The US has 4% of the world's population but has 25% of the worlds prisoners, take that numbers into account. This is all because of the "war on drugs" that has taken over America since president Nixon, and it's dumb.

Also they have such a high number of prisoners because their jails are private, so more people incarcerated more money for the rich and powerful.

Consider also that the majority of these prisoners are African American this also makes this issue one of racism.

Thank you for your well educated post, I enjoyed it.