What was the prison population in the US in the early 1970s?

In the early 1970s, the prison population in the United States was approximately 300,000. This statistic is significant because it sets the stage for understanding the dramatic rise in incarceration rates that followed in subsequent decades, which is a key theme explored in Bryan Stevenson's "Just Mercy."

During this period, the penal system was undergoing significant changes, influenced by various societal factors including crime rates, legislation, and shifts in attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation. The relatively lower prison population of 300,000 reflects a time before the War on Drugs and mandatory minimum sentencing laws led to exponentially increased incarceration rates.

Understanding this figure is crucial for realizing how the U.S. prison system evolved into what it is today, characterized by mass incarceration and the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, which Stevenson highlights through his work as a lawyer and advocate for justice reform.