Federal judges on Monday tentatively ordered California to release tens of thousands of inmates, up to a third of all prisoners, in the next three years to stop dangerous overcrowding. As many as 57,000 could be let go if the current population were cut by the maximum percentage considered by a three-judge panel. Judges said the move could be done without threatening public safety -- and might improve a public safety hazard.
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"The state has a number of options, including reform of the earned credit and parole systems, that would serve to reduce the population of the prison to whatever percentage is ultimately determined to be appropriate without adversely affecting public safety," the judges wrote.
The panel ordered the state to consult with the prisoners' lawyers to consider what actions to take.
http://www.reuters.com/article/wtMostRead/idUSTRE5190CB20090210
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"The state has a number of options, including reform of the earned credit and parole systems, that would serve to reduce the population of the prison to whatever percentage is ultimately determined to be appropriate without adversely affecting public safety," the judges wrote.
The panel ordered the state to consult with the prisoners' lawyers to consider what actions to take.
http://www.reuters.com/article/wtMostRead/idUSTRE5190CB20090210