Georgia’s Privatized Probation Statute Facially Constitutional, but Problems with Administration
by David M. Reutter
While declining to rule on the constitutionality of a state law authorizing privatized probation services, on November 24, 2014 the Georgia Supreme Court issued a 41-page decision that alters the administration of that …
Chicago Systematically Denies Medical Care to Detainees; $1 Million Verdict
by David M. Reutter
An Illinois federal jury awarded $1 million to a prisoner’s estate after finding the city of Chicago had a policy and practice of systematically depriving detainees in police lockups of needed medical attention …
Successful Defense of Consent Decree Merits Award of Untimely Attorney Fees
by David Reutter
On September 8, 2014, a California federal district court awarded $7,826.60 in fees and costs to the attorneys and certified law students who successfully defended against a motion to terminate a decades-old consent …
Explosion at Florida Jail Kills Two Prisoners as Officials Negotiate Reforms for Unconstitutional Conditions
by David Reutter
As negotiations continued between the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Escambia County, Florida officials over correcting major deficiencies at the county’s Central Booking and Detention Facility, the jail was …
Iowa Supreme Court Holds Miller Retroactive; Governor’s Commutation Cannot Cure Violation
by David Reutter
The Iowa Supreme Court held that the Governor Commutation of sentences of life without parole imposed upon juveniles cannot circumvent the holding in Miller v. Alabama. The court’s ruling further held Miller applies …
Georgia Prison Guard Receives Litany of Criminal Charges after Traffic Stop
by David Reutter
Following an August 2013 traffic stop, a Georgia prison guard was slapped with seven criminal charges and jailed. It marked the second time in a month that a Georgia guard was arrested on …
Following Suspension and Reprimand for Misconduct, Ex Kentucky Judge Remains Unrepentant
by David Reutter
The Kentucky Judicial conduct Commission (JCC) publicly reprimanded a retired judge for “reprehensible” behavior that included a threat to strangle a lawyer and refusing to allow a pro se civil litigant to argue …
Florida Withdraws Rule Proposal to Ban Prisoner Internet Presence
By David Reutter
The Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) has withdrawn a proposed administrative rule that would have prohibited prisoners from using any form of Internet. The proposed rule was withdrawn after three prisoner rights advocacy organizations warned the FDOC …
Corizon Abandons Kentucky Jail Contract in Wake of Death and Lawsuits
By David Reutter
In the wake of seven prisoner deaths and subsequent lawsuits, prison healthcare provider Corizon has decided to not seek renewal of its contract at Kentucky’s Metro Corrections in Louisville.
For much of …
Auditor Finds Security and Safety Failings at Michigan’s Macomb Correctional Facility
by David M. Reutter
A performance audit by the Michigan office of the Auditor General found that officials at the Macomb Correctional Facility (MCF) were only “moderately effective” in complying with security and safety procedures. The …
