The following law will give the reader an idea of the “good time” the prisoner earns during imprisonment, and is another powerful incentive toward good conduct. Few prisoners permit themselves to commit violations of rules, the gravity of which subjects them to punishment. A man may be deprived of good time for refusing to obey an order, fighting, insolence to guard, foreman or fellow-prisoner.
Diminution of Sentence.—Every convict sentenced for a definite term other than life, whether confined in the state prison or on parole therefrom, may diminish such term as follows:
| 1. | For each month, commencing on the day of his arrival, during which he has not violated any prison rule or discipline, and has labored with diligence and fidelity, five days. |
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| 2. | After one year of such conduct, seven days for each month. |
| 3. | After two years of such conduct, nine days for each month. |
| 4. | After three years, ten days for each month for the entire time thereafter. |
Said board, in view of the aggravated nature and frequency of offenses, may take away any or all of the good time previously gained, and, in consideration of mitigating circumstances or ignorance on the part of the convict, may afterwards restore him, in whole or in part, to the standing he possessed before such good time was taken away. Whenever a convict shall pass the entire period of his imprisonment without an unexcused violation of the rules or discipline, upon his discharge he shall be restored to his rights and privileges forfeited by conviction, and receive from the governor a certificate, under the seal of the state, as evidence of such restoration
DISCHARGE ALLOWANCE
In some states there is little or no provision for aiding the discharged prisoner, and in some states when parole is granted his prospective employer must first send railroad fare before he is released. In many states the discharged man is given five dollars in money, while in others he is permitted to earn money during his imprisonment. The following is the law that governs in the state of Minnesota:
Upon discharge the Warden, at the expense of the state, shall furnish each convict released with one good, serviceable suit of clothing and underclothing, and, when released between October 1 and March 31 following, with a good, serviceable overcoat; and he shall pay to each convict, when released, $25 in money drawn from the current expense fund.
