NCJ Number
39933
Date Published
1976
Length
106 pages
Annotation
THIS REPORT IS AN UPDATED ANALYSIS OF THE LEGAL BASES OF THE ASSERTED RIGHT TO INMATE LEGAL SERVICES AND THE PROBLEMS AND METHODS OF PROVIDING SUCH SERVICES.
Abstract
THE MANUAL IS DIVIDED INTO THREE MAJOR SECTIONS, THE FIRST OF WHICH PRESENTS THE CONSTITUTIONAL PARAMETERS OF PROVIDING LEGAL SERVICES TO PRISONERS. SUPREME COURT DECISONS ARE DISCUSSED. THE SECOND SECTION COVERS THE REASONS AND NEEDS FOR PROVIDING SERVICES. EXISTING PROGRAMS SUCH AS LAW SCHOOL CLINICAL PROGRAMS, PUBLIC DEFENDER SYSTEMS, VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS, AND THE USE OF PARAPROFESSIONALS ARE DESCRIBED AND EVALUATED. THE THIRD SECTION DISCUSSES THE NEED FOR PROPERLY ORGANIZED PRISON LAW LIBRARIES WITH TRAINED STAFF. RECOMMENDATIONS ARE GIVEN AS GUIDELINES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRISON LEGAL SERVICES. APPENDIXES INCLUDE DESCRIPTIONS OF PROGRAMS AND STANDARDS, AND A LISTING OF LAW SCHOOLS WITH PRISONER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS...TWH