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Sociology

Prison Demography: How Sentencing Policies Shape the Prison Population

Quick fact

Between 1993 and 2013, the number of prisoners aged 55 or older increased by 400%, largely due to lengthy mandatory sentences imposed during the 'tough on crime' era, not because older people commit more crimes.

Why this is interesting

In the United States, the number of people in prison aged 55 and older is growing faster than any other age group. What does this tell us about the hidden demographic effects of sentencing policies?