Legal Commentary

Take Yoga, Get Early Jail Release

By Jeralyn

Unfortunately, this is happening in India, not the United States:

Prisoners in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh are being freed early if they complete yoga courses. For every three months spent practising posture, balance and breathing the inmates can cut their jail time by 15 days.

The authorities say the lessons help to improve the prisoners' self-control and reduce aggression. Some 4,000 inmates across the state are benefiting from the scheme, and many go on to become yoga instructors.

There's an added benefit: Many inmates get a job teaching yoga after their release. Another example of how to be smart about crime instead of just tough on crime. California, are you listening? You've already got a few programs in place.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on January 21, 2010 (boomark / email).