Four out of five States have been found to be operating prison facilities that violate the eighth amendment. Statistics show that a higher proportion of the population is being sent to prison and that as a group, they are more violent than in the past. However, at least through 1983, felons were not kept in prison longer than they had been during most of this century. Evidence even suggests that time served has slightly decreased. Statistics showing the crisis in overcrowded correctional facilities highlight the financial burden shouldered by these facilities in coping with the consequences of decisions made by legislatures, police, prosecutors, and judges. These decisions, in turn, reflect the concerns of the general public. Detailed correctional statistics are provided. 1 photograph.