NCJ Number
171905
Date Published
1998
Length
4 pages
Annotation
These 10 articles describe the legal challenge filed by the Pennsylvania Prison Society and other organizations regarding the referendum changes in the composition and procedures of the State Board of Pardons, note that political rhetoric on crime influences rather than reflects public opinion, and discuss other aspects of courts and crime.
Abstract
The lawsuit aims to overturn the results of the referendum and retain the previous procedures. Among the most notable effects would be the retention of a simple majority of the five-member board in recommending pardons for inmates with life sentences. Other articles present the opinions of a Federal judge who opposes mandatory minimum sentences and discuss the negative impacts of increasing levels of incarceration, especially in minority communities. Further items describe a Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) policy regarding inmate clothing and discuss the (DOC) requirement for tuberculosis screening for volunteers as well as inmates and correctional personnel. Figures and photographs