Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-03-20
Waning Hospitality. of Jails
BY. FREDERIC J. HASKIN.

the sentenced individual who is at large
on such terms. If he behaves himself
for IL months, in the case of a mis-
demeanor, he then goes free, but II con-
victed of a felony the sentencing Judge
may take him in again and put him in
jail for the maximum term. 1t Is dis
cretionary in the judge to require
parole bond. This is, perhaps, the most
liberal type of criminal statute OF the
sort in the land. About all sentence
in such case means Is that the Judge
has his eye on the criminal. Presump-
lively, any judge has his eye on every
one.
Alabama has a similar statute. but
extends the parole or suspended SEN
tence procedure even to convicts SON
fenced up t. 10 yearo. This incluocs
practically all save the major capital
onenSeS. The average sentence is far
under 10 years. In effect, therefore,
such law provides an open jail door
for almost every one outward bound,
but makes it somewhat difficult to
get in.
Interesting Criminal Laws.
A new law of Maryland sets up a
probation department under the Su-
preme bench of Baltimore. This body
may suspend the probable sentence of
an indicted person even before his con-
viction. This has the effect of going
back in the queue waiting in line for ad-
mittance to jail and taking individuals
out before they get to the head Of the
line. But, in fairness to the indicted
persons, the State does not permit this
diversion to freedom without the writ
ten consent Of the indicted person.
| After conviction, however. the man
must accept probation If the parole de-
partment insists upon it.
Whereas Oregon formerly confined
| authority to grant paroles to the Cir
cult Court, a new law has extended
this power to all courts in the State.
A new Michigan law seeks to keep peo-
pie out of jail by providing that they
be paroled in order to work and make
restitution to persons they have. de-
| frauded
| An effort Is made to curb real GRIM
| inals. When paroles are violated Of
tenders are brought back and usually
required to serve out their full original
sentences. Michigan has gone SO far
as to provide that If an offender pa
rolled by that State. commits a crime
IN another State while at liberty he Is
to serve for the crime the full length
Of his original sentence. even though
the second crime committed would not
ordinarily carry so heavy penalty.
A number Of other interesting Grim
tnal laws have been enacted by the
States in the last year. Michigan has
made 1t a crime to take a picture of a
grand jury or any one connected with
1t during the tendency Of its functions.
A new Massachusetts, law provides for
the trial Of kidnaper either where
the kidnapping is committed or where
the criminal is caught California rec
| ogn1zes the crime of SANDER by radio
and permits trial either where the SLAM
der Is spoken or where it Is heard.
Hawaii has enacted a statute permitting
q party to an action to make afidavit
that the Judge has a personal bias
/ against him or In favor of an opuo-
nent at bar, this affidavit disqualifyinR
the judge to sit
Progress Is noted in the tendency of
the State laws to recognize pathological
or mental disturbances in connection
with crime and trend toward the sub
stitution of hospital treatment in lieu
| OF punishment in certain cases.
The most pronounced trend, however.
Is that toward keeping people out of
| jail. Persistently continued, such legis-
lat1on might reach the point where the
populace will have to storm the prison
! doors, seeking little shelter.