Explain why we used to have very short prison sentences and why we have moved to very long prison sentences. What are the consequences of our current sentencing structure for society?

A prison can be defined as a confinement institution for people who are lawfully held for internment or who have been judicially authorized of their liberty for a crime, disorderly conduct or guilty of a felony. In every country, prison is a vital and essential part of the criminal justice system. When used correctly, it plays an important role in protecting the rule of law by assisting in the prosecution of alleged offenders and providing a sanction for serious wrongdoing. Donald Clemmer conducted the most extensive assessment of the prison as a community, which was published in 1940 under the title The Prison Community.