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.
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A youth development specialist allegedly received $72K in payments from youth and associates while smuggling razor blades, oxycodone and marijuana into Crossroads Juvenile Center
Stephen Bryant will be the third person executed by firing squad in South Carolina since executions resumed in 2024
Veteran CO Michael Dempsey, a veteran CO and court-appointed monitor, described a culture of fear, chronic absenteeism and untrained staff in testimony on L.A. County’s juvenile justice failures
One officer allegedly worked two state jobs while another forged 22 medical notes, prosecutors say
Brandon Grimes, serving life for killing Baltimore Detective Troy Lamont Chesley Sr., is accused of falsifying a ballistics report and planning the scheme with a woman outside prison
Leon Wilson, who took the stand in his own defense, told the jury that he thought he had interrupted a jailbreak in process but couldn’t reach his radio to call for help
Leon Wilson told jurors he believed a suspected contraband drop might have been part of an escape attempt and said he was in shock, unable to call 911 after opening fire
The reforms include new use of force rules, BWCs, bans on stress positions and K-9 patrols, and mandatory diversity training for staff at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center
Daniel Burger was among 10 corrections officers indicted in the death of inmate Messiah Nantwi and the alleged cover-up at the Oneida County prison
Two now-deceased staff members are accused of grooming and sexually assaulting youth in custody at Spokane County Juvenile Detention Center
Melvin Bishop admitted to chasing and tearing at a woman’s clothing during a medical exam at Atlantic County Jail
The inmate, serving life for murder, claimed the restrictions hurt his parenting ability, but the court cited safety and policy compliance
At least 127 inmates have been hospitalized with suspected overdoses in 2025, compared with 59 for the entirety of 2024, Nevada DOC said
Anthony Boyd was executed at Holman prison for his role in the 1993 killing of Gregory Huguley, who was burned alive over a drug debt
The group faces 13 charges after a months-long investigation into contraband at the Virginia Correctional Center for Women
Joseph Ray Snow was convicted of assault after breaking an inmate’s nose and kicking his teeth out during a 2022 booking
Sheriff Luna and DA Hochman support building a new facility, while county supervisors continue to push for closing Men’s Central Jail without building a replacement
The officers were acquitted of criminal charges but failed to follow the DOCCS policy requiring intervention during excessive force
David Kingsley was found guilty of murder and manslaughter, while two other officers were acquitted in the death of inmate Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility
James Sabatino, imprisoned at ADX Florence for running a luxury goods scam from his cell, argues the DOJ is misusing security measures to silence him
The former congressman had served just months of a 7-year sentence for identity theft and campaign fraud before receiving presidential clemency
Francis Chandler Jr. was promised a sentence of four years in state prison after pleading to second-degree gang assault in connection with inmate Messiah Nantwi’s death
Patricia Krenwinkel holds the distinction of being the state’s longest-incarcerated woman following her 1971 conviction
During closing arguments, the defense told the jury that their clients didn’t participate in the fatal assault of Robert Brooks and were trying to do their jobs in difficult circumstances
Why intensive, accountable treatment courts beat “probation as usual” and how agencies can target the right people, measure results and keep communities safe
Lance Shockley waited for hours near Sgt. Carl Graham Jr.’s home, then shot him with a rifle and shotgun as the trooper exited his cruiser
Amid nearly 30 vacancies at FCI Edgefield alone, prison teachers, nurses and electricians are being pulled to cover CO shifts without compensation
The new law raises wages for incarcerated firefighters from about $1 an hour to the federal minimum, with $10 million in state funding to support the increase
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