NCJ Number
106149
Date Published
1983
Length
145 pages
Annotation
This handbook explains prisoners' rights under current law and suggests how they can be protected.
Abstract
The introduction explains what law applies to prisons and the courts' general posture toward prisoners' rights, followed by a chapter on prisoners' due process rights in prison disciplinary proceedings, in classification, and in prison transfer decisions. A discussion of cruel and unusual punishment notes what prison conditions violate this prohibition, with particular attention to solitary confinement, corporal punishment, and sexual deprivation. Another chapter addresses prisoners' rights of free communication and court access. Also examined are the parameters of free religious expression in prison, notably for Muslims, and prisoners' rights in challenging racial discrimination. A review of prisoners' political rights focuses on freedom of expression, the right to establish a political organization, and the right to vote. Other prisoners' rights discussed pertain to privacy; personal appearance; medical care, rehabilitation, and personal safety; pretrial jail conditions; and parole. The handbook concludes with a review of remedies and procedures. Chapter notes, list of addresses for prisoners' rights organizations, and 9-item select bibliography.