NCJ Number
100072
Date Published
1984
Length
130 pages
Annotation
This study analyzes case law to determine the impact of recent court decisions on the functioning of American jails and suggests ways to improve the protection of inmate rights and reduce the potential liability of jail administrators.
Abstract
The literature review considers evidence of increased litigation, the nature and impact of court intervention in jail management, remedies, and prisoners' rights. The study methodology, which did not involve the collection of new empirical data, analyzed recent case law pertaining to inmate correspondence, access to courts, medical care, classification, rehabilitation, discipline, and overcrowding. Policy implications are drawn for jail staff training, jail standards, and jail accreditation. Training suggestions include a preservice training program based upon task analysis, the establishment of a required proficiency for all employees, and the maintenance of training records for each employee. The development of and compliance with standards through jail accreditation are advocated as a means of bringing jails into conformance with court decisions. The increasing number of inmate lawsuits are cited as evidence of the failure of jail administrators to comply with judicial mandates. The study concludes that although court action has been a catalyst for change in the Nation's jails, a strategy involving representatives of all components of the criminal justice system as well as community activists is needed. 39 references and a list of cases.