Corrections Around the World

The paper should minimally discuss and contrast three correctional systems used throughout the world (the United States and two others). Research should include a comparative analysis of corrective methods used and results obtained, with an emphasis on evidence-based practices, which have demonstrated positive results, lowered recidivism, and led to a reduction in prison overcrowding.

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Correctional Systems Around the World

The United States, Norway, and Germany have three of the most well-known and studied correctional systems in the world. Each system has its own unique approach to corrections, and each has achieved varying degrees of success.

The United States

The U.S. correctional system is the largest in the world, with over 2 million people incarcerated. The system is based on a punitive model, with a focus on punishment and deterrence. Inmates are typically held in large, overcrowded prisons, and they often have limited access to education, vocational training, and other programs that could help them to reintegrate into society.

The U.S. correctional system has been criticized for its high rates of recidivism. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, nearly 70% of former inmates are rearrested within five years of their release. This high rate of recidivism suggests that the U.S. correctional system is not doing enough to help inmates to turn their lives around.

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Norway

The Norwegian correctional system is based on a rehabilitation model, with a focus on helping inmates to become productive members of society. Inmates are typically held in small, humane prisons, and they have access to a wide range of programs and services, including education, vocational training, and therapy.

The Norwegian correctional system has been praised for its low rates of recidivism. According to the Norwegian Ministry of Justice, only about 20% of former inmates are rearrested within five years of their release. This low rate of recidivism suggests that the Norwegian correctional system is doing a good job of helping inmates to turn their lives around.

Germany

The German correctional system is based on a mixed model, with a focus on both punishment and rehabilitation. Inmates are typically held in medium-sized prisons, and they have access to a range of programs and services, including education, vocational training, and therapy.

The German correctional system has been praised for its focus on rehabilitation. According to the German Federal Ministry of Justice, only about 30% of former inmates are rearrested within five years of their release. This rate of recidivism is lower than the rate in the United States, but it is higher than the rate in Norway.

Comparative Analysis of Corrective Methods

The three correctional systems discussed above have different approaches to corrections, but they all share some common elements. All three systems emphasize the importance of rehabilitation, and all three systems provide inmates with access to education, vocational training, and therapy. However, the three systems differ in the way that they balance punishment and rehabilitation. The U.S. system is more punitive, while the Norwegian and German systems are more rehabilitative.

Evidence-Based Practices

There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that certain correctional practices are more effective than others at reducing recidivism. These evidence-based practices include:

  • Education and vocational training: Programs that provide inmates with education and vocational training can help them to find jobs after they are released from prison.
  • Therapy: Programs that provide inmates with therapy can help them to address the underlying causes of their criminal behavior.
  • Reintegration services: Programs that help inmates to reintegrate into society can help them to stay out of prison after they are released.

Conclusion

The three correctional systems discussed above have different approaches to corrections, but they all share some common elements. All three systems emphasize the importance of rehabilitation, and all three systems provide inmates with access to education, vocational training, and therapy. However, the three systems differ in the way that they balance punishment and rehabilitation. The U.S. system is more punitive, while the Norwegian and German systems are more rehabilitative.

There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that certain correctional practices are more effective than others at reducing recidivism. These evidence-based practices include education and vocational training, therapy, and reintegration services.

The U.S. correctional system could benefit from adopting some of these evidence-based practices. By doing so, the U.S. could reduce its high rates of recidivism and make its correctional system more effective at rehabilitating inmates.

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