As the character-building institutions of society have diminished in their influence on the development of law-abiding behavior, the criminal justice system has become the last resort for dealing with violent and predatory behaviors. Under political pressure and a loss of faith in rehabilitation, criminal justice policies have focused on harsher and speedier punishments. Life without parole (LWOP) and capital punishment are the ultimate penalties. Although these penalties reduce the number of offenders on the streets, they are costly in economic and social terms. Those sentenced to LWOP or death suffer a debilitating experience, without hope of being free from confinement until they die. They have been judged unsalvageable. As the laws increase in number and severity, placing more and more persons in prison, prison overcrowding and the cost of maintaining the prison population will increase. 27 references.