Elderly Prisoners

The ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵworks in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and the laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country.

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What's at Stake

Some people behind bars are so frail because of old age or illness that they can barely walk. By 2030, one-third of all incarcerated individuals will be over 55. The recidivism rate of adults over 65 is only 4 percent, yet compassionate release laws are rarely used. We need to rethink the costly practice of keeping these people, who pose little or no risk to public safety, behind bars. 

Some people behind bars are so frail because of old age or illness that they can barely walk. By 2030, one-third of all incarcerated individuals will be over 55. The recidivism rate of adults over 65 is only 4 percent, yet compassionate release laws are rarely used. We need to rethink the costly practice of keeping these people, who pose little or no risk to public safety, behind bars. 

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