Reference no: EM133781596
Assignment:
Congratulations! Your expertise in comparative criminal justice has gotten you noticed by your department, and they would like to share your knowledge!
Here is what you have for your research so far:
Many correctional systems in democratic countries suffer from the problem of overcrowding.
South African prisons were overcrowded before 1994, but unfortunately, they have become more overcrowded due to the country's crime problem and the government's decision to establish a more get-tough policy on crime and offenders.
South Africa has the highest incarceration rate among countries in Africa and is ranked fourteenth in the world. South Africa has one of the highest pretrial detention rates in Africa. As previously mentioned, of the total prison population of more than 150,500, 45,700 had yet to be sentenced, of which 44,710 were male and 990 female.
The issue of overcrowding has created several problems within correctional facilities. For example, the ability to offer programs and teaching facilities has been reduced. Adequate healthcare is largely lacking. It should also be noted that approximately 90 percent of the natural deaths in a South African prison result from HIV/AIDS (Sarkin, 2008). Presently, about 43 percent of the inmates have tested positive for HIV.
Instructions:
In this assignment, reflect on the information above and continue to research to share information on the following:
• What steps are involved in the South African criminal process that created this situation?
• Discuss criminal aggression and conditions in the South African criminal system.
• What are your thoughts on what could be done to make these conditions better?