Many are calling for parole of the elderly. It doesn't make sense in terms of crime control. Some go further. At George Washington University's Project for Older Prisoners, coordinator Ann Burdick has successfully lobbied for the release of more than 200 infirm, well-behaved older prisoners who've admitted guilt for their crimes. Not one prisoner represented by Burdick's group has returned to commit a crime, she said.
Prison is punishment' There is another side to the debate, of course.
Many tough sentencing advocates believe convicted felons belong in prison because they require punishment, regardless of their health or age. He does believe that prison is punishment. You have to impose a penalty that's just and punishes someone for what they've done. Texas, for example, has added almost 100,000 beds, tripling its capacity. He said the average prisoner's age is creeping up by six months a year.