Over the last decade in my criminal defense and civil rights practice, I have gained first-hand knowledge of the horrific treatment endured by my clients who are incarcerated in Pennsylvania local and state prisons. Inmates endure harsh treatment from corrections officers who lack training in effectively handling mental health related issues. Inhumane treatment continues when it comes to receiving medical treatment; delay and neglect by prison medical personnel is frighteningly frequent. Consequently, incarcerated individuals are released into society with more trauma and no tools to ensure they do not come back. The millions of dollars in taxpayer money spent on our prisons have not yielded any positive outcomes; Pennsylvania recidivism rates are alarming and inmate mental and physical health problems rage inside prison walls.

In recent years, the stark disparities between criminal justice ideologies in the United States and those in countries like Portugal, Sweden, and Norway have sparked intense debate and scrutiny. While the American system grapples with issues of mass incarceration, high recidivism rates, and a focus on punishment rather than rehabilitation, other nations have pioneered approaches that prioritize human dignity and community reintegration. Through examining these diverse models, it becomes clear that the United States has much to learn from its international counterparts.

The Portuguese Paradigm: Treating Addiction as a Public Health Issue