http://newsobserver.com/news/nc/ncwire_news/story/1686500p-7931487c.html
"In the 10 years since it went into effect, North Carolina's structured sentencing has done away with revolving-door prisons and provided truth in sentencing, officials say.
Under the law, which went into effect Oct. 1, 1994, state judges must follow new guidelines when sentencing an offender to prison. The law eliminated 'good time' and parole for prisoners.
State Sen. David Hoyle, D-Gaston, said he believes structured sentencing has accomplished its goal
'I think it's without question stopped the revolving prison door,' Hoyle said. 'When I came here (Raleigh) 12 years ago, there were about 20,000 people incarcerated. Now there are about 35,000 incarcerated. That's kind of a sad state to be in, but it's what the people wanted.'"
