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.
The Department of Juvenile Justice says a toxic workplace culture at Mayfield enabled sexual activity while COs were on duty and youth fights hidden from cameras and supervisors
Messiah Nantwi resisted being handcuffed and grabbed a CO’s vest during an emergency response call, leading several COs to strike the inmate, the indictment says
The case hinged on whether inmate Charles Givens died from a beating or a seizure-induced fall; the jury found no evidence of officer wrongdoing
On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Jeremy Fogel will return to San Quentin for a tour of the state’s new and untested death chamber
First-time, nonviolent offenders may be sent into treatment programs
The federal warning indicates that the Justice Department would not tolerate even city-sanctioned growing operations
COs in Washington are calling for a legislative change that would allow them to be compensated whenever they are assaulted by an inmate
Pressure from U.S. senators in January led to an agreement signed Wednesday between the Internal Revenue Service and the federal Bureau of Prisons
Okla. prison costs have increased more than 30 percent in the last decade with growing prison population
The revolving door into the state’s prison system causes a profound financial
Investigation will examine whether prison officials are using cars for personal use and whether they should have cars at all
At issue is whether lawyers in Ohio can react quickly when they perceive something going wrong with an execution
State officials say Massachusetts prisons are already overcrowded
Oklahoma has used the drug in three executions, including two earlier this month
Spending on inmate healthcare has gone up in the state, but without significantly improving conditions for sick and injured convicts
The man’s initial sentence of 60 days to life in prison led Vermont to crack down on punishment for sex crimes
Bill would require the state to study the use of physical castration as an alternative to civil commitment for sexually violent predators
The proposed bill would require police to check suspects’ status and transport illegal immigrants to a federal jail
The ACLU has long argued that the prolonged detention of immigrants violates both the Immigration and Nationality Act and their right to due process
The Supreme Court unanimous ruling could affect hundreds of cases in federal courts in California
British police will have only up to 14 days to detain suspected terrorists — still a far longer period than in most other nations
A judge refused Friday to toss out the conviction of the first Guantanamo detainee to be tried in a civilian court
Many parents are being jailed even though they have no ability to pay child support, creating modern-day debtor’s prisons
IRS and Bureau of Prisons spokeswomen say they are working to end gaps in what is already substantial enforcement against the practice
Jail officers will no longer be paid overtime for working on holidays
Gov. Jerry Brown’s new plan to send thousands of low-risk convicts, and all youth offenders, to county lockups is being hailed by many as an idea whose time has come
The suit, filed in 2007, alleged a blanket strip search policy violated inmates’ constitutional rights
Death penalty foes are enthused about the chances for repeal elsewhere if a large, industrial state such as Illinois does it
Gov. Jerry Brown’s plan is aimed at saving the state money, reducing overcrowded prisons and attempting to better handle juveniles and low-level offenders
Congress passed the law in 2002 making it illegal for criminals to own bulletproof vests