The Carceral System

The carceral system refers to the network of institutions and processes involved in enforcing laws through detention, primarily prisons and jails. It includes the practices of arrest, sentencing, incarceration, and probation or parole, aiming to punish and rehabilitate offenders while protecting society. The system's design and policies significantly impact social justice, affecting issues like recidivism and community well-being. It is often critiqued for disparities related to race, socio-economic status, and the fairness of sentencing, prompting ongoing debates about reform and the effectiveness of incarceration as a crime control strategy.