have to look forward to. They don't have opportunities; they don't have alternatives.

Yes, it's true that everyone always has a choice. But the old adage you are the company you keep is a powerful reality. If you grow up surrounded by desperation, hate, poverty and hopelessness, it's hard to work your way into the "light".

For myself, I know this to be true. I'm incredibly blessed. I have a stable family life. I'm surrounded by natural beauty. I'm able to afford education. My role models have "made it" in the world. They are kind and successful.

And I'm shaped by this. I believe that if I was born into a ghetto, where gang violence was a predominant aspect of society, I would be in a gang. Of course, I could be wrong. Perhaps some inner strength, dignity or morality would steer me away from that kind of life. But I don't think so.

We are a product of our surroundings. So, does it make sense to throw petty offenders into jail with the worst of our society? Does it make sense to release these same young men and women from prison and throw them right back into the situations which promote lawless behavior?

I don't think so.