Republican House Leader disagrees with MO Chief Justice Judiciary Assessment
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Republican House Leader disagrees with MO Chief Justice Judiciary Assessment

Date: February 3, 2010
By: Max Reiss
State Capitol Bureau

Intro:  A top Missouri House Republican disagrees with the Missouri Chief Justice's assessment of the state of the judiciary.
RunTime:  0:36
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: House Republican Speaker Pro Tem Bryan Pratt says if you're sent to prison, you should stay there.

Actuality:  PRATTJU1.WAV
Run Time:  00:06
Description: "If you commit a crime, for which jail is a possibility, it is my opinion that you should go and spend time in jail."

He disagrees with Missouri Chief Justice William Price, who said the state should save some money and release non-violent criminals from prison.

According to Pratt, there's no good reason to cut loose convicted felons.

Actuality:  PRATTJU2.WAV
Run Time:  00:05
Description: "Even in tough budget times, letting prisoners out of prison, is not, should not be an alternative."

Most Republicans like Pratt stayed in their seats throughout Price's address to the general assembly.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Max Reiss, Newsradio 1120, KMOX.

Intro:   One of Missouri's House leaders says money shouldn't be an issue when it comes to keeping convicted felons behind bars.
RunTime:  0:0
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Non violent criminals with drug and alcohol related convictions don't just need rehabilitation and counseling.

That's according to House Republican Speaker Pro Tem Bryan Pratt.

He says they need a lot more.

Actuality:  PRATTJU3.WAV
Run Time:  00:08
Description: "If you have several DWI's and you've shown a reckless disregard for the law and maybe just gotten lucky and haven't killed anybody. . . you should go to jail."
Wednesday, Missouri's Chief Supreme Court Justice recommended releasing nonviolent criminals from prison for budget reason.
 
Pratt, a lawyer, says the state shouldn't cut prisoners loose just to cut costs.
 
Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Max Reiss, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.