Criminal Justice

Europe vs United States

The US has 4.2% of the world population but ~16% of the world's prisoners.

The Data

Key Numbers

US Incarceration Rate
541/100K
Highest among wealthy democracies
EU Average
111/100K
~5× lower than the US
US Prison Population
1.9M
More than any European country
Private Prisons (US)
$9B
Private prison industry revenue

Incarceration Rate per 100,000

Fair Context

The US has a strong jury trial tradition, extensive appellate courts, and the Innocence Project has exonerated hundreds through DNA evidence.