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.
In one case, a judge blocked the DOJ’s attempt to seek the death penalty for a 2022 police officer killing, citing due process violations
Two Wallens Ridge State Prison officers were stabbed multiple times and a third was assaulted in the incident
The panel pointed to repeated cellphone use and alleged gang involvement as reasons for denying parole for three more years
The early release of roughly 1,900 inmates is the product of a new package of laws overhauling the state’s criminal justice system
Parole of dozens of former juvenile lifers raises a host of questions about how those freed will navigate life on the outside
The man’s attorneys asked the state Supreme Court to spare him from execution because of questions about whether he is developmentally disabled
California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye said Tuesday that instead of cash bail, the state should rely on assessments of defendants’ danger to the public
The condemned inmate says he’s too ill for lethal injection
A syringe, 14 stimulant pills, 40 packets of heroin and rolling papers were found on the inmate as a result of the procedure
Prison workers reached out to legislators this summer to say they’re afraid the inmates will kill them
The bill made changes to all phases of the criminal justice system, from bail procedures to prison sentences to parole and probation
Defense attorneys and prosecutors are worried what that could mean for victims and for jailed defendants waiting for their day in court
A federal judge on Monday blocked an execution scheduled for an Alabama inmate convicted of killing a police officer two decades ago
Gov. Paul LePage is calling the news organizations “the most horrible organizations on the earth”
Among proposed changes are eliminating mandatory minimum sentences for some drug offenses while increasing penalties for others
The March ruling left prosecutors and defense attorneys scrambling to review cases, some dating back decades
The judge ordered a 90-day extension of his order to provide air-conditioned housing for heat-sensitive inmates
Parents of children found bullying other minors could face jail time under a new law
A court has reinstated a suit filed by an inmate who lost his job as a law librarian, allegedly for helping other inmates conduct legal research
SCOTUS did not weigh in on a New Jersey court ruling that helped prompt a law prohibiting mandatory life without parole for juveniles
The county intends to use the money to create a 21-bed shelter and day treatment center primarily for African American women
Lawmakers have pushed to reinstate New Mexico’s death penalty for certain criminal offenses and to broaden a rarely used “three-strikes” law
Federal immigration officials confirmed that prisons and jails across the Bay State are housing illegal immigrants posing as legal citizens
Attorneys allege the 53-year-old inmate died due to withdrawal from prescribed medications
At issue were arguments by 58-year-old Anthony Sowell over the closure of an evidence hearing during his trial and his rejected offer to plead guilty
Anti-gun violence groups say the provision is dangerous
Contraband drugs like suboxone are killing inmates, yet courts hamper NH correctional facilities from taking proactive measures
Mississippi is one of 10 states that permanently revoke voting rights for people convicted of some or all felonies
A judge ordered officials last week to reveal more details about one of the drugs the state plans to use in a November execution
The judge said that further information about conversations between lawyers after Trump’s comments wouldn’t change the court’s ruling that the criticism won’t sway the case
The disclosure comes as a Nevada lawmaker proposed legislation to require the board to consider an inmate’s domestic violence history before approving parole
A ruling is expected within several months
A judge ruled last year that detectives took advantage of Brendan Dassey’s youth and cognitive disabilities to coerce his confession
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- 23 indicted in Calif. prison gang fight
- Pregnant CO says she wasn’t allowed to leave work; then her baby died, suit says
- Quadruple murder suspect booked into Idaho jail
- Mass. bill that would cut prison time for organ donations raises ethical, legal concerns
- Mass. legislators walk back bill to reduce prison time if inmates donate organs