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.
Frank Athen Walls was put to death by lethal injection at Florida State Prison in the state’s 19th execution in 2025
Ghislaine Maxwell’s habeas petition argues that suppressed evidence and false testimony led to a wrongful conviction in her 2021 sex trafficking trial
A grand jury returned charges against current and former Alameda County deputies over the death of Maurice Monk, who was found unresponsive in his cell after days without aid
To date, the governor has pardoned 156 individuals and granted 18 commutations
“Despite the claims set forth in her lawsuit, [the deputy] was terminated after she posted a photograph of an incarcerated individual on social media, and was observed visiting him while in the jail,” an official said
DOC Deputy Commissioner for Health Affairs Nichole Adams-Flores, who is black, says she’s been frozen out of important duties by white and Asian colleagues
He has granted 1,189 pardons and 152 commutations, far more than any other governor in modern California history
Kansas City has agreed to pay $1.1 million to a man who spent 17 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted
The legislation will give judges more discretion when sentencing some drug offenders and will boost prisoner rehabilitation efforts, among other efforts
The state’s voters approved Amendment 4, which says most felons will automatically have their voting rights restored when they complete their sentences.
Attorney General Ken Paxton, who defended the state in a similar case earlier this year, said these prisoners can’t prove their rights are being intentionally violated
The bill follows the example of states such as Texas that have boosted training and treatment programs for inmates in an effort to curb recidivism and save taxpayer dollars
The union representing federal correctional officers has supported the measure
The lawsuit asks for the Texas prison system to step up their training so officers know to ensure adequate medical treatment in the future
The bill would allow about 2,600 federal prisoners sentenced for crack cocaine offenses the opportunity to petition for a reduced penalty
Reforms are expected to reduce the number of federal prisoners by 53,000
The bill, which would increase staffing at state prisons, would be named for fallen CO Joseph Gomm
For-profit companies allocating more funds and resources into post-prison rehabilitation stand to benefit from criminal justice reform
The department must show why it should not be held in contempt of court for failure to meet deadlines for increasing mental health staff in prisons
From inmate mental healthcare to officer recruitment and retention, the corrections profession faced many challenges in 2018
One officer alleges she was transferred from HR to work with inmates because a brain disorder made her untrustworthy with confidential information
The inmate was TASERed twice after going for the deputy’s gun in the scuffle
The suit against three news organizations alleges inaccurate references to his criminal case have hurt his chances at possibly running in 2020 for the U.S. Senate
The lawsuit claims men on work release status are granted significantly greater freedom, privileges and opportunities than women
The FBI is still investigating Bulger’s Oct. 30 death after being transferred to a new prison
Based on the outcomes in Virginia, the Cognitive Community model has a high potential for successful replication in other correctional systems, both adult and juvenile
A Colo. sheriff’s practice of continuing to jail people suspected of being in the country illegally on behalf of feds is unconstitutional, judge says
The bill has support from several conservative and liberal advocacy groups, but it splits law enforcement groups
The inmate ended up slipping and tearing his rectum -- causing pain, fear and embarrassment, his suit said
The officer alleges he’s been passed up for numerous training and promotion opportunities, and he remains concerned about losing his job amid health problems caused by mistreatment
Jessica Jauch was eventually cleared of the drug charge after undercover video didn’t show her committing a crime
The bill’s supporters are looking at changes requested by the National Sheriffs’ Association
Inmates claim a new law banning explicit material in prisons violates their constitutional rights