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Take a new approach with prison terms

It is assumed that laws and appropriate sentences for violent felonies have been properly construed for the crimes so executed. But what seems judicially inconsistent with the law is that most convicted felons have their terms cut short because of good behavior. Good behavior?

Isn't the constant reminder to the incarcerated that to portray good behavior while confined until they're released also the logical path to early freedom?

So let's try this: The original sentence should be carried out to the end of term. Then bad behavior should extend their length of imprisonment. This legal revision should discourage those who deliberately commit acts of physical aggression hoping to shorten their sentence because of their temporary good behavior behind bars. Recidivism, if this attempt is successful, should decline rather than increase as the prison population continues to grow.

James D. Cook

Streamwood

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