NCJ Number
88939
Date Published
1983
Length
12 pages
Annotation
U.S. District Judge Carol O. Bue, Jr. was a central participant in jail reform in Harris County, Tex., as a result of a class-action suit, Alberti v. Sheriff and Commissioners Court of Harris County.
Abstract
Jail problems in Houston were generally typical of jail problems elsewhere and included inhumane living conditions, an inmate population composed largely of pretrial detainees, and funding and operation by local officials. Judge Bue had no impact on the jails during the first 3 years after the suit was filed. However, in 1975 he called a hearing, at which he relied heavily on the evidence presented by American Civil Liberties Union attorneys. The judge also personally toured the jails. This tour had a major impact on the judge's decision. His order, issued in December 1975, described both the problems and their causes. He attributed jail conditions to the county commissioners' reluctance to fund the criminal justice system adequately and their inattention to the system. He also specified seven specific actions, including procedural changes and the establishment or improvement of health and other services. Judge Bue continued to be actively involved in monitoring compliance and in the design of a new jail. The judge's systematic and comprehensive definition of the problems and formulation of solutions, his persistence in getting the commissioners to appropriate funds, and his attention to compliance reports and willingness to hold hearings all demonstrated his determination to compel compliance. This determination and the willingness of other key actors were crucial factors. As a result, the improvements have been sustained. Forty reference notes are included.