Offender Rights: Access to the Courts

Outline:

Section 1: Access to the Courts

Conditions of Confinement

When Inmates Can Access the Courts

Review

Key Takeaways

Section 2: Court Access Claims

Types of Court Access Claims

How Inmates Can Seek a Remedy

Key Takeaways

Section 3: Actions to Mitigate Legal Liability and Considerations for Decision-Making

Actions to Mitigate Liability

Special Considerations

Review

Key Takeaways

Section 4: Conclusion

Course Summary

Course Contributors

References

Mrs. Cobb is a Lead SME Writer/Trainer at Relias. Her primary writing responsibilities are in the content areas of public safety and behavioral health. Mrs. Cobb is also the onboarding trainer for new staff joining the Relias Content Department. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies and a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice. She has over 25 years of experience working in criminal and juvenile justice. Her work includes direct service, research, publication development, and training and technical assistance development and delivery.

Ms. Bryant is a veteran public safety official and legal expert. She has served on her state’s parole board and as Deputy Attorney General responsible for overseeing the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Division. She also served as Assistant Superintendent of a mega-jail housing special management inmates, during which time she became an AJA Certified Jail Manager. She also served as an attorney in the Judge Advocate Generals Corps. She has been an Adjunct Professor at the College of William and Mary Law School and Norfolk State University. She has also consulted and trained for Lexipol, the American Jail Association, and various public safety agencies in the U.S. She is currently a judge in Virginia.