First-time, non-violent criminals do not belong in prison.

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

In my opinion, prisons exist to protect Society (which includes criminals themselves) from those who would commit physical harm against persons or property and from chronic, repeat non-violent offenders who could simply be an excessive burden on the police, courts, insurance companies, etc

It is neither just nor cost-effective to punish non-violent offenders with jail time.  Society can instead give them fines, list them on registries, make them do community service, monitor their movements, etc.

With the federal debt soaring to new heights, does the mass incarceration in the United States even make sense?

I can think of plenty of non-violent, first time offenders who merit prison time.

-Ponzi schemers who bilk pensioners out of their savings.

-Caregivers who do the same.

-Manufacturers who knowingly sell defective products that cause harm.

-DUI offenders (yes, first time).

-Poachers.

-Slumlords.

-Purveyors of child pornography.

Want to ease the burden on you prison system? Decriminalize drugs, then you’ll have plenty of room for the above.

Boru

Edit: You know what punishment-by-fine is? Legalization of criminal activity for the wealthy.