The United States accounts for 5 percent of the world’s population, yet incarcerates about 25 percent of the world’s prisoners. Examining a wealth of studies by researchers and correctional professionals, and the experience of educators, this book shows recidivism rates drop in direct correlation with the amount of education prisoners receive, and the rate drops dramatically with each additional level of education attained.
Presenting a workable solution to America’s mass incarceration and recidivism problems, this book demonstrates that great fiscal benefits arise when modest sums are spent educating prisoners. Educating prisoners brings a reduction in crime and social disruption, reduced domestic spending and a rise in quality of life.
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I have a huge issue with the “Justice” system in this country. It is broken. Why are so many people in this country incarcerated in the first place? Because it is big business but that argument is for another day yet that is the very reason I wanted to read this book. I wanted to see what the author had to say. The author makes a strong case for educating prisoners. Education is important… for everyone. I do believe that prisoners should receive an education. Wait, wait…. before you argue about the money they are already receiving tax dollars and receiving free medical etc.. Why not make a better society? BUT if we do this then we need to do something about educating the masses in general so people aren't intentionally going to jail/ prison so they can receive a free education.
There are really so many different issues, but the book is about educating prisoners… geez Mandie stay on task here…The author brought up a lot of great points and over all I agree with him.
I recommend books like these to show different sides to issues. Even if you don't know someone in prison it affects all of us.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review, no other compensation was received.
About the author:
Christopher Zoukis is an impassioned advocate for prison education, a legal scholar, and a prolific writer of books, book reviews, and articles. His articles on prison education and prison law appear frequently in Prison Legal News, and have been published in The Kansas City Star, The Sacramento Bee, Blog Critics, Huffington Post and Midwest Book Review, among other national, regional, and specialty publications.
Mr. Zoukis is often quoted on matters concerning prison law, criminal law, prisoners’ rights, and prison education. Recently, he was the focus of an article at Salon.com concerning America’s broken criminal justice system and potential solutions to the current crisis.
When not in the thick of the battle for prison reform, prison education, or prisoners’ rights advocacy, Mr. Zoukis can be found blogging at PrisonLawBlog.com, PrisonEducation.com, andChristopherZoukis.com.
This book presents an idea so simple, I wonder why we haven’t all thought of it before. For a long time I have felt that convicts in our prison system should not be allowed to go to college for free. In a conversational, easy-to-read way, this book sums up hundreds of articles and academic studies to give us a proven solution to our country’s budgetary concerns and safety in our communities.