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.
Michael Lerma allegedly ran drug operations, enforced order and orchestrated violence while in custody at MDC Los Angeles
Arkansas lawmakers blocked a $750M prison bill as Alabama clears more funding for its ongoing construction plan
Union leaders cite training costs and security issues as a reason to reopen the Danville Correctional Center firing range, while businesses warn of stray bullets and noise
Part two of a two-part series looking at the value corrections officers provide to society
Budget deficits force tough decisions about who will face prosecution and who will remain free
Welfare recipients would get employment training and take “personal hygiene” lessons from prison dorm homes
Intensified state scrutiny of scandalls creates snowball effect
Suffolk County Sheriff Andrea Cabral has defended the facilities safety record
A poorly written discriminatory sentencing law is creating the problem
An ex-federal corrections officer is accused of plotting against a jailed member of the Pagans Motorcycle Club
CCA says inmates should have tried to solve problem through administrative channels before turning to courts
Prison officials can ban employees from wearing religious headscarves, court says
Hailed as a last-minute victory for opponents of the crackdown
100-to-1 disparity between crack- and powder-cocaine sentencing could change
The House voted to close loophole and officially define phones as contraband
Union leader was suspended for allegedly pushing and punching a co-worker
Gov. Phil Bredesen said after signing the bill Monday that it would require a verification process
Manuel Noriega is charged of money laundering
Defense lawyers say policy will cost taxpayers more, infringe on rights
The state argues that public safety trumps offender’s right to religious freedom
Defendants have the right to examine the evidence against them, including the computer code inside the breath-test machines
Why and how criminal justice agencies can and should educate politicians
An interview with Jail Risk Management Consultant Donald L. Leach
Local law enforcement agencies entering into agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Damon Cooke, a financial consultant with no criminal record before his conviction for attempted murder, has mentored other inmates; does not seem dangerous
2nd lawsuit between ACLU and CCA over Idaho Correctional Center still unfolding
The state is fining the private prison company for contract violations
Court will review case of Texas death row inmate Hank Skinner
Defendant must specifically be convicted of using the machine gun
Law would mandate life sentences for some child molesters
Photos were withheld by prison pornography policy
DOC has settled for more than $100,000 with a former inmate shackled during childbirth
The $2.9 million settlement awards up to $400 each to about 10,000 inmates at six GEO Group facilities
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