NCJ Number
46626
Date Published
1977
Length
3 pages
Annotation
A FEDERAL JUDGE WHO PRESIDES OVER INMATE CIVIL RIGHTS CASES, NOTING THE SHARP INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF SUCH CASES NOW BEING HEARD IN THE COURTS, OFFERS SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR RELIEVING OVERBURDENED COURTS.
Abstract
IT IS MAINTAINED THAT FEDERAL COURTS DO NO INVOLVE THEMSELVES IN THE CORRECTIONAL PROCESS OUT OF ANY DESIRE TO CONTROL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS, BUT TO SEE THAT BASIC CONSTITUTIONALLY GUARANTEED RIGHTS ARE PROVIDED FOR INMATES. SUCH ACTION BY THE COURTS IS CONSIDERED UNFORTUNATE AND GENERALLY INEFFICIENT, AND IT IS ARGUED THAT COMPLAINTS ABOUT DENIAL OF PRIVILEGES AND RIGHTS SHOULD BE HANDLED ON AN ADMINISTRATIVE LEVEL. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT THE BASIC SITUATION CAN BE IMPROVED IN TWO WAYS. THE FIRST WOULD BE TO REMEDY INHUMANE PRISON CONDITIONS CREATED BY PUBLIC APATHY, INSTITUTIONAL OVERCROWDING, AND LACK OF MEANINGFUL REHABILITATIVE PROGRAMS. THE SECOND TACTIC WOULD BE TO CREATE ADMINISTRATIVE GRIEVANCE-ADJUSTMENT POLICIES THAT ARE FAIR, EXPENDITIOUS AND IMPARTIAL, AND THAT WILL BRING RELIEF WHEN JUSTIFIED. OMBUDSMEN, VOLUNTEER LAWYERS AS HEARING EXAMINERS, INDEPENDENT BOARDS OF REVIEW, AND PROVISION OF LEGAL INFORMATION SERVICES FOR INMATES ALREADY REFLECT THIS POLICY. (RCB)