In October 2005, California’s prison system were determined to be overcrowded. The number of prison inmates incarcerated in California prisons greatly exceeded the prisons’ designed capacity. This severe overcrowding posed a serious threat to the health and safety of inmates, correctional officers, and the general public.
Proposals made by the Governor to remedy the problem were rejected by the Legislature. The Governor called a special session of the Legislature to address the crisis, but the Legislature adjourned without taking any remedial action.
