Topic: U.S. Incarceration
Chair: Adora Lei
Director: Nikhita Athipathy
Committee Description:
The United States currently has the highest incarceration rate of any country with a prison rate of approximately 724 people per 100,000. Compared to the rates of country’s allies in Europe and that of China, the U.S. still racks up a population of over 2 million imprisoned in state and federal prisons. This mock U.S. Senate committee covers the various issues that root in the American incarceration and justice system.
Some blame the 1980’s War on Drugs for the dramatic growth in incarceration and argue that harsh penalties on drugs is a direct cause of unnecessary jail populations. Some also highlight the supposed socioeconomic factors and the involvement of race in incarceration and the disproportionate imprisonment rates among African American and Hispanic communities. Others believe that the focus should be placed on reduction of recidivism and the continuance of law enforcement and mental health treatment to prevent violent offenders from endangering American streets. Of course, with the discussion of incarceration also comes the topic of capital punishment and whether it is within the constitutional and moral right of the state to issue the death penalty.
Delegates will be expected to represent states in the U.S. and argue their respective points relating to American incarceration on a variety of topics including drugs, race relations, recidivism, and death penalty. Delegates will need to work diplomatically and together to resolve the issues while keeping in mind differing perspectives.
Link to Background Guide: Coming soon!
Chair: Adora Lei
Director: Nikhita Athipathy
Committee Description:
The United States currently has the highest incarceration rate of any country with a prison rate of approximately 724 people per 100,000. Compared to the rates of country’s allies in Europe and that of China, the U.S. still racks up a population of over 2 million imprisoned in state and federal prisons. This mock U.S. Senate committee covers the various issues that root in the American incarceration and justice system.
Some blame the 1980’s War on Drugs for the dramatic growth in incarceration and argue that harsh penalties on drugs is a direct cause of unnecessary jail populations. Some also highlight the supposed socioeconomic factors and the involvement of race in incarceration and the disproportionate imprisonment rates among African American and Hispanic communities. Others believe that the focus should be placed on reduction of recidivism and the continuance of law enforcement and mental health treatment to prevent violent offenders from endangering American streets. Of course, with the discussion of incarceration also comes the topic of capital punishment and whether it is within the constitutional and moral right of the state to issue the death penalty.
Delegates will be expected to represent states in the U.S. and argue their respective points relating to American incarceration on a variety of topics including drugs, race relations, recidivism, and death penalty. Delegates will need to work diplomatically and together to resolve the issues while keeping in mind differing perspectives.
Link to Background Guide: Coming soon!