NCJ Number
79503
Date Published
1981
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This British guide describes ways that prisoners or their friends on the outside can obtain assistance with problems or complaints from the prison system, a member of Parliament, or a lawyer.
Abstract
Information on prisoners' rights that can be found on cell cards and notice boards within the prison is detailed, along with procedures for obtaining the Prison Rules booklet which covers medical attention, education, visits, and discipline. A discussion of ways that prisoners can help themselves within the system considers day to day requests, but focuses on serious problems and complaints. Options are seeing the prison's governor, seeing the board of visitors who are charged with hearing disciplinary cases, and writing to the regional director of the prison. Regulations regarding the petitioning procedures are reviewed. Persons that relatives or friends can contact on a prisoners' behalf are identified. Grounds for a prisoner taking legal action are described, as is the process for applying for permission to contact a solicitor. Also addressed are the costs of legal aid, prisoners' rights in corresponding with lawyers, and applying to the European Commission on Human Rights. Finally, the guide lists problems that might be encountered if a prisoner decides to go to the media as a last resort. A history of the Howard League and its activities is appended.