The Pros And Cons Of Overcrowded Prisons

The biggest problem in America is overcrowded prisons. But how do we fix that? For several prisons have been lacking space for prisoners. America needs to build more prisons because of conditions, population, and fair treatment. America needs to build more prisons because of conditions. A facility outside of San Diego was large, open, and very well lit; the only problem was that inmates were everywhere and crammed with double bunks. Pete Gallagher who lived in building 13 watched the conditions get worse. “Triple bunks replaced doubles, and new bodies filled the new beds. No toilets or sinks were added. The law library became too cramped to use, and visiting hours were chaos. Men died from the miserable healthcare: one from an abscessed tooth, another from hepatitis C” says freelance writer Tim Stelloh. Also, a prisoner was experiencing abdominal and chest pains but the doctor refused to see him. Tim Stelloh says, “The inmate died two weeks later, and the physician, who was the subject of sixty-two grievances, later said that most prisoners with medical complaints were trying to take advantage of the system.” Although
Five years ago Asian teenager Zahid Mubarek was beaten to death with a table leg by his racist cellmate Robert Stewart. Zahid’s family says they hope it will be “ an opportunity for the prison system to correct its mistakes.” However in 2004 Asian prisoner Shahid Aziz was killed by his white cellmate Peter McCann. Investigators have been looking into the case for the longest to see if it was a racial situation or not. Daniel Machover, the family’s solicitor says, “This is a very important lesson from the Mubarek case that has not been learned. From what we know about Aziz’s case so far, it does not appear to have been implemented properly.” Although many people believe the prison system is racist and overcrowded there are many people who believe