Consequences of Truth-in-Sentencing: The Mississippi Case

Like many other states, in the mid-1990s Mississippi responded to growing public fear of crime and mounting dissatisfaction with its criminal justice system by implementing a series of ‘get tough’ measures designed to control crime. Perhaps the primary vehicle for reform has been the enactment of ‘truth-in sentencing’ legislation. Truth-in-sentencing (TIS) does not imply a specific correctional policy, but covers a variety of reforms designed to improve the delivery of proportionate punishments and promote stability and predictability in administering criminal justice. In 1995 Mississippi implemented a TIS law which mandated that felons sentenced to prison must serve at least 85 percent of their sentence. Mississippi’s TIS law is unique compared to those passed in other states in that the 85 percent requirement applies to all groups of offenders, including non-violent offenders. The comprehensive nature of Mississippi’s TIS law has had a dramatic impact on the state’s criminal justice system - particularly its correctional component. This article examines both the direct effect of TIS on correctional populations, as well as the unanticipated impact of TIS on patterns of judicial decision making and political and economic dynamics related to prison construction in rural counties.