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 suit argues that Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s process for restoring the voting rights of people with felony convictions should be declared unconstitutional
An arbitrator ruled that Anthony Marlak’s termination was an excessive response by the state Department of Correction
The suit accuses officials of holding people in extended segregation even though they don’t meet the law’s criteria
The confrontation began after Alexis Cardenas, who had been released on traffic warrants, refused to leave the Harris County Jail
The bill would give the parole board a path to act on cases left pending after completion of a three-year rehabilitation program
Chadwick Scott Willacy, 58, was Florida’s fifth execution in 2026
Prosecutors say the inmate Marcus Terry fatally stabbed his cellmate with a pen during a violent 2021 attack inside Dade Correctional Institution
An inmate-run network used threats, violence and outside recruits to maintain control of drug distribution inside a Macon facility
Citing assaults, contraband and inmate deaths, NYSCOPBA is urging Gov. Hochul to take immediate action on HALT, double bunking and anti-smuggling laws
The Nebraska State Penitentiary restored access to sacred grounds after incarcerated men challenged a 60-day suspension in federal court
A captain and 10 corrections officers claimed nearly $229K in regular and overtime hours they didn’t work by arriving late, leaving early or engaging in “no-show” shifts at Rikers Island, investigators say
A federal panel ruled the supervisor’s actions fell within a legal gray area after a detainee used bedding to take his life at the Kalamazoo County Jail
The state report details how planted contraband led to inmates being disciplined, an assault on the corrections officer and concerns about retaliation at Kentucky State Penitentiary
A Lancaster County court ruled the termination was not justified under the labor agreement and cited inconsistent discipline among staff
Attorneys debated whether alleged coercion should factor into sentencing despite acquittals on trafficking charges
Body camera video includes staff commenting that the inmate was on the floor “all day from day shift” at the Cuyahoga County Jail
A new law requires inmates to serve set portions of sentences and expands pathways to try juveniles as adults
The attack left a 61-year-old sergeant going in and out of consciousness as staff rushed to provide aid at the Richmond City Justice Center
Plaintiffs claim correctional officers used chemical agents and force against compliant inmates during a 2024 search operation at Central California Women’s Facility
Southern Regional Jail corrections officers coordinated attacks on inmates and concealed misconduct in official reports, the DOJ says
A senator says preventable failures allowed an inmate to bypass cell security and carry out the attack, killing Correctional Officer Dustin Pedigo
Jurors rejected a murder charge but found Jonah Levi responsible for manslaughter and coordinated misconduct in Messiah Nantwi’s death at Mid-State Correctional Facility
Attorney generals from multiple states are urging President Trump to expand law enforcement authority to intercept drones before they reach prison grounds
ICE
While 287(g) agreements are banned in Maryland, correctional agencies can still assist ICE in limited circumstances, a judge ruled
State officials say lapses in medical and mental healthcare at the Onondaga County Justice Center contributed to multiple deaths in custody
Judges found non-medical staff were not responsible for treatment decisions during a widespread inmate health outbreak
The inmate was discovered with multiple injuries at Wallens Ridge State Prison as state police continue to investigate the death
Inmates built a makeshift tower in a fourth-floor rec room to retrieve drugs and other items, according to court filings
Lason Butler died of dehydration after being held in a cell at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center with no running water, the lawsuit said
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- Report: N.J.’s women’s prison making ‘steady progress’ on reforms but serious problems remain
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- N.J. county settles case for $750K after woman says she was shackled during labor
- Feds: N.J. CO orchestrated attacks on inmates in unobserved areas of prison
- COs sue for unpaid overtime, say owed $10,000 for past three years