PRISON MAIL CENSORSHIP - A NONCONSTITUTIONAL ANALYSIS

• NCJ Number: 5252
• Journal: Hastings Law Journal Volume: 23 Issue: 4 Dated: (APRIL 1972) Pages: 995-1039
• Author(s): M L STERN
• Date Published: 1972
• Length: 45 pages
• Corporate Author: University of California
• Publication Format: Article

Annotation

ANALYSIS OF JUDICIAL DECISIONS CONCERNING INMATE RIGHTS MAIL AND THE RELATION BETWEEN UNCENSORED CORRESPONDENCE AND THE GOALS OF REHABILITATION.

Abstract

A GROWING NUMBER OF COURTS ARE ABANDONING THE TRADITIONAL HANDS OFF DOCTRINE REGARDING PRISONERS' RIGHTS. THIS ARTICLE EXAMINES THE KINDS OF ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS WHICH OFFICIALS EXERT ON CORRESPONDENCE, AND THE RATIONALES FOR MAIL CENSORSHIP. THE AUTHOR SUGGESTS THAT THE GOAL OF REHABILITATION WOULD BE BEST SERVED BY ALLOWING AS MUCH CONTACT WITH THE OUTSIDE AS IS CONSISTENT WITH THE PHYSICAL SECURITY OF THE INSTITUTION.