Prisoners in the United States still hold many of the civil rights afforded to all Americans. However, due to a number of unfortunate circumstances, prisoners are often deprived of their rights. Unfortunately, many prisoners report abuse, poor living conditions, and a general lack of human decency.
Incarcerated people are human beings that are owed basic human rights. The prison system did not intend to strip the entirety of a prisoner’s rights while they are inside. A prison should not build fear and resentment towards our system.
Know Your Rights!
- Access court and counsel
- Adequate medical and mental health care
- Freedom of religion
- Freedom from physical, sexual, and mental abuse
- Freedom from discrimination based on race, sex, gender, or disability
- Freedom from cruel and unusual punishments
- Is overcrowded
- Is uncomfortably hot or cold
- Has rodent or insect infestations
- Has unhygienic/unsanitary conditions
- Does not release prisoners when they are eligible for release
My Rights Have Been Violated!
If you believe that your rights have been violated in prison, there are certain steps you need to take immediately. If you have been assaulted by an officer or fellow prisoner, you need to file a grievance with the prison.
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You must follow the entire grievance and appeal process.
o (there are strict time limits for filing grievances, so this should be done as soon as possible)
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