Good Time: The Forgotten Issue

Abstract

Good time provtstons are a neglected area of criminal justice research. The history of good time provistons can be divided into three periods: 1817-1876, 1876-1971, and 1971 to the present time. In the first period, the major factors behind the creation of good time were to control prtsoners, to regulate prtson population, and to enhance the rehabilitation potential of inmates. In the second stage, parole coexisted with good time, and good time generally was reduced in importance. During the most recent phase, good time has reemerged as a significant element in the sentencing and correctional process. However, the actual role of good time depends on many factors, induding the level of prtson overcrowding. In considering sentencing structure revtstons, it is essential to examine the function of good time in the current and proposed structure.