The Nation - News from Oct. 24, 1985

The state of Tennessee cannot accept any new prisoners until overcrowding is relieved at its three centers for incoming prisoners, a federal judge ruled in Nashville. U.S. District Judge Thomas A. Higgins berated the administration of Gov. Lamar Alexander for missing deadlines on court-ordered reductions in inmate populations. “The court has acted with enormous restraint and responded patiently time and time and time again to delays,” Higgins said. The judge rejected a request by state Atty. Gen. Mike Cody to put off the ruling until after the Legislature meets in special session beginning Nov. 5 to take up the governor’s new prison plan.