By AP
Frankfort, KY – A controversial program that has allowed murderers and sex offenders to leave prison earlier as a way to save the cash-strapped state money is up before Kentucky's high court this week. Attorneys are scheduled to appear before the Kentucky Supreme Court on Wednesday. Attorney General Jack Conway claims the plan was unconstitutional and improperly enforced by the state.
Kentucky lawmakers approved the parole measure during the 2008 legislative session as part of the state budget bill. It was intended to cut down the cost of state prisons. Kentucky has about 22,000 inmates. Justice Cabinet spokeswoman Jennifer Brislin says officials have released 3,127 inmates from incarceration and 3,874 from parole since the program started.