SCOTUS to California: End Prison Overcrowding

The U.S. Supreme Court today rejected a request from the state of California for a stay of the federal court order that the state reduce its prison capacity to 137.5 percent of capacity.

The following statement was issued this afternoon by the ACLU of California:

"Today's Supreme Court ruling makes plain that state leaders can no longer avoid the urgent need to enact the kinds of reforms that will create a lasting and sustainable reduction in the number of people incarcerated in California and keep our communities safe," said Allen Hopper, director of criminal justice and drug policy for the ACLU of California.

"The failed policies of the past have resulted in California needlessly spending billions of dollars every year locking up far too many people who don't need to be behind bars to keep the public safe. It is imperative now more than ever that state leaders take a hard look at our sentencing laws and practices and enact smart reforms, especially for low-level, nonviolent crimes, including simple drug possession. Reducing the state's reliance on incarceration will free up money for the kinds of rehabilitation, education and job training programs proven to reduce recidivism and enhance public safety."

Allen Hopper is the Criminal Justice and Drug Policy Director with the ACLU of California.