Excessive Solitary Confinement Found in State Prison System
A New York State Supreme Court Justice has ruled that the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) has been violating solitary confinement limitations established by state law.
Judge Cites Insufficient Evidence from DOCCS
Justice Kevin Bryant issued his decision this week, stating that DOCCS failed to provide adequate evidence refuting allegations of non-compliance with the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act passed in 2021.
“DOCCS has the responsibility to submit documentation supporting their actions, and they have fallen short,” Justice Bryant wrote.
Lawsuit Filed by Civil Liberties Groups
This ruling comes after a class-action lawsuit filed last June by the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) and Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLSNY). The lawsuit alleged that DOCCS routinely disregarded the state’s law aimed at reducing solitary confinement.
Limits on Solitary Confinement Established by Law
New York State law restricts solitary confinement to a maximum of three consecutive days or six days within a 30-day period for most infractions. However, exceptions exist for “heinous and destructive” acts, such as injuring someone or acquiring a weapon. In these cases, “extended segregation” allows for solitary confinement up to 15 consecutive days or 20 days within a 60-day period.
Lawsuit Challenges Extended Segregation Practices
The lawsuit by NYCLU and PLSNY contended that DOCCS misused extended segregation by placing inmates in solitary confinement for extended periods even when their actions didn’t meet the law’s strict criteria for such placement.
