US Supreme Court Rejects Brown's Prison Appeal

The Supreme Court has declined to hear Brown’s appeal, attempting to overturn a federal court order to reduce prison overcrowding in the state. California has until the end of January to comply with the order, but could be given an extension if it develops a suitable long-term plan to reduce overcrowding.

In the meantime the state has been ordered to negotiate with the plaintiffs in the prison lawsuit. Mike Bien is one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys.

“There’s opportunities to reduce our prison spending, to reduce crime and reduce overcrowding all at the same time,” Bien said. “And those are the kinds of options California has not yet fully embraced.”

The state has until the end of January to reduce prison overcrowding or present a solid plan for complying with its ruling. 

In a statement, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation says it’s disappointed with the Supreme Court’s rejection, but said California will continue to build on past reforms.