In Michigan, a state often associated with progressive policies, the criminal justice system has some of the harshest carceral practices in the nation. This is exemplified by excessively long sentences, the absence of sentence reduction opportunities, and overcrowded prisons, leading to dire consequences for both incarcerated individuals and the staff. Advocates are calling for a return to “good time” policies to reduce sentence lengths and improve prison conditions, highlighting the urgent need for reform in a state that spends a significant portion of its budget on incarceration.