Last month, a panel of federal judges ordered California to cut more than 40-thousand inmates over two years. The judges gave the state until September 18th to come up with a plan. Now the Schwarzenegger Administration is asking the panel to stay that order while it appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court. Aaron McLear is Schwarzenegger’s Press Secretary:
“We believe that the state can better manage its prison population. We don’t nee the federal government to do that for us. That’s why we’re seeking an appeal. That’s why we’re seeking a stay.”
In the court documents, California’s Attorney General argues that a big reduction in the inmate population would increase crime in the state. There are currently about 150-thousand inmates in prison – close to double the intended capacity. Legislative efforts to reduce that have stalled.