Mass incarceration refers to the substantial increase in the number of individuals imprisoned, particularly in the United States, over the last few decades. This phenomenon is characterized by a significant rise in prison populations, often linked to strict drug laws, mandatory minimum sentences, and policies that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The consequences of mass incarceration include overcrowded prisons, high costs for taxpayers, and long-term social impacts on families and communities. Critics argue that it perpetuates cycles of poverty and crime, while advocates for reform seek alternatives to imprisonment, such as rehabilitation programs and restorative justice initiatives.