The Big Picture: Crime and Incarceration in America

Explore the complex relationship between crime rates and incarceration in the United States through this thought-provoking 57-minute panel discussion from The Aspen Institute. Delve into the paradoxical trends of decreasing crime rates and skyrocketing incarceration numbers, questioning whether this represents success in crime prevention or a fundamental failure of the justice system. Examine the underlying factors contributing to mass incarceration, including who is being imprisoned and why. Gain insights from a diverse panel of experts, including Maria Hinojosa, Ron Huberman, Marc Levin, Glenn Loury, and Roberto Villaseñor, as they analyze striking data and discuss the impact of pivotal policies. Consider effective strategies for crime prevention and explore potential solutions to address the problematic course of the American criminal justice system. This engaging discussion challenges viewers to think critically about the state of crime and punishment in America and contemplate necessary reforms for a more just and effective approach to public safety.