NCJ Number
14658
Journal
BEYOND TIME Volume: 1 Issue: 3 Dated: (SPRING 1974) Pages: 55-65
Date Published
1974
Length
11 pages
Annotation
NARRATIVE ACCOUNT OF ONE JAIL'S MEDICAL PROGRAM, WITH STATISTICS ON CORRECTIONAL MEDICAL TREATMENT AND ACCOUNTS OF COURT CASES FILED TO IMPROVE MEDICAL TREATMENT.
Abstract
THE PROGRAM OF THE WASHTENAW COUNTY JAIL IS DESCRIBED, AND THE PROCESS THAT LED TO ITS IMPLEMENTATION IS PRESENTED. STATISTICS SHOWING GENERAL NATIONWIDE LACK OF ADEQUATE MEDICAL TREATMENT FACILITIES IN CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS ARE CITED. THE 1972 NORTON V. ALABAMA CASE IS REVIEWED IN WHICH THE COURT FOUND AN INMATE'S RIGHTS TO BE PROTECTED FROM CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT VIOLATED, LARGELY DUE TO LACK OF PROPER MEDICAL CARE. SOME SAMPLES OF MEDICAL ABUSE OR LACK OF CARE IN THIS CASE ARE DETAILED. OTHER CASES SUCH AS SMITH V. HONGISTO ARE ALSO CITED CONCERNING LACK OF PROPER MEDICAL CARE. PROBLEMS IN INSTITUTING HEALTH FACILITIES IN PRISONS ARE ALSO REVIEWED, INCLUDING THE SERIOUS LACK OF FUNDS AND PUBLIC APATHY ABOUT PRISON CONDITIONS.