Trends in incarceration and crime rates since the 1970s

Based on your previous reading(s): Review and discuss (a) trends in incarceration and crime rates since the 1970s and (b) the empirical literature that examines whether changes in incarceration rates led to a reduction in crime rates during that time period, what has currently changed within the criminal justice system? Does the empirical evidence support the assertion that increasing the use of incarceration reduces crime/recidivism? Please discuss issues of reliability and validity with regard to the empirical studies (assigned reading) you reviewed.