Correctional administrators recognize that the judicious use of good time may be an immediate and promising way to accelerate inmate release and alleviate prison overcrowding. The accumulation of good time credits can affect time served either by shortening the length of sentence to be served or by advancing the date when inmates become eligible for parole consideration. Historical developments in and research on the use of good time as a means of early release are reviewed, and the relationship between credit-based early release and sentencing and parole is assessed. Effects of good time are discussed in terms of offender rehabilitation, public safety, and prison and prison population management. 50 references