The Million Dollar Inmate
Subtitle: The Financial and Social Burden of Non-Violent Offenders
Publisher: Lexington Books; Lexington Books/Rowman & Littlefield Pub.
Published: December 28, 2007
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 240
ISBN-13: 9780739114964
Subjects: Criminology; Penology; Social Science / Criminology; Social Science; Sociology; Prison sentences; Prisoners; Prisons
Description: Overview: What kinds of beliefs do most Americans hold about crime and violence, and where do these beliefs come from? What kinds of people are sent to prison-are the average inmates dangerous criminals, or are they involved in low-level drug-related, property, or public-order offenses? Who is ultimately paying for their time in prison? The "Million Dollar Inmate" highlights the financial and social costs of America's incarceration of non-violent offenders. With its focus on the specific population of non-violent offenders, this book provides a unique, sociological approach to the problem of handling such a large population at such tremendous costs-paid, for the most part, by taxpayers. Basing her insight on extensive research into the origins of America's correctional systems, the visible and non-visible costs incurred by the practice of incarcerating nonviolent offenders, and the goals of the prison system, Heather Ahn-Redding dares to expose flaws in current correctional practices and suggest ways they can be not only changed but also re-envisioned.