Essay On Mass Incarceration

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Recommended: The effect of the war on drugs

In her book, Motor City, Sherri Jefferson examines the 40-year history of the “War on Drugs” in America, which has created prisoners and casualties of war. As an advocate for victims of sex trafficking, Jefferson also exams the role of being SOLD in America; the impact of sex, organ, labor, and drug trafficking. These examinations provide a lens into to understanding mass incarceration. Mass incarceration in America has left millions of people without the means to survive. Former offenders are discharged from prison without any income. Many owing outstanding child support payments. Some will likely re-offend to pay their outstanding debt, while others will be subject to contempt of court for failure to pay outstanding support accrued during …show more content…

However, you did not commit the offense of murder and you are not charged with murder. Now, imagine, that after 15 years, that you are released from prison. However, on the date of discharge you are arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to pay child support accrued during your incarceration. Envision a debt of over $40,000.00, which is due payable immediately. Where are you expected to get those resources? Aside from the prison labor system, inmates in America do not have access to work. America has created a system that guarantees re-entry into prison, but not society. On September 25, 2017, Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States will exam Heard v. Georgia Department of Human Services. This case is indicative of the institutionalized and systemic problems associated with mass incarceration in America. The focus of the legal claims relates to child support and the inability to make payments during incarceration and the denial of direct appeals following contempt proceedings. However, the outcome of the legal claims is that the current system forces former inmates and others to create their own economy. The street economy strives and services from sex trafficking. It is a booming industry with many participants being victims of a broken criminal justice

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