Increases in drug offenses and tougher mandatory sentencing laws account for most of the increase, officials say.

But the federal government does this all the time, with mandatory minimum sentencing laws.

It is also a state with a number of mandatory sentencing laws.

And in any case, the new mandatory sentencing laws left judges little opportunity for leniency.

"Now, with mandatory sentencing laws, they make up 10 to 15 percent of most state prison populations."

California enacted a high-penalty mandatory sentencing law, "three strikes and you're out."

Already the state's mandatory sentencing laws and limited resources are pushing up the prison population.

A number of organizations oppose mandatory sentencing laws because judges cannot give special consideration to women with young children.

The state has a 3-year mandatory sentencing law.

He has said he wants to repeal mandatory sentencing laws.