Tracey L. Meares

Many people associate chain gangs with the abolished practice of African American enslavement. In the following viewpoint, Tracey L. Meares affirms this belief and argues that the use of chain gangs is a practice with racist roots. She also claims that it does not deter crime or reduce recidivism, is an expensive form of punishment that creates a gratuitous spectacle of shame, and threatens public safety. Finally, Meares contends that chain gangs are an outmoded form of punishment that should be replaced with more humane policies that provide inmates with education and rehabilitation. Meares is a contributor to U.S. Catholic magazine.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. How does Meares argue that chain gangs today mimic yesterday’s black slavery "
2. According to Meares, how can chain gangs put public...