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Criminal Justice Court Cases

The Bill of Rights covers all individuals, including suspects, defendants, offenders and prisoners. All too often, the rights of those involved in the criminal justice system are compromised or ignored. The Rhode Island ACLU works in the court room to make the promise of fair treatment a reality for all people.

Cook v. Wall (2009-ongoing)

A federal lawsuit alleging that correctional officials have engaged in a pattern of unconstitutional harassment against inmate Jason Cook after he publicly criticized Department of Corrections’ mail policies and sought legal assistance from the ACLU. Cooperating Attorneys: DeLuca and Weizenbaum, Ltd.
News Release | Lawsuit

Drug and Alcohol Treatment Association of Rhode Island v. Tavares. (2007)

RIGHTS OF EX-OFFENDERS. Lawsuit challenging the legality of state regulations that authorize the denial or reduction of compensation to violent crime victims based solely on their having an unrelated drug-related criminal history or DUI conviction in their past. Settlement negotiations ensued, and the new General Treasurer agreed to repeal the challenged regulations. Cooperating Attorney: Frederic Marzilli.
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see additional Criminal Justice Court Cases:

Lin Li Qu v. Central Falls Detention Facility Corporation. (2008-ongoing)