Latest News
RI ACLU Praises Department of Corrections For Adopting Anti-Shackling Regulations
February 2, 2012
The Rhode Island ACLU today applauded the Department of Corrections (DOC) for adopting suggestions to strengthen proposed rules that will govern the use of restraints on pregnant prisoners. These new regulations, based on ACLU-drafted legislation passed last June, generally prohibit the use of handcuffs, shackles, and waist restraints on a pregnant inmate during transport, labor, delivery, and recovery. They also allow only “medically appropriate” restraints to be used during the second and third trimester of an inmate’s pregnancy.
ACLU Attorneys File Request for Fees In Cranston Prayer Case
February 1, 2012
Following up a federal court’s decision earlier this month finding unconstitutional the display of a prayer mural in Cranston High School West’s auditorium, Rhode Island ACLU attorneys have today asked the court to award $173,000 in attorneys’ fees and costs for their successful work on the case. Federal law gives prevailing plaintiffs in constitutional cases like this the right to recover their attorneys’ fees from the defendants, in this instance the City of Cranston and school committee.
ACLU Claims Central Falls Receiver Meetings Are Being Conducted Illegally
January 30, 2012
The RI ACLU charged today that the Central Falls Receiver is conducting illegal meetings in running the City’s affairs under the state law authorizing his appointment. The claim is contained in a letter that the ACLU sent Receiver Robert Flanders, Jr. earlier this month after his enactment, and then suspension, of an ordinance restricting on-street parking in the city.
January 18, 2012
A federal district court heard oral arguments today on whether to dismiss an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official from the federal lawsuit filed by the R.I. ACLU on behalf of the family of a detainee who died while in the custody of immigration officials at the Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls. ACLU volunteer attorneys Fidelma Fitzpatrick and Robert McConnell urged the judge to reject the government’s motion.
Providence, RI 02903