Is The Way Of Treating The Prisoners In Developed Countries Alright

For the sake of this particular argument, I believe a solid definition of what exactly we are debating should be emplaced. You state many statistics in your opening statement, but out of curiosity, just where do these statistics come from? To me, it seems fairly obvious that the argument is based on how America is treating its criminals in prisons, rather than how developed countries all around the world are treating them. With that said, I strongly stand against your argument. Although the current prison system of the United States is pushing its limits on just exactly how many prisoners it can withstand, it is still doing what has to be done to ensure the safety of its occupants. Additionally, although overcrowding is present, the United States Justice Department recognizes this problem, and does what it can to prevent mass disease epidemics within the prison system. It does this by not only ensuring that inmates are secured in individual 8 x 4 cells, but also through extensive quarterly immunizations throughout the year. As of the end of '08, in the American prison system: An estimated 44% of state inmates and 39% of federal inmates reported a current medical problem other than a cold or virus. -Arthritis (state 15%; federal 12%) and hypertension (state 14%; federal 13%) were the two most commonly reported medical problems. -Among inmates who reported a medical problem, 70% of state and 76% of federal inmates reported seeing a medical professional because of the problem. -More than 8 in 10 inmates in state and federal prisons reported receiving a medical exam or a blood test since admission. -Almost all state and federal inmates reported being tested for TB (95% and 96%, respectively). -More than a third (36%) of state inmates and nearly a quarter (24%) of federal inmates reported having an impairment. -Learning was the most commonly reported impairment among state and federal inmates (23% and 13%, respectively). -16% of state inmates and 8% of federal inmates reported having multiple impairments. , Stats taken from: . http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov... Furthermore, inmates in our correctional system are not exactly there to have a good time. Given that fact, the Justice Department still tries to ensure that prisoners are given a safe and healthy "rehabilitation" that includes a warm environment, 3 meals a day, television, writing correspondence opportunities, conjugal visits, a steady workout routine, and spends roughly $30,000.00 (US) per year on each and every loving, good hearted soul in the correctional system. The more violent the criminal, the more money our government spends on them. Your regular run of the mill 3 strike your out cannabis offender receives approximately 30 grand per year to ensure a safe haven; a habitual violent offender: $90,000.00. Overcrowding may be present, but this is usually only during "chow time" or "workout" time. During cell hours, inmates have 1 roommate, 2 beds, a sink, toilet, mirror, and a television. Although that may seem a bit crowded for a claustrophobic, it is a "correctional" system. Cattle are treated quite differently actually. Cows only eat grass and grain, are butchered upon being full grown for harvest, and have a fully extended arm penetrate their reproductive systems to ensure the reproduction process is going according to plan. So Ishwas, I hardly believe that the prisoners in our current correctional system are being treated like cattle.