THE IMPRISONMENT PUZZLE: UNDERSTANDING HOW PRISON GROWTH AFFECTS CRIME.

This article examines the proposed relationship between the size of prison populations and a reduction in crime in the U.S.. The author mentions several studies that have shown conflicting relationship between these two rates. While one study saw a decrease in crime rates in select circumstances, another found that an increase in prison populations actually increased the rate of crime. The author suggests several mitigating factors to the questions these studies raise, including the effects of an increase in drug-related incarcerations and a lengthening of sentences for low-level offenders.