Partly because now everyone has strong incentives to put random people in jail. 1. Politicians can ensure voters are perpetually scared of "increasing crime" w

Partly because now everyone has strong incentives to put random people in jail. 1. Politicians can ensure voters are perpetually scared of "increasing crime" when in reality USA is safer than ever. 2. Narcissist DAs to feel good about themselves. 3. Cops to justify their existence and demand more resources 4. Prison Industrial Complex. Minimum mandatory play a big role. Imagine your laptop which was given to repair miraculously had a porn clip where it may be argued that the model was 17 year old. Would your rather spend 16 years in jail and in sex offenders registry or will you take the plea bargain where you spend 6 months in jail ?