NCJ Number
62114
Date Published
1977
Length
11 pages
Annotation
THIS PAPER SYNTHESIZES THREE AREAS OF LAW: PRISONERS' RIGHTS OF ACCESS TO THE COURTS; LEGAL ETHICS; AND CLINICAL EDUCATION IN LAW SCHOOL.
Abstract
AS THE ORGANIZED BAR STRUGGLES TO RENDER PRO BONO SERVICES, INMATES ARE INCARCERATED WITHOUT ADEQUATE, EFFECTIVE, AND MEANINGFUL ACCESS TO THE COURTS. SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS LAW STUDENTS CAN ASSIST IN OBTAINING ACCESS BY DEVELOPING AND MAINTAINING LAW CLINICS THROUGH THEIR SCHOOLS TO PROVIDE LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO PRISONERS. STUDENTS SHOULD ASSERT THEIR RIGHT TO DELIVER SUCH LEGAL SERVICES (PRIOR TO ADMISSION TO THE BAR) WHICH THE SUPREME COURT HAS ARTICULATED IN ITS SUGGESTIONS ON PRISON REFORM. PROLIFERATION OF SUCH CLINICAL PROGRAMS WOULD SERVE NOTICE ON THE BAR THAT NEW LAWYERS INTEND TO REDIRECT THE PROFESSION TOWARD SOCIAL, POLITICAL, AND ECONOMIC CHANGE THROUGH THE LAW. EXISTING CANON AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES MUST BE CHANGED TO REASSESS LAWYERS' PRIORITIES, AND A FEDERAL POST-CONVICTION RELIEF CENTER AT HOFSTRA LAW SCHOOL SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED SO THAT THE ACADEMICS OF LEGAL ETHICS CAN BE EXPERIENCED RATHER THAN LEARNED. FOOTNOTES ARE GIVEN. (MJW)