NCJ Number
241406
Journal
AELE Monthly Law Journal Issue: 6 Dated: June 2011 Pages: 301-310
Editor(s)
Bernard J. Farber
Date Published
June 2011
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This article examines the different reasons for prisoners requesting name changes while incarcerated.
Abstract
This article examines the case law covering the different reasons that prisons would request a name change while incarcerated. While it is very easy for regular individuals to change their names, prisoners who request a name change are constricted by the use of their "committed" name, the particular name under which they were arrested or prosecuted. As discussed in this article, prisoners often request a name change for a variety of reasons: marriage, divorce, religious, or other personal reasons. This article presents brief synopses of cases that have dealt with prisoners who have requested a name change. The majority of the cases have involved prisoners wishing to change their names for religious reasons. The article also lists cases involving name change requests for prisoners who must register as sex offenders and for States and localities that have victim notification laws. Other cases covering prisoner name change requests have dealt with adverse impacts on prison security as a result of name changes, as well as the increased burden resulting from additional record keeping required of prison administrators. References