A federal judge has ordered Santa Rita jailers to stop unnecessarily disrupting the sleep of female prisoner for “pill call” at 2:30 a.m. and breakfast at 4 a.m. “No one can argue with the proposition that detainees with medical needs should get their prescription, but why 2:30 a.m.?” U.S. District Judge James Donato commented. He added that the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office offered no justification for breakfast at 4 a.m. He ordered the Santa Rita jail to stop waking up fe- male prisoners needlessly because it deprives them of a … [Read more...] about Judge rules against unnecessary sleep intrusions
Washington Post
Virginia disputes ACLU charges of harsh solitary
The solitary confinement program in Virginia’s prisons is chastised in a new ACLU report for its inhumane conditions, according to the Washington Post. Disciplinary segregation, special housing and administrative segregation are also considered to be solitary confinement by the ACLU. “It simply doesn’t matter what you call it. The impact of the practice on people is exactly the same,” said Claire Gastanaga, ACLU executive director. During solitary confinement, prisoners are housed in small cells for 22 to 24 hours a day with reduced or no … [Read more...] about Virginia disputes ACLU charges of harsh solitary
Immigration assistance
Vera Institute of Justice program offers free legal advice to immigrants facing deportation in 11 cities and counties, Mother Jones reports. The program provides funding and resources to help train legal service providers. “It’s inhumane for people to go to court with no lawyer,” said Omar Siagha, a green card holder who was able to win his case through the program. “Everyone deserves a chance to explain their case to a judge.” “Unlike in criminal court cases, immigrants generally do not have the right to a free court-appointed … [Read more...] about Immigration assistance