The following law will give the reader an idea of the “good time” the
prisoner earns during imprisonment, and is another powerful incentive
toward good conduct. Few prisoners permit themselves to commit violations
of rules, the gravity of which subjects them to punishment. A man may be
deprived of good time for refusing to obey an order, fighting, insolence
to guard, foreman or fellow‐prisoner.
Diminution of Sentence.—Every convict sentenced for a definite term other
than life, whether confined in the state prison or on parole therefrom,
may diminish such term as follows:
1. For each month, commencing on the day of his arrival, during which
he has not violated any prison rule or discipline, and has labored
with diligence and fidelity, five days.
2. After one year of such conduct, seven days for each month.
3. After two years of such conduct, nine days for each month.
4. After three years, ten days for each month for the entire time
thereafter.
Said board, in view of the aggravated nature and frequency of offenses,
may take away any or all of the good time previously gained, and, in
consideration of mitigating circumstances or ignorance on the part of the
convict, may afterwards restore him, in whole or in part, to the standing
he possessed before such good time was taken away. Whenever a convict
shall pass the entire period of his imprisonment without an unexcused
violation of the rules or discipline, upon his discharge he shall be
restored to his rights and privileges forfeited by conviction, and receive
from the governor a certificate, under the seal of the state, as evidence
of such restoration