Inmates

Federal Judge Upholds Controversial Kentucky Law, Denies Inmate’s Access to Hormone Therapy Amid Ongoing Gender Rights Debate

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FRANKFORT, Ky. — A federal judge has dismissed a Kentucky inmate’s challenge against a state law that prohibits the use of public funds for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in prisons. Maddilyn Marcum, who has been undergoing HRT since 2016 to address gender dysphoria, filed the case arguing that the law violates constitutional protections by denying essential medical care. Gender dysphoria, as defined by the American Psychiatric Association, is a condition characterized by significant psychological distress stemming from a mismatch between one’s assigned sex at birth and one’s gender identity. Marcum’s case hinged on a Kentucky … Read more

Nevada Agrees to $4.6 Million Settlement Following Lawsuit Over Inmate’s Tragic Death

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LAS VEGAS — The state of Nevada has reached a $4.6 million settlement regarding a lawsuit stemming from the death of an inmate in 2018. The legal action, brought forth by the family of the deceased man, alleged negligence on the part of prison officials and medical personnel. The inmate, identified as a 47-year-old male, was reported to have suffered from various health issues prior to his passing while incarcerated. The lawsuit claimed that despite his deteriorating condition, necessary medical attention was not adequately provided, leading to his untimely death. This case has drawn attention … Read more

Federal Judge Halts Georgia’s Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Inmates, Citing Eighth Amendment Violations

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ATLANTA — A federal judge has temporarily halted the enforcement of a Georgia law that restricts prison inmates from accessing gender-affirming healthcare. The ruling came following a class-action lawsuit filed by nearly 300 transgender individuals incarcerated in the state. Judge Victoria M. Calvert determined that the plaintiffs are likely to prevail in their argument that Georgia Senate Bill 185 breaches the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. This preliminary injunction permits the reinstatement of hormone therapy and necessary evaluations for treatment, signaling the court’s concern about the potential constitutional violations associated with the … Read more

Monroe County Jail Staff Face Indictments Following Homicide Ruling in Inmate’s Death

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MONROE COUNTY, Tenn. — A grand jury in Monroe County has indicted several members of the sheriff’s department and two nursing staff in connection with the death of Elijah Isbill, who died while in custody in February. The case has drawn significant scrutiny after an investigation led by District Attorney Stephen Hatchett. Initially, the Knox County Regional Forensic Center classified Isbill’s death as accidental, attributing it to pre-existing health conditions. However, a recent update from the forensic center reclassified the case as a homicide, prompting renewed legal action. The grand jury announced its indictments Wednesday, … Read more