NCJ Number
30075
Journal
Corrections Magazine Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: (SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1975) Pages: 9-11 AND 14-24
Date Published
1975
Length
14 pages
Annotation
GRAPHIC DESCRIPTIONS OF THE PAST AND PRESENT CONDITIONS AT THE LOUISIANA STATE PENITENTIARY AT ANGOLA ARE PRESENTED IN CONJUNCTION WITH A REVIEW OF THE CHANGES MADE SINCE FEDERAL COURT ORDERS FOR REFORM WERE ISSUED.
Abstract
THE LOUISIANA STATE PENITENTIARY AT ANGOLA HOLDS 75 PER CENT OF THAT STATE'S ADULT INMATES; IT BECAME KNOWN AS ONE OF THE WORST INSTITUTIONS IN THE NATION IN THE 1950'S AFTER 37 INMATES SLASHED THEIR ACHILLES TENDONS TO PROTEST CONDITIONS. THE VARIOUS FEDERAL COURT ORDERS WHICH HAVE BEEN ISSUED REGARDING THE PENITENTIARY ARE OUTLINED. THE LOCATION AND HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE ANGOLA PRISON ARE ALSO REVIEWED. REFORMS WHICH HAVE BEEN MADE UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF ELAYN HUNT, DIRECTOR OF CORRECTIONS, ARE DESCRIBED, AND INCLUDE ABOLITION OF THE USE OF INMATE-GUARDS AND CLOSING OF A NOTORIOUS MAXIMUM-SECURITY BUILDING AT THE PRISON. THE FEDERAL COURT ORDER FOR REFORM COVERED EIGHT MAJOR AREASSECURITY AT ANGOLA, MEDICAL CARE, MAINTENANCE OF THE PHYSICAL PLANT, FOOD AND SANITATION, RACIAL DISCRIMINATION, RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, MAIL CENSORSHIP, AND DISCIPLINARY DUE PROCESS. REFORMS UNDERTAKEN IN EACH OF THESE AREAS ARE OUTLINED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)