America does a lot to help countries in need, however we may need some outside help when it comes to our prisons. First, we may need help with overcrowding. Then, small flaws in our justice system that contribute to overcrowding. Finally, the conditions of some of our prisons make them seem like they aren't prisons at all. In the United States, prison overcrowding is caused by many problems. These include lack of space in prisons, increasing crime rates and changes in the laws of the justice system. Causes of prison overcrowding may include: double cell occupancy, prisoner misconduct, and psychological problems. Looking at prison crowding, it is a problem, but whether or not it will affect inmates is unknown. However, there should be other sources on how to improve overcrowded conditions. Researchers have found that some of these causes of prison overcrowding are penalties for criminal activity and changes to laws that make more things illegal and increase crime rates. The penal system needs improvement, but at the moment not much can be done. In 2013, Paul Waldman reports in this graph that at the end of 2011, the number of prisoners per 100,000 inhabitants increased by two-thirds between the beginning of the 1990s and 2008: (graph 1, 2013). In fact, to date the United States ranks first for the highest number of detentions each year. What other countries can do to help the United States is transport prisoners to allied countries so that there can be room for more; monitor prison overcrowding, examine best practices and research how to alleviate prison overcrowding. One of the main reasons for overcrowding is the imperfections of the justice system. Prison overcrowding impacts all criminal justice systems. The…half of the paper… conclusion: If other countries worked with the United States to help prisons be more diplomatic and less crowded, there would be more room for the people who actually deserve to do so. be there. Works Cited Ferguson, S. (2007, December 26). American Prisons: The Vacation Place for Criminals. Retrieved February 1, 2014. Lemons, S. (2012, August 9). A woman was held in prison because authorities thought it was illegal - - News - Phoenix - Phoenix New Times. Retrieved January 30, 2014. Portland State University (2013, February 1). Prison overcrowding is a growing concern in the United States | CCJPDX online. Retrieved January 27, 2014. Waldman, P. (2013, August 15). Six graphs that explain why our prison system is so crazy. Retrieved January 27, 2014. What is causing prison overcrowding?. (2013). Manuscript submitted for publication, Portland University.