[nutball]

I'm not sure of an alternative. That needs to be experimental, I think. An analysis of the problem of prisons doesn't require an alternative to be suggested, though. Let me explain.

Prisons are awful places that aren't designed to prevent crime but rather to punish and control. Prisons are awful solutions to solving crime and have been since they became a popular tool of social control in the late 18th century. Before prisons became frequently used, the sovereign would mostly torture and maybe publicly execute criminals. But spectators sometimes would be sickened by this and revolt, freeing the condemned, leading to the questioning of the rule of Law and King. A more efficient solution to problems of social control was invented with the modern prison. Lock people up, and they can't run wild on the street stealing bread and shit.

The US prison system contains 2.3 million people in sick conditions. In the last thirty years, since the economic crisis of the 70's and the decline of welfare services and social democracy, the prison population has exploded with the help of drug laws. This is an apparatus to control the unemployable population so that they aren't running wild on the streets stealing your Macbook.

One alternative idea is restorative justice. Working with the victims and community to understand the root cause of the 'crime' committed and reach a resolution. The offender then is a crucial part of the process. This is similar to what indigenous societies did. This probably wouldn't work in a mass society.