More prisons an option for Tennessee despite past problems

By , Daily Memphian Updated: October 10, 2022 4:00 AM CT | Published: October 10, 2022 4:00 AM CT

Tennessee passed a law similar to “truth in sentencing” in 1979. The law led to overcrowded prisons, rioting and millions in damage to state property. The National Guard was called in. The result was a federal consent decree and sentencing reform. Will history repeat itself?

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truth in sentencing Cameron Sexton Brent Taylor John Gillespie Raumesh Abkari Antonio Parkinson
Ian Round

Ian Round

Ian Round is The Daily Memphian’s state government reporter based in Nashville. He came to Tennessee from Maryland, where he reported on local politics for Baltimore Brew. He earned a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Maryland in December 2019.

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