Final answer:
Over the past decade, both Democrats and Republicans have shown increased interest in criminal justice reform, questioning the sustainability of high incarceration rates and exploring alternative measures. The societal and political landscapes have evolved, recognizing the need to address racial and economic disparities, as well as underlying social issues contributing to crime.
Step-by-step explanation:
The politics of criminal justice reform have changed significantly over the past decade. Notably, Democrats have started to scrutinize the cost of prisons more closely, and there has been a bipartisan shift towards exploring alternatives to incarceration, especially for nonviolent offenses. Meanwhile, Republicans, traditionally tough on crime, have also begun to support some reform measures, recognizing the need for a more sustainable justice system. The discourse now includes a broader conversation about the fairness of the justice system and the efficacy of rehabilitation versus punitive approaches.
Public perceptions have evolved as the polarization between political ideologies has deepened. Studies like those conducted by Pew Research reflect increasingly divergent beliefs between Democrats and Republicans on a range of issues, including those surrounding criminal justice. As wider society grapples with the consequences of tough laws such as the 'three strikes' rule and the war on drugs, there is a growing consensus on the need to reevaluate such policies to address issues of racial and economic disparities.
Furthermore, the rise in the prison population from 200,000 inmates in 1970 to 2.2 million four decades later highlights the urgency for reform. Discussions on criminal justice reform now often intersect with debates over social problems such as poverty and drug addiction, and the influence of the prison-industrial complex.