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 Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board will now be able to investigate the actions of jail medical staff and contractors involved in custody death cases
A Somerset County jury convicted Paul J. Kendrick of first-degree murder and sentenced him to death for killing Sgt. Mark Baserman in 2018
The scanning policy, backed by AFSCME, follows reports of fentanyl and synthetic drugs entering prisons through letters and legal mail
Georgia’s prison population was about 53,000 at the end of 2017, down from nearly 55,000 at its peak in July 2012
“If [bailing out inmates] is done without any discussion ... it’s going to make New York City less safe,” NYPD Commissioner O’Neill said
The officers shot the inmate with a dozen pepper balls when he tried to escape after flooding his cell
U.S. District Judge David Godbey wrote that the current system violated constitutional rights
The convicted sex offender is demanding release from prison, removal from the sex-offender program and $850,000
The county’s $500,000-plus legal expenses stem from a statewide grand jury probe into sex abuse at the county jail
20 violent offenders will now be granted hearings
Audits revealed as many as 20 percent of officers throughout the state did not receive wages
One overlooked “victim” of the opioid epidemic are children born to opioid-dependent mothers who actively used throughout pregnancy
A lawsuit alleges the facility is ridden with mold, rat and insect infestations
The former inmate claimed COs used excessive force and caused “life-threatening injuries”
Companies are hoping to block a new Calif. law that would eliminate cash bail to be released from jail
Hundreds of drug companies had previously refused to supply the state with execution drugs
This is the second lawsuit filed recently over the same issue
In the last 14 months, 8 inmates have died while in custody at the Spokane County Jail
Since implementing this model, VADOC has recorded the lowest rate of offender recidivism among 45 states that produce three-year recidivism rates for felons
Bail reform might be the most consequential and far reaching reform yet, legal experts said
A 2016 Supreme Court ruling found mandatory life-without-parole sentences for juveniles were cruel and unusual punishment
The suit accuses 23 male officers of physical threats and verbal abuse
Critics argue bill will allow dangerous people to go free, not return for trial
Lawsuit alleges a limit on number of books inmates can have at a time violates First Amendment
Group chairman says eight inmate deaths in 14 months “should profoundly concern all of us”
Crowd of 300 rallied outside prison to support inmates in nationwide strike
Proposal would establish a five-year cooling-off period before a felon can become a candidate
U.S. District Court won’t hear trial challenging state’s use of execution drug until April 2019
Former inmate did not receive the specialized treatment he needed while in prison, court documents say
Tywon Salters overpowered a corrections officer, took his gun and held the nurses hostage
Officials hope the decision will head off a nasty debate in the lead-up to midterms
Thousands of inmate calls to defense attorneys were recorded in 2015, 2017
Authorities say protesters were blocking jail entrance, refused to leave