Research Proposal on the US penal system

Table of contents

Abstractiii

Introduction1

The history of the America Penal system1

Existing issues in the US penal system2

Problem statement3

Thesis Statement4

Propose statement4

Aim and objectives4

Hypothesis5

Research Questions5

Literature review5

Methodology9

Expected Results9

Possible Limitations9

Abstract

The main purpose of this research proposal is to look into the current situation of the US penal system, and understand the existing issues for this purpose various past literatures have been consulted to better comprehend the inhumane treatment of the inmates and how that adversely affects the society. Proposed methods of research have also been provided as well as the limitations that may arise while conducting this research.

Introduction

The Penal system is part of a larger system namely the criminal justice system. The major components of this system include police, authorities, and court. The modern American Penal system evolved as a substitute to the existing penitentiaries and the system was considered an institute for the purpose of curing the prisoners and rendering them penitent and rehabilitating them into becoming productive members of the society. However this claim was a complete failure since apparently when you put so many criminals together with not much to do chances are they will still be indulging in their wrongdoings. Criminals need to be punished there is no denying that but the suffrage and the conditions they are put through is unacceptable specially from the world's most developed and successful country.

Today approximately 2.3 million American's all reside in prisons. When we hear the term rehabilitation we consider a system that takes care of the inmates and nurse them back to normal but that is clearly not the situation. Though they were created to discourage men from engaging in crimes, but the system has indefinite flaws, and instead of correcting their behavior they mostly damage the prisoners due to the conditions within the jail and the treatment from staff and inmates. These criminals carry the scars of being a convict for the rest of their lives and even being released does not help most of them since our society looks down on such people and consider them a threat. (Emilie, 2012)

The history of the America Penal system

Sheriff's were appointed in New England to maintain peace and keep the city safe from any harm. By the 1700 New York, Boston and Philadelphia established night watches, and by 1705 Philadelphia established 10 major patrol areas.

From the time of the American Revolution and civil war population grew rapidly and many industries were established. Philadelphia was again the first state to establish a 24 hour police force by the year 1830. New York was next in establishing night and day police forces. Today we have both sheriffs and police chiefs the main difference between both is the Sheriffs are elected and the police chief is appointed by the state government. (Drakeford & Friedman, 2011).

The Pre Revolutionary courts in America followed the laws practiced in the Great Britain, during this colonial time the British penal system followed severe punishments and executions. The American court system mapped out in accordance to the ...