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| Reappraisal of Prisons Emerging |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 02/13/2002 |
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The tough-on-crime laws of the past two decades are getting another look as crime rates have slowed, with many states easing mandatory sentences and turning to drug treatment options. Reports released last week suggest that policy-makers are beginning to revisit long sentences and that the recession may spur more action. Two Washington-based groups, The Sentencing Project and the Justice Policy Institute, did the separate studies. In the last few years, Connecticut, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi and North Dakota eased their laws on mandatory sentencing or parole, the reports said. Drug treatment as an alternative to prison gained ground in six states - Arkansas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon and Texas. And for several reasons, including a shrinking number of inmates, at least 10 states are looking at closing prisons or cutting back on expansions or programs. The new trend contrasts sharply with the get-tough approach of the 1980s and '90s, when mandatory sentences removed discretion from judges and parole boards. Now the crime rate has fallen for nine consecutive years, with the murder rate at its lowest point in 35 years, according to the latest Justice Department report in October. The cost of get-tough policies is also inspiring some re-examination, especially now that state budgets are strained by the weak economy, the reports conclude. |
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