When evaluating our nation's federal prison system, there appears to be no apparent benefit to the parties involved. What is the purpose of federal prisons? Surely not to drain taxpayers to ensure faulty rehabilitation, overpopulation and authoritarian corruption... right? Unfortunately, this seems to be our current ranking. Somehow our government is able to stand by and justify this inadequate system by claiming that it is the price we pay to maintain safe and secure communities. It seems that the prison system cannot even master its primary function, given that “two-thirds of prisoners reoffend within three years of leaving prison” (Gilligan). Even if placing offenders in prison effectively eliminates this threat from society for a period of time, what benefit is there in causing the same problem upon their release? What is the point of a federal prison if inmates don't have the opportunity to use their time and rehabilitate? This would not only improve prisoners' chances of reintegrating into the community, but also the economic good of the nation. In James Gilligan's article, “Punishment Fails. Rehabilitation Works" (2012), he discusses a study conducted on potential rehabilitation programs with prisoners, which resulted in an impressive result that "reduced the frequency of violent recidivism after release from prison by 83 percent", which “saved taxpayers $4 for every $1.” spent for this. Warden Burl Cain supports this concept, stating that "everyone forgets what corrections means... If that person can go back and become a productive citizen and not commit crimes anymore, why spend money to keep him in prison? » (The editorial board) The problem of overcrowding in prisons may come from recidivism...... middle of paper ......eb. 2014. Kristof, Nicolas. “Inside a mental hospital called a prison.” Editorial. The New York Times. TheNew York Times Company, February 8, 2014. Web. February 16, 2014.jail.html?ref=prisonsandprisoners>.The editorial board. "New York's Broken Parole System." Editorial. The New York Times. TheNew York Times Company, February 16, 2014. Web. February 24, 2014. .The editorial board. “Condemned to a slow death.” Editorial. The New York Times. The New York Times Company, November 16, 2013. Web. January 27. 2014. .