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Judge Recommends Changes to Meritorius Good Time Program
The judge who has reviewed the Meritorious Good Time program on behalf of the Gov. Pat Quinn suggests a number of changes that would affect who is eligible for the program.

Judge David Erickson says there are some offenses that weren't considered as serious or didn't widely exist when MGT was enacted under Gov. James Thompson in 1978.

"The meritorious credit system was created nearly 32 years ago for a different time and penal system," Judge Erickson said. "We've made a number of recommendations to help fix a system that has broken down."

Some of those crimes for which offenders are currently eligible for MGT, but Erickson believes shouldn't be, include DUI, hate crimes, domestic battery, crimes against children and child pornography. Erickson says the list is too long to go over, and says it is open to debate.

Erickson says he will continue the review and make additional recommendations as time goes on. Quinn says the General Assembly must make those changes.

Quinn Wednesday ended an accelerated MGT program after it was discovered that some inmates weren't serving enough time, with some returning to prison for repeat offenses.

(Illinois Radio Network)
12 30 09 by Newsroom
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