Legal
Legal issues in the correctional system encompass various topics, including inmate rights, staff conduct, and compliance with state and federal laws. This directory offers articles and resources on the legal aspects of correctional facility operations, helping staff stay informed about the regulations and policies that govern their work. Understanding legal responsibilities is essential for minimizing liability and ensuring facilities operate within the law. For more information, explore our section on Corrections Policies.
Gregory Beers was convicted of trafficking fentanyl, meth, and heroin on behalf of a drug ring tied to Aryan Family and Omerta prison gangs
Avelino Ramirez admitted to smuggling and planting cocaine, cellphones and other contraband items to appear effective and earn overtime at San Quentin and Vacaville
Gregory Hunt’s death marks the sixth U.S. execution using nitrogen gas
A large percentage of offenders were exposed to mores prior to developing cognitive ability and were then taught a whole new set of norms and standards throughout their respective life courses
The state will save $1.1M by consolidating state prisons
The pilot program aims to rehabilitate, teach trade skills and morals to nonviolent offenders
There are over 12M admissions annually across 3K jails that apply for the grants
The bill aims to save money by incarcerating fewer nonviolent inmates and investing savings in drug treatment
The residential substance abuse treatment unit will hold up to 28 inmates
The new system will keep more young offenders at home to participate in community-based programs that focus on behavioral changes
New opportunity arises for young offenders after Supreme Court ruled life sentences without parole for juveniles is unconstitutional
The bill is aimed to reduce prison population, shorten prison terms and decrease recidivism
About 62K inmates will have the chance to wipe their records clean
Schwarzenegger did not respond to requests for comment
Commission would review only new evidence that hadn’t previously been heard by a court for death penalty cases
Judge ruled that the lack of funds for legal defense violated inmates’ Sixth Amendment rights
The bill aims to keep the state’s prison down population and decrease the number of repeat offenders
The state faces a fast-approaching expiration date on the supply of key lethal-injection drug
Inmates from seven prisons are protesting lack of quality water and food, low wages, and poor working conditions
200 are inmates serving life sentences with the possibility of parole for crimes committed when they were under 18
Bill would include building new prisons and improve training programs that can help inmates transition to life outside
State requested permission to jam cellular signal at prison, halted before FCC
The recidivism rate for people with mental illness is 85 percent
A correctional officer has to be a good listener, counselor, social worker, diplomat, tough guy emergency medical technician and a hero
State auditors discovered a host of irregularities surrounding jail facilities and construction
For some victims, longer prison terms can create additional problems
The inmate developed a severe infection on his forearm after receiving a tattoo from another inmate
The bill is aimed at reducing the prison population and chances of criminals re-offending
Listen in as we bring corrections out of the past and into the future
‘He’s an honorable man who has done nothing wrong’
Bill proposes construction of four new facilities