Criminal Justice
The Rhode Island ACLU worksto make the promise of fair treatment a reality for all people. All too often, the rights of those involved in the criminal justice system are compromised or ignored. The Bill of Rights covers all Americans, including suspects, defendants, offenders and prisoners.
Court Cases
Currently in the courts is Cook v. Wall, 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.
Take a look at some of our other criminal justice court cases.
Legislation
In the 2010 session, the Affiliate is working to pass two proactive bills, one that would prohibit shackling or otherwise restraining incarcerated pregnant women during labor, delivery and post-recovery, and another that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana.
In 2009, several bills relating to criminal justice issues were up for discussion, including ones dealing with mandatory sentencing, prostitution, human trafficking, sex offenders, costs for BCI checks and protection from self-incrimination.
In 2008, the legislature addressed the issue of overcrowding at the Rhode Island Training School, and the ACLU fought against mandatory sentencing and worked to protect the civil rights of all, including those of sex offenders.
Criminal Justice in the News
February 1, 2010 - Open Records Suit Filed Against Department Of Corrections Over Policies Governing Pregnant Prisoners
September 10, 2009 - ACLU of Massachusetts Petitions Court for Release of Richard Hatch, Jailed For Speaking to the Media
August 20, 2009 - ACLU Condemns Jailing of Richard Hatch for Speaking to the Media
June 10, 2009 -- National Project Joins Local Organizations in Opposing Legislative Effort to Further Criminalize Prostitution
April 9, 2009 -- ACLU Sues Department of Corrections for Retaliating Against Inmate Who Criticized Prison Policies
February 26, 2009 -- Key Witness in Wyatt Case Will Not Be Deported Before Trial
February 19, 2009 -- RI ACLU Criticizes Central Falls’ Proposal to Sell Wyatt Detention Center
February 9, 2009 -- RI ACLU Files Lawsuit on Behalf of Family of Wyatt Center Detainee Who Died in Custody
January 22, 2008 -- ACLU Commends Revised Prison Rules That Protect The Public's Right To Know
December 1, 2008 -- ACLU Charges Wyatt Detention Facility With Misleading Public on Death of Immigrant Detainee
September 18, 2007 -- New Law Sending Juveniles to Adult Court Affects Student Aid; ACLU Asks Higher Ed Board to Revise Policies
September 7, 2007 -- ACLU Raises Censorship Concerns About D.O.C. Proposal to Restrict Media Interviews With Inmates
August 9, 2007 -- ACLU Seeks Review of Police Department Medical Policies in Light of Custodial Death of Brazilian National
July 30, 2007 -- Court Settlement Reached in Lawsuit Challenging Inmate Preaching Ban at ACI
July 26, 2007 -- Blacks and Hispanics Disproportionately Jailed in Rhode Island, National Report Indicates
April 9, 2007 -- Appeals Court Overturns Ban on Inmate Preaching at Christian Services
November 1, 2006 -- ACLU Asks Appeals Court to Overturn Ban on Inmate Preaching at Christian Services
January 25, 2006 -- ACLU Files Brief in McElroy Civil Commitment Case
June 14, 2004 -- ACLU Defends Immigrant Imprisoned for Three Years While Awaiting Deportation
Providence, RI 02903