Truth in Sentencing Act

The Truth in Sentencing Act of 1994 is a U.S. law aimed at reducing parole and sentencing discrepancies. It encourages states to ensure that offenders serve a substantial portion of their prison sentences before being eligible for release. This means that when a judge sentences someone, the time they actually serve in prison is closer to the sentence given, rather than being reduced significantly by parole or good behavior credits. The law was part of a broader push to promote public safety and reduce crime by ensuring that prisoners are held accountable for longer periods.