And that’s not a good thing!

Bristol County Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson had no right to impose a controversial $5 a day fee on inmates at the county jail for room and board, as well as additional charges for medical care and other services, the Supreme Judicial Court ruled yesterday.  http://tinyurl.com/y8grudr

The ruling is expected to result in a court order requiring Hodgson to return about $750,000 to hundreds of current and former prisoners.

I believe that the public has complete responsibility for enforcing the law (police) and administering justice (courts and public defenders).   However, those found guilty, whether in diversion or on probation, ought to be responsible for the cost. 

In this particular case, it was a question of authority.  The Sheriff did not have the right to impose these fees unilaterally and required enabling legislation from the Massachusetts House.  So Massachusetts Legislators get on it and help reduce the growing tax burden for your citizens while instilling a sense of responsibility.