NCJ Number
97063
Journal
Prison Journal Volume: 64 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall-Winter 1984) Pages: 68-75
Date Published
1984
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The Ruiz v. Estelle case issued in ongoing court-ordered prison reform in Texas began in 1972 and is still not entirely settled.
Abstract
David Ruiz, an inmate of the Texas Department of Corrections, Ruiz, an inmate of the Texas Department of Corrections, filed suit against the prison director, Jim Estelle, and the Department of Corrections. Ruiz claimed his constitutional rights had been violated under the cruel-and-unusual-punishment clause of the eighth amendment. Ruiz described violations in the areas of courts. He joined seven other inmates in a single cell action suit. Judge William Wayne Justice offered an opinion in the form of a memorandum in 1980. This memorandum declared virtually all aspects of the overcrowded Texas prison system unconstitutional. Although Texas prison system unconstitutional. Although he did not approach any new legal ground, Judge Justice's ruling was sweeping, stating that an unconstitutional atmosphere of fear and violence permeates prison life in Texas. He raised the issue of whether any system designed to keep prisoners safe with a minimal burden to the taxpayers can avoid violating prisoners' rights. As a result of the judge's memorandum and the cooperation of the Prison Board, the Governor, and the legislature, considerable reform has occurred. The Texas prison system is presently at a crossroads. The custodial, punitive stance may become more humane, or the system may resume its old ways. A list of seven references is included.