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Prisons Overcrowded by 43,000 Inmates
In a lengthy 185-page opinion released by three federal judges today, they ordered the state to come up with a plan that would deal with 43,000 prisoners over the next two years, reports the LA Times. The order basically sets the pace for releasing prisoners according to media reports but Chief Deputy Atty. Gen. Jim Humes says the state must come up with a plan, not necessarily release prisoners onto the streets. The judges said the overcrowding causes prisoners to commit even more crimes and a few years ago, conditions were so bad, inmates were dying from curable and avoidable diseases, prompting a court-appointed receiver to see reform in the system. The state may appeal the decision.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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