Incarceration rates have substantially declined in the US across the 21st century. There are two factors behind the decline: (1) Falling crime rates for violent and property offences, and (2) Decreased punitiveness for drug crimes.

Incarceration rates have substantially declined in the US across the 21st century. There are two factors behind the decline: (1) Falling crime rates for violent and property offences, and (2) Decreased punitiveness for drug crimes.