The New York Times examines the federal compassionate release program, a program designed to permit the release of sick, dying and elderly prisoners who are the least likely to re-offend and the most expensive to house.

An excerpt:

Congress created compassionate release as a way to free certain inmates, such as the terminally ill, when it becomes “inequitable” to keep them in prison any longer. Supporters view the program as a humanitarian measure and a sensible way to reduce health care costs for ailing, elderly inmates who pose little risk to public safety. But despite urging from lawmakers of both parties, numerous advocacy groups and even the Bureau of Prisons’ own watchdog, prison officials use it only sparingly.

Read the full NYT article.