N.C. Mulls Special Session To Deal With Inmate Issue

Gov. Beverly Perdue says she hopes she doesn't have to recall North Carolina lawmakers to settle a dispute over whether 27 inmates can be released from prison.

But WRAL-TV reports Friday that Perdue's staff is working on legislation, just in case.

The North Carolina Supreme Court ruled last month in favor of a prisoner who argued a 1970s state law defined a life sentence as 80 years.

Time-off credits allowed Bobby Bowden to get a day-for-a-day for good behavior, and 27 inmates have qualified for release. But that was halted after Perdue said prison officials weren't authorized to apply the credits to inmates sentenced to life.

Court arguments are expected on Perdue's challenge in the next month. A special session would cost North Carolina taxpayers about $50,000 a day.

• IMAGES: Local Felons Sentenced To Life In Prison To Be Released

Previous Stories: October 27, 2009: Charlotte Man Challenges N.C. Supreme Court Ruling To Keep Killers In Prison October 23, 2009: N.C. Lifers Coping With Decision To Delay Freedom October 22, 2009: N.C. Governor Says She Won't Free 20 Prisoners October 20, 2009: Victims, Families Outraged By N.C. Inmates' Release