<p>Table of Contents:**<br><br>**

Chapter 1

: Introduction**<br>1.1 Background and Context<br>1.2 Problem Statement<br>1.3 Objectives of the Study<br>1.4 Scope and Significance<br>1.5 Research Methodology<br>1.6 Structure of the Thesis<br><br>**

Chapter 2

: Understanding Mass Incarceration**<br>2.1 Historical Context and Trends<br>2.2 Causes and Drivers of Mass Incarceration<br>2.3 Demographic Profiles of Incarcerated Populations<br>2.4 Economic Costs of Mass Incarceration<br>2.5 Social and Psychological Effects<br>2.6 Racial Disparities in Incarceration Rates<br>2.7 Conclusion and Summary<br><br>**

Chapter 3

: Criminal Justice Policies and Practices**<br>3.1 War on Drugs and Tough-on-Crime Policies<br>3.2 Mandatory Minimum Sentences<br>3.3 Three Strikes Laws<br>3.4 Privatization of Prisons<br>3.5 Bail Systems and Pretrial Detention<br>3.6 Impact of Policing Strategies<br>3.7 Conclusion and Summary<br><br>**

Chapter 4

: Rehabilitation and Reentry Programs**<br>4.1 Challenges of Reentry into Society<br>4.2 Employment and Housing Barriers<br>4.3 Education and Skills Development<br>4.4 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment<br>4.5 Community-Based Alternatives to Incarceration<br>4.6 Restorative Justice Practices<br>4.7 Conclusion and Summary<br><br>**

Chapter 5

: Policy Recommendations and Future Directions**<br>5.1 Sentencing Reform and Decriminalization<br>5.2 Investing in Rehabilitation and Reentry Services<br>5.3 Addressing Systemic Racism in Criminal Justice<br>5.4 Community Policing and Restorative Justice Models<br>5.5 Advocacy and Activism for Criminal Justice Reform<br>5.6 International Perspectives on Incarceration<br>5.7 Conclusion and Summary<br><br>*<br></p>