Final answer:
The large penal system in the United States has complex implications for the pursuit of justice, including debates about the effectiveness of incarceration as a preventive measure, concerns about the equitable treatment of different populations, and the impact of the 'mass incarceration' approach on society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Effects of a Large Penal System on the Pursuit of Justice
The size of a penal system has profound effects on the pursuit of justice. A large penal system, such as what the United States has experienced, affects justice in several ways. The debate over the United States' penal system is rooted in opposing views of incarceration's role in society. On one hand, there are arguments for harsher and longer sentences as deterrents to crime. However, this has led to controversies regarding the rehabilitative role of prisons and whether the justice system fairly targets certain groups over others.
As the prison population grew exponentially from 200,000 inmates in 1970 to 2.2 million 40 years later, factors such as race and poverty played significant roles in this growth. Critics contend that this growth reflects a society preferring incarceration as a simple remedy for underlying social issues such as poverty and drug addiction. The mass incarceration wave, fueled by 'get tough on crime' programs, has led to the United States having the highest number of incarcerated individuals globally, exacerbated by systemic racism within the criminal justice system.
Comparatively, the U.S. incarcerates individuals for offenses that might not result in incarceration in other countries and for much longer durations. This approach has been critiqued as an ineffective crime prevention tool. Additionally, socio-political factors and economic incentives for private prison corporations have contributed to the rise in incarceration rates. Addressing disparities and promoting rehabilitation over mere punishment are essential in pursuit of a more equitable system that does not exclusively rely on incarceration but employs more enlightened and sophisticated methods, like diversion programs for juveniles, to handle crime and its prevention.