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News
June 26, 2008
Do More Prisoners Equal Less Crime?
In a recent syndicated column ("More Prisons, Less Crime"), commentator George Will argues that the world record incarceration rate in the United States has produced safer streets and has been beneficial in particular to African Americans, who are disproportionately victims of crime. Will's selective use of data and limited vision provide an inaccurate portrayal of current criminal justice policy and its effects.

Issue Area(s): Sentencing Policy, Incarceration, Racial Disparity

In a briefing paper, The Sentencing Project refutes Will's argument on prison racial disparities, federal crack cocaine sentencing and the impact of incarceration on crime. Do More Prisoners Equal Less Crime? provides an assessment of some of the key arguments raised in the Will column.

READ THE SENTENCING PROJECT'S BRIEFING PAPER, DO MORE PRISONERS EQUAL LESS CRIME?
READ GEORGE WILL'S COLUMN

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