Prison reform has been discussed since the late 1800s and early 1900s with the aim of offering prisoners better living conditions. Today's issues regarding prison reform have caused much debate on whether or not prisons should change their traditional methods and try to find a more adequate solution with prison-related problems such as overcrowded facilities and large sums of money spent in these prisons. Two articles that will be analyzed in this essay are titled “Do the time, lower the crime” by James Q. Wilson and “Mandatory Minimum Drug Sentences Waste Resource” by Kevin Zeese. Both of these articles have opposing views regarding prison reform. One side of the argument introduced in “Do the time, lower the crime” holds that harsher prison sentences are lowering the crime rate and that the cost of prison is influenced by the beneficial outcomes society gets in return. The pro-prison reform side in “Mandatory Minimum Drug Sentences Waste Resource” argues that an increase in overcrowded prison facilities has to do with tougher laws and prison sentences imposed on minor offenders. The pro-reform side also argues that treatment programs need to be established so that fewer previous inmates return for violations. While prison reform is something that can be beneficial, the opposing side argues that incarceration has positive outcomes, while the pro side argues that overcrowded prisons and prison spending have become a serious problem. While harsher prison sentences may have some effect on crime rates, some people speculate that it may also be flawed. In the article entitled “Mandatory Minimum Drug Sentences Waste Resource” the author of the article states: “There are almost 12,000 people in New York… in the center of the paper… the side of the reform made was imprisonment has reduced our 25% crime rate and helped society keep dangerous criminals behind bars, but ultimately it wasn't enough to change sides. Works Cited Zeese, Kevin. “Mandatory Minimum Sentencing for Drugs, Wasting Resources” Mandatory Minimum Sentencing (2010) 1-3. Print.Wilson, James. “Make time, lower crime” Too many people behind bars? Statistics suggest otherwise (2008) 1-3. Print.Glazer, Sarah. "Sentencing reform". CQ Researcher January 10, 2014: 25-48. Network. February 28, 2014.Zeese, Kevin. “Mandatory Minimum Sentencing for Drugs, Wasting Resources” Mandatory Minimum Sentencing (2010) 1-3. Print.Wilson, James. “Make time, lower crime” Too many people behind bars? Statistics suggest otherwise (2008) 1-3. Print.Glazer, Sarah. "Sentencing reform". CQ Researcher January 10, 2014: 25-48. Network. February 28. 2014.