Referee plan to cut state prison overcrowding

California - A court-appointed referee in the battle over prison overcrowding in California unveiled a proposed settlement Tuesday that would reduce the inmate population by 17 percent in four years by keeping minor offenders and some parole violators out of state custody - and, as a last resort, requiring early releases of prisoners who have nearly finished their sentences.
With Republican legislators firmly opposed to early releases and prisoners' lawyers seeking lower population limits, prospects are uncertain that the plan will resolve lawsuits over crowded conditions and health care at the state's 33 prisons. A three-judge federal panel has set a Nov. 17 trial date if negotiations fail to bring all sides together. More... PrisonerPal.com