Dying Behind Bars Back in 1984, Congress gave authorities the power to let people out of federal prison early, in extraordinary circumstances, like if inmates were gravely ill or dying. But a new report says the Federal Bureau of Prisons blocks all but a few inmates from taking advantage of "compassionate release."
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Dying Behind Bars

Report: The Federal Bureau of Prisons blocks all but a few inmates from "compassionate release."

A new report says federal prison officials rarely grant "compassionate release," even for the most gravely ill inmates. iStockphoto.com hide caption

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Nearly 30 years ago, Congress gave terminally ill inmates and prisoners with extraordinary family circumstances an early way out, known as compassionate release. iStockphoto.com hide caption

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