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 settlement resolves claims that more than 1,500 pregnant CDCR staff were forced to choose between unsafe duties, demotion or unpaid leave
Lena Summerlin, whose legal name was David Cassady at the time, was sentenced to 80 years for mailing bombs from prison to the DOJ and an Alaska courthouse in 2020
Two corrections officers were promised 22 years in prison in exchange for the guilty plea, while two others face 3 to 9 years for their roles in the fatal assault at Marcy Correctional Facility
Security checks, maintenance work and 3 a.m. pill calls are among the reasons the inmates cite for their inability to get a full night’s sleep
The suit alleges medical malpractice and several counts of negligence, including improper training and supervision of medical staff at the prison; emotional distress; civil conspiracy; and breach of contract
Auditors found the cost of incarceration outweighs the cost of pretrial services, concluding reforms could save $6-12 million in taxpayer money each year
A woman who gave birth in jail alleges state officials denied her medical care leading up to her delivery
All six people were wrongfully convicted for rape and spent more than 75 years combined in prison until DNA evidence cleared them in 2008
The group says imposing sentences on people who can’t afford to pay fines violates the Constitution
Officials say they’re continuing a path of improvements that will satisfy concerns
The inmate was pardoned in 2017 after DNA evidence and re-investigation proved his innocence
Officials have agreed to lower the number of inmates per cell as well as take other actions
The COs were acquitted of felony charges of aggravated assault
In separate lawsuits, the inmates with Hepatitis C claim officials denied them available medicine for more than a year
Council members approved ending the jailing of sexual assault victims who resist testifying
Nine inmates claim conditions after a 2017 riot became worse for the inmates including being abused by COs
The proposal would help nearly 50,000 felons who’ve served time adjust back in the community
Officials at the Stillwater prison said there are 235 corrections officers working there and 25 unfilled positions
The man who bought two rifles for terrorists to use in the San Bernardino shooting wants to withdraw his guilty plea
Some 800,000 federal workers have had to work without pay or have been kept from doing their jobs
The Court dismissed a lawsuit filed by eight death-row inmates who argued their sentences were no longer valid
A former state senator and member of the Ohio Parole Board is calling for an independent investigation against the nine-member board
Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien says death row inmate Warren Keith Henness’ motion is an abuse of the court system
The inmate convicted of aiding and abetting a first-degree murder was the first of an estimated 800 eligible for re-sentencing
The man could be eligible for more than $2 million under a Michigan law that compensates the wrongfully convicted
The inmate has filed a federal lawsuit against the current and former prison officials he alleges failed to protect him
A man was granted posthumous clemency for a stabbing that a serial killer later confessed to committing
The court has approved 86 clemency applications over the past eight years
The new specialized court says the program could break the cycle of repeat offenders
The right to vote was restored for most felons in Fla., increasing the pool of eligible voters
The Tenn. governor has granted clemency to Cyntoia Brown, a woman serving a life sentence for murder
Matthew Charles received national attention in 2018 after being re-sentenced and ordered back to prison two years after a judge ruled his sentence was unfair
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