America has nearly 1.5million prisoners behind bars - more than any country

[countrygirl12]

If the figures aren't per capita in relation to other countries the numbers are meaningless statistically.
America has a population of 350 million, so of course we would have more prisoners than say Canada whose population is only 35 million, pretty much the same population as just California.

The percentage of prisoners in a country per 100,000 of the population of that country, would give a better reading if America's prison population is really better or worse than the rest of the world.

Most stats are useless.

[rghvac69]

I think for young people who commit non-violent offenses they should be given the choice of joining the military or going to jail.

[countrygirl12]

I think for young people who commit non-violent offenses they should be given the choice of joining the military or going to jail.

Joining the military is not a punishment.

[aflyingmonkey]

I think for young people who commit non-violent offenses they should be given the choice of joining the military or going to jail.

They shouldn't be given a choice. I think an ankle bracelet & mandatory community service & counseling would do a better job than jail for young or old people, age shouldn't be a factor.   Jail is such a waste of resources.

[linderlizzie]

I think for young people who commit non-violent offenses they should be given the choice of joining the military or going to jail.

Joining the military is not a punishment.

Consequently, it makes it a good option. 

[linderlizzie]

The word of the day for this topic is recidivism. 

[tnshpalmer85]

I saw this headline somewhere and it was not surprising. In America, it seems like it is all about money and locking up people is a big business so that's is what the do.

[hawkeye3210]

It's a large country.

[Tresbn00]

Unfortunately so many people try to find an easier way, rather than putting in a little extra effort and elbow grease, The rich/wealthy are able to pay for attorneys but unfortunately they become role models for those that think they can get
 away with the same crime. Sometimes attorneys are seemingly not needed. For instance Michelle Obama, in 2008 stated "values that work hard for what you want in life: that your word is your bond and you do what you say" was repeated word for word in 2016  by the current First Lady. Some people cut news articles and paste them into blogs-perhaps they were inspired by First Ladies. Plagiarism according to Merriam Webster is: to steal and pass off the ideas/words of another as one's own without crediting the source (note Merriam Webster cited) or to present an idea or product that came from another source as new and original. Although not a crime it is an ethical offense can be viewed as copyright infringement which legal penalties of between $200-$150,000 may be assessed plus court costs.

[mrsmere]

That's  a lot of people.  I went to traffic court with someone and the judge was sending almost everybody to jail and giving them huge fines that he said they couldn't even pay.  It was amazing. I wonder how many are there and didn't really do a crime but was falsely accused.