Corrections

Incarcerated Transgender Woman’s Rights Violated: Department of Justice Sues Utah Department of Corrections

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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The Utah Department of Corrections has been sued by the Department of Justice after it was found that a transgender inmate’s rights were violated. The DOJ alleges that the state, along with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, discriminated against the inmate based on her disability, gender dysphoria, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. According to the complaint filed by the DOJ, the incarcerated transgender woman repeatedly requested hormone therapy but was denied equal access to healthcare services by the Utah Department of Corrections. In addition, … Read more

Incarcerated Man Wins $3.5 Million Verdict Against Colorado Department of Corrections for ADA Violation

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DENVER, COLORADO – A federal judge in Colorado has upheld a jury’s $3.5 million verdict in favor of an incarcerated man who suffered due to the prison’s failure to accommodate his disability. The Colorado Department of Corrections had attempted to reduce the verdict, but U.S. District Court Judge S. Kato Crews rejected their request. The judge stated that there was ample evidence supporting the jury’s decision and emphasized the jury’s role as fact-finders in determining the facts of the case. The man, Jason Brooks, filed a lawsuit against the corrections department, claiming that his rights … Read more

Arkansas Attorney General Loses Lawsuit Over Board of Corrections’ Outside Counsel, Judge Rules

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Little Rock, Arkansas – In a recent ruling, Pulaski County Circuit Court Judge Tim Fox rejected a lawsuit filed by Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin against the Board of Corrections. Griffin had claimed that the board had improperly hired outside counsel in its lawsuit against the state and Governor Sarah Sanders. The lawsuit came after the board went into executive session to suspend Corrections Secretary Joe Profiri and hired attorney Abtin Mehdizadegan, prompting Griffin to allege a violation of the state’s Freedom of Information Act. Judge Fox’s ruling stated that Griffin had failed to make … Read more

Arkansas Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Accusing Board of Corrections of Violating FOIA, Escalating Dispute with Governor

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A lawsuit filed by Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin against the Board of Corrections has been dismissed by a judge. The lawsuit alleged that the board violated the state Freedom of Information Act, further escalating the ongoing dispute between Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the panel over the management of the prison system. Griffin has announced his plans to appeal the ruling made by Pulaski County Circuit Judge Tim Fox. The lawsuit was related to the board’s hiring of an outside attorney in the midst of the disagreement. The conflict between … Read more