NCJ Number
58344
Journal
University of Toledo Law Review Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: (WINTER 1979) Pages: 389-418
Date Published
1979
Length
30 pages
Annotation
ALTHOUGH THERE HAS BEEN A GRADUAL MOVEMENT TOWARDS USING WOMEN AS GUARDS IN MEN'S PRISONS, OBSTACLES HAVE ARISEN SUCH AS SUPREME COURT RULINGS AND QUESTIONS ON PRISONERS' PRIVACY. THIS ARTICLE SUGGESTS SOLUTIONS.
Abstract
LIKE MANY OTHER CONTEMPORARY ISSUES OF PENAL POLICY, THE OPPOSITE-SEX GUARD QUESTION IS NOW BEING THRASHED OUT IN THE COURTS. THE CONTENTION IS MADE THAT CONCERNS FOR A STABLE PENAL ENVIRONMENT, PRISONERS' PRIVACY COMPLAINTS, FEMALE'S ABILITY TO PERFORM IN DUTIES REQUIRING PHYSICAL STRENGTH, AND THE LEGALITY OF HIRING WOMEN FOR CONTACT POSITIONS WITHIN A MALE PRISON FACILITY ARE NOT INSURMOUNTABLE OBSTACLES TO EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES. THE U.S. SUPREME COURT CASE OF DOTHARD V. RAWLINSON (433 U.S. 321 (1977) WAS AN IMPORTANT CASE IN TERMS OF THE POLICY ISSUES AND LEGAL PROBLEMS WHICH HAVE BEEN ENCOUNTERED. DIANNE RAWLINSON HAD APPLIED FOR A JOB AS A CORRECTIONAL GUARD WITH THE ALABAMA BOARD OF CORRECTIONS. DESPITE HER SUPERIOR ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS SHE WAS REJECTED BECAUSE SHE FAILED TO MEET THE WEIGHT REQUIREMENT. SHE FILED A SEX DISCRIMINATION SUIT CHALLENGING THE STATE'S BOARD OF CORRECTIONS. ALTHOUGH THERE IS A GROWING USE OF WOMEN AS GUARDS IN MEN'S PRISONS, OBSTACLES HAVE ARISEN SUCH AS SUPREME COURT RULINGS AND QUESTIONS CONCERNING PRISONERS' PRIVACY. THIS ARTICLE SUGGESTS SOLUTIONS.