Criminal Justice – Brennan Center for Justice

Analysis of Mass Incarceration in the United States and its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

Statistical Discrepancy and Global Standing

A significant challenge to global development targets is observed in the incarceration rates of the United States. The nation, which accounts for less than 5 percent of the global population, holds nearly 25 percent of the world’s incarcerated individuals. This disproportionate statistic highlights a critical issue within its justice system, directly impacting progress toward several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Consequences in the Context of Sustainable Development

The policy of mass incarceration has extensive consequences that undermine key pillars of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The primary areas of impact include:

• Racial and Social Inequality: The system’s disproportionate impact on specific racial groups directly contravenes the objectives of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). It perpetuates systemic disparities and hinders the creation of inclusive societies.
• Economic Hardship: Mass incarceration imposes severe economic burdens on individuals, families, and communities, creating barriers to employment and economic stability. This works against the aims of SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
• Institutional Integrity and Justice: The assertion that mass incarceration fails to enhance public safety calls into question the effectiveness and accountability of justice institutions, a core focus of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Strategic Solutions for SDG Alignment

In response, organizations such as the Brennan Center are developing strategic initiatives aimed at reforming the justice system. These efforts are crucial for aligning national policy with international development commitments. The approach involves a multi-step process:

1. Data-Driven Analysis: Utilizing empirical data to identify the root causes and inefficiencies of mass incarceration, thereby promoting evidence-based policymaking as encouraged by SDG 16.
2. Innovative Policy Development: Creating and proposing new solutions designed to reduce the incarcerated population safely and effectively.
3. Systemic Reform: Advocating for comprehensive changes that build more effective, accountable, and inclusive justice institutions, directly contributing to the targets outlined in SDG 16 and supporting the broader goal of reducing inequality under SDG 10.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article’s central theme is “mass incarceration” in the United States, which is a direct issue of justice and the effectiveness of national institutions. The text highlights that the U.S. has a disproportionate share of the world’s prisoners, questioning the fairness and efficacy of its justice system.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article explicitly mentions the “racial” consequences of mass incarceration. This points directly to inequalities within a country, as certain racial groups are disproportionately affected by the justice system, leading to unequal outcomes and social exclusion.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The text notes the “economic” consequences of mass incarceration. High rates of imprisonment remove individuals from the workforce and can create significant barriers to employment upon release, hindering both individual economic well-being and broader economic growth.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • The article’s focus on the “racial” consequences and the sheer scale of the U.S. prison population suggests a system where equal access to justice is not being achieved. The call to “end mass incarceration” is a call to reform the system to be more just and equitable.
2. Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of… race, ethnicity… or other status.
   • The disproportionate incarceration rates implied by the mention of “racial consequences” demonstrate a significant barrier to the social and economic inclusion of specific racial groups.
3. Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory… policies and practices.
   • The existence of mass incarceration with severe racial disparities is presented as a negative outcome. The effort to find “innovative solutions… to end mass incarceration” aligns with the goal of reducing such inequalities of outcome.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Prison population as a percentage of the global total and per capita.
   • The article explicitly states that the U.S. has “less than 5 percent of the world’s population, yet nearly 25 percent of its prisoners.” This statistic serves as a direct indicator of the scale of incarceration and can be used to track progress in reducing it. This relates to the official indicator 16.3.2 (Unsentenced detainees as a proportion of overall prison population) by highlighting the overall size of the prison system.
2. Proportion of prison population by racial group.
   • While not providing specific numbers, the article’s mention of “racial consequences” strongly implies that data disaggregated by race is a critical indicator for measuring inequality (Target 10.2 and 10.3) within the justice system. Progress would be measured by a reduction in the disproportionality of incarcerated populations.
3. Economic outcomes of formerly incarcerated individuals.
   • The reference to “economic consequences” implies the need for indicators that measure the economic well-being of those impacted by the carceral system, such as employment rates, income levels, and poverty rates among formerly incarcerated people and their families.

Summary Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: brennancenter.org