Longer sentences inflate point-in-time prison populations relative to countries with similar conviction prevalence, distorting cross-national comparisons.
— Affects decarceration debates, international benchmarking of criminal justice systems, and claims about American exceptionalism in incarceration.
Inquisitive Bird
2025.08.11
100% relevant
Article notes U.S. sentences often exceed one year versus Denmark’s modal 1–2 months, explaining higher U.S. prison stock despite similar shares of men ever imprisoned/convicted.
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