A Country Called Prison

In the second edition of A Country Called Prison, Mary Looman and John Carl build on their previous work by addressing the evolving landscape of incarceration in America, shaped by significant events like the COVID epidemic. They present compelling evidence for downsizing prisons and advocate for a new approach that prioritizes decarceration and desistance, aiming to keep minor offenders within their communities. The book explores the historical context of prisons and concludes with an ambitious proposal—Marshall Plan 2024—that seeks to modernize the criminal justice system with a focus on social equity and compassion.