You sometimes hear about it in the movies but do people really get out of prison early because occupancy is too high and they need more room so they just grant parole early to some people?

Sometimes they'll early release an old bastard that is too old to cause anyone any harm, which is OK by me.

pro druggies claim murderers, rapists, child pornographers are let loose all the time just to make room for someone busted for 1/2 a joint

Yep.

Quoted: pro druggies claim murderers, rapists, child pornographers are let loose all the time just to make room for someone busted for 1/2 a joint

Don't know about murderers but I'd sure believe it for the latter two.  Those crimes carry less of a sentence that drug infractions a lot of the time.

there is a reason they call it "the system"    

Quoted: You sometimes hear about it in the movies but do people really get out of prison early because occupancy is too high and they need more room so they just grant parole early to some people?

Yes.

It is not uncommon for a prisoner to sue claiming that over-crowding causes conditions that violate his 8th ammendment rights.

A judge can then review the operations of the prison and rule that the prison must operate based on a certain minimum standard, which in practical effect mandates more space and staff.

Often jurisdictions don't have the money for that and don't want to pony up for it, so they let prisoners go to alleviate the problem.

In Baltimore a while back the DA declined to prosecute a murder case because they lacked the resources to do so, according to them. Two guys got away with murder because the DA didn't have the money for a trial.

In Indianapolis, the jail is subject to overcrowding.  A federal judge set a limit on occupancy.  So, if you want to commit a crime, do it in Indianapolis.  Unless it is rape or murder, there is a good chance you will be let go with a summons.  I remember reading a story about how drug dealers would page each other when the lock up was full.  I don't know what the actual number is, like 500 people or something, so they would page each other with "500".  They knew they didn't have to worry about going ti jail that night.

It isn't prison for convicted felons, but it is a problem.

From the Stockton (CA) Record Newspaper.

"County growing fast


Greg Kane
Record Staff Writer
Published Friday, Mar 3, 2006


Nearly 100,000 people have moved to San Joaquin County or were born here in the past five years, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in the state, according to figures released Thursday.

San Joaquin County Supervisor Steve Gutierrez said Thursday the high rate of growth in San Joaquin County places greater pressure on social services, roads and buildings. He pointed out that the County Jail makes early releases of prisoners every day because of crowding issues,and local hospitals often have no beds for new patients.

"All 100,000 of those people aren't going to be healthy," Gutierrez said. "They're not all going to be good and stay out of jail."

The growth also creates the need for more schools, buses, child care, housing and numerous other services, Gutierrez said."

I can think of an alternative method for thinning the herd at prisons.  It is also cheaper for the taxpayers as well, costing approximately $.12 -$.15 per prisoner.