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 CO planted a sharpened 4.5-inch piece of plexiglass in an inmate’s cell, then filed four false reports, the DA said
The court ruled against David Gambino, who claimed Niagara County Jail staff violated his First Amendment rights by serving tainted kosher meals
A former inmate and three others, including two ex-corrections officers, conspired to steal personal data from 18 inmates using jail computers and contraband phones, the DA said
Lawsuit contends conditions in the jail demonstrate a willful, wanton disregard for the safety of officers, inmates and the public
U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffery Frensley issued the order last week in response to an argument from Tennessee-based CoreCivic that the public posts put the company’s right to a fair trial at risk
Problems cited include security gaps and inadequate or incompetent staffing that provided openings for contraband and raucous behavior among inmates
Tonya Chapman filed a $7 million lawsuit against WTVR-TV and reporter Jon Burkett in March 2021, alleging defamatory statements in stories published about an investigation of the parole board by the state’s government watchdog agency
Marco Paredes-Machado claims he was classified as a member of the ISIS terrorist group to justify moving him to the maximum-security prison
An official said changing the way people address substance use disorder can be a long-term solution for jail overcrowding
Critics claim earmarking stimulus money for new prisons is an “improper expenditure” for the funds
Though Casey White has been charged with Vicky White’s death, the indictment does not say he killed her
State appeals court decision asks criminal court to determine if an expert’s testimony on recidivism was false and inaccurate
Officials and experts discuss safety risk and placement decision for former police officer Derek Chauvin as he begins serving 21 years on federal civil rights charges
The ruling said inmates aren’t getting timely access to emergency treatment, medications, treatment for chronic diseases and specialty care
The city must build a $60 million expansion for inmates with mental and medical health problems
The law, effective July 1, provides judges the flexibility to send all Level 6 felons to the Department of Correction
The judge, who said she wanted the sentence to send an “unmistakable message,” noted that Maxwell never expressed remorse
The court highlights the differences in a policy violation vs. a constitutional violation in a case involving a jail suicide
New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association has argued that HALT will lead to increased violence in state prisons
The moratorium also bars expansions, conversions or renovations to an existing facility
Casey White’s attorneys filed a motion asking for the county to state if they intend to pursue the death penalty
The defense portrayed CO Vicky White as being in control of events from the start
“We do have a story to tell,” Casey White’s lawyer said, but added “this story is going to be told in the courtroom”
The legislation is the latest step by members of Congress to further oversight of the federal prison system
The court sided with CDCR over a federal healthcare receiver who had initiated the vaccine directive
It’s a key position in a prison system that has struggled to rein in criminal behavior, particularly at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women
Proponents hope the bill will crackdown on repeat offenders and reduce rising car thefts by juveniles
No criminal charges have been filed against the officer
“It doesn’t eliminate the use of solitary confinement, but it puts significant restrictions on its use,” said Rep. Steven Stafstrom
A federal monitor found inmates were “weaponizing” PREA and using it as a way to threaten officers and retaliate against them
The officer injured his knee during a “vertical jump test” while training with the agency
A fourth officer is also expected to be charged in the death
“Teenagers, even those who have committed terrible crimes, have a unique capacity for growth and change,” Gov. Kate Brown said
MOST POPULAR
- N.Y. CO’s union continues to push for changes to HALT solitary legislation
- N.Y. prison violence reaches all-time high with record number of assaults on staff
- Former inmate sues prison over ban on Satanism
- What Andrew Holland’s death reveals about caring for mentally ill inmates
- NJ CO punched, kicked by inmate at youth prison