NCJ Number
52481
Date Published
1978
Length
66 pages
Annotation
THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND REDUCING A PRISON SENTENCE FOR GOOD BEHAVIOR, LAWS PROVIDING FOR SUCH RELEASE IN LOUISIANA AND OTHER STATES, AND ACTUAL USE OF THESE LAWS ARE DISCUSSED. RECOMMENDATIONS ARE MADE.
Abstract
THE INTRODUCTION EXAMINES THE HISTORY OF 'GOOD TIME LAWS' AND BRIEFLY REVIEWS THE PROVISIONS FOUND IN SUCH LAWS IN STATES OTHER THAN LOUISIANA. DUE PROCESS REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCH RELEASES ARE REVIEWED. LOUISIANA WAS THE FOURTH STATE TO ENACT A 'GOOD TIME LAW,' PASSING ONE IN 1842. TWO ENTIRELY DIFFERENT GOOD-TIME REGIMES ARE APPLICABLE UNDER THIS LAW: ONE FOR INMATES IN THE CUSTODY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND ANOTHER FOR PARISH PRISONERS UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE SHERIFF. THE MAJOR COMPLAINTS WITH THE SYSTEM ARE UNWARRANTED REDUCTIONS IN SENTENCES, NONUNIFORMITY OF APPLICATION, AND THE REQUIREMENT THAT PRISONERS PARTICIPATE IN PRISON REHABILITATION PROGRAMS TO EARN 'GOOD TIME CREDIT.' FOUR REFORM PROPOSALS ARE SUGGESTED: A MODIFICATION OF THE PRESENT SYSTEM, CONCENTRATION OF THE GOOD TIME CREDIT AT THE END OF THE SENTENCE, A GRADED SYSTEM, AND ABOLITION OF GOOD TIME PROVISIONS ALTOGETHER. EFFECTS OF EACH OF THESE ON LENGTH OF SENTENCE ARE ESTIMATED. APPENDIXES CONTAIN FOOTNOTES AND REFERENCES, THE SURVEY FROM SENT TO JAILERS AND PRISON OFFICIALS, AND A TABLE ESTIMATING THE EFFECT OF ELIMINATION OF GOOD TIME CREDIT ON LOUISIANA'S PRISON POPULATION. (GLR)