Why do we have so many prisons in California, USA?

@naty1941 (2336)
United States
April 30, 2007 10:15am CST
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) this week is expected to sign a $7.4 billion bill that will primarily add 53,000 beds, with a $50 million sliver going to rehabilitation programs. California's state prisons currently house 172,000 convicts, nearly twice the system's capacity. In California we have more prisons than any other state in the USA. Is that because we have more criminals? Or is it because the laws are tougher here? How many prisoners do you have in your State or Country?
3 people like this
2 responses
howard96h
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
30 Apr 07
If everyone obeyed the laws, then we wouldn't have anyone in prison. Most of the prison population are repeat offenders so this means they keep breaking the laws. Maybe if the laws were tougher people would think twice about breaking them.
2 people like this
naty1941
@naty1941 (2336)
• United States
30 Apr 07
We have the 3 strikes your out in California and the people don't learn how to stay out of prison. Thank you for your response. Also Howard you haven't posted any discussions lately is it because you are busy?
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naty1941
@naty1941 (2336)
• United States
7 May 07
Sorry to hear about your arthritis! I also have arthritis and have to be on painkillers twice a day.
1 person likes this
ElerthMorrow
@ElerthMorrow (9)
• United States
30 Apr 07
Perhaps it because of the increased population density and the tendency to give out harsh punishments. This seems like the most plausible answer to me.
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naty1941
@naty1941 (2336)
• United States
30 Apr 07
That is true the population in California is always growing. Thank you for your reply.
2 people like this