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Michigan inmates get remedy in parole ban case

Steve Carmody
/
Michigan Radio
The inmates were sent to prison with life sentences for a variety of crimes but still had a chance at parole. Then they got in trouble for possessing a weapon or committing another offense behind bars.

DETROIT (AP) - About 130 Michigan prison inmates will have an opportunity to seek parole in a case that ends an unusual state policy of treating them as mandatory lifers.

The state won't appeal a 2013 court decision that struck down the policy and has agreed to clear the way for a parole process. Judge Deborah Servitto signed an order last week.

It's an odd case. The inmates were sent to prison with life sentences for a variety of crimes but still had a chance at parole. Then they got in trouble for possessing a weapon or committing another offense behind bars.

The consequence: No chance at release.

University of Michigan law professor Paul Reingold and students filed the lawsuit. The state said its interpretation of the law had never been questioned.

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting.
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