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. Ideally suited to researchers, advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, and policymakers.
Chapter 1 Preface Part 2 Part I. Introduction and Early Sentencing Chapter 3 Chapter 1. An Introduction to the "Million Dollar" Inmate Chapter 4 Chapter 2. Punishment in the 20th Century: Run-On Sentences Part 5 Part II. Sentencing and Prisons Today Chapter 6 Chapter 3. Sentencing Today: A Sentence is a Sentence - Period! Chapter 7 Chapter 4. Prison Conditions Part 8 Part III. Financial and Social Costs of Incarceration Chapter 9 Chapter 5. The Financial Costs of Incarceration: An Overview Chapter 10 Chapter 6. Expensive Prisoners Chapter 11 Chapter 7. The Social Costs of Incarceration: The Hidden Yet Expensive Side of Prison Part 12 Part IV. Goals of Incarceration Chapter 13 Chapter 8. Retribution: Can We Have Our "Just Desert" and Eat It Too? Chapter 14 Chapter 9. Incapacitation: If We Lock Them Up, Maybe They'll Just Go Away! Chapter 15 Chapter 10. Some Specifics on Deterrence, in General Chapter 16 Chapter 11. Rehabilitation and Treatment: Where is the Correction in our Correctional Institutions? Part 17 Part V. Conclusion Chapter 18 Chapter 12. The Benefits of Incarceration - Real and Perceived Chapter 19 Chapter 13. Policy Recommendations
