Reducing the Number of Incarcerated People

Adam Foss has an impactful idea to help reduce the number of people in U.S. prisons. He suggests training prosecutors on unconscious bias, real alternatives to incarceration, and educating them on various aspects such as adolescent brain development, trauma, poverty, and race history. This way, prosecutors can make better choices and understand the people they're dealing with. This approach could lead to better outcomes by addressing the main issues and offering choices other than going to jail.

On the other hand, this other speaker talks about using technology to improve the justice system. While this can be important, it may not directly address the systemic issues leading to mass incarceration. Having technological advancements doesn't necessarily change the main reasons why people get into trouble with the law, and might not shift the focus from punishing people to helping them get better with rehabilitation.

Proposing a shift in the goals of sentencing could involve emphasizing restorative justice principles in Taiwan. Instead of punitive measures, a focus on rehabilitation, treatment, and community reintegration could be prioritized. This means giving them chances to change, offering treatment, and helping them be a part of the community again. For instance, introducing mandatory rehabilitation and treatment programs for certain non-violent offenses, especially related to drug use, could provide an alternative to prison.

The best way to reduce the number of people in prison should involve consideration of several important things. We should change policies, involve communities, and make bigger changes to the system to address the root causes of crime. A extensive strategy considering different perspectives and solutions would likely be the most effective. The important thing is to find a balance that keeps the public safe while also helping people get better and dealing with the social problems causing high prison numbers.