Why do convicted felons get good time for breaking the law?

Question

When convicted for a crime inmates are automatically given good time. Why even given them a sentence if they don't have to serve it?

Answer 1

i say if they commit a murder then lets kill them rape a kid kill them this sitting on death row for years is bull i say start killing them and others will see we ant playing why should tax payers put up with this bull S.............

Answer 2

Well, I worked for the prison system for a few years. So the best I can answer your question is this. Some states grant 'good time' for so much time served by the inmate who has steered clear of getting into trouble while incarcerated. They are also given gain time for working while locked up. Somebody griped about prison overcrowding and giving them more square foot of living space per inmate. And then somebody griped about keeping them off the streets. And no one wants a prison in their backyard or neighborhood. So for now this is the best we can do.

Answer 3

Not all crimes and not all states give good time. Those that do, the guards need to consider it a blessing. People are more likely to do their time peacefully if they know they can reduce there sentence. Most people do not even get enough time nocked off to really make a big difference.

Sometimes you have to offer incentives for people to do decent. Didn't you ever get off punishment early for good behavior?

Answer 4

That is the irony of life, convicts are provided with food and shelter instead of punishing them. The government should make them suffer and should make laws not to give them good time.

Answer 5

It's a reward for good behavior while their behind bars, something to motivate them to try and be civilized and stay out of trouble during their stay there

Answer 6

ever been inside a prison....and notice that the staff ratio to inmates! there is not enuff prison gaurds and to provide saftey for them and other inmates.

Answer 7

Do you consider Sodomy a good time.