Case: Ahrens v. Thomas

74-cv-00034 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri

Filed Date: 1974

Closed Date: 1979

Clearinghouse coding in progress

Case Summary

In 1974, pre-trial detainees in the Platte County Jail filed a class action lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri, against the county sheriff and judges, challenging conditions of confinement in the Jail. The building was over 100 years old; it had exposed, un-insulated wiring; there was only one exposed shower available; clean bedding and towels were almost never provided; neither clothing nor hygiene products were provided to …

In 1974, pre-trial detainees in the Platte County Jail filed a class action lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri, against the county sheriff and judges, challenging conditions of confinement in the Jail. The building was over 100 years old; it had exposed, un-insulated wiring; there was only one exposed shower available; clean bedding and towels were almost never provided; neither clothing nor hygiene products were provided to any inmate; neither medical screening nor onsite medical attention was available; guards received no training; and there was an intense roach infestation. Additionally, despite the fact that the majority of men in the jail were pre-trial detainees, still innocent until proven guilty, there was no private area where detainees could meet with attorneys; telephone and visitation rights were heavily restricted; all mail was routinely opened and read by jail staff, unless privileged (from attorneys, clergy, or spouses); there were little to no recreation or exercise opportunities; and daily nutrition fell far below government recommended standards. Legal Aid, and the Defenders Society of Kansas City represented the detainees; the National Juvenile Law Center was Amicus Curiae.

On June 3, 1977, after twice delaying final determination of the case to await the outcome of possible reform legislation, the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri (Chief Judge John Watkins Oliver), held that jail conditions did not meet minimum constitutional standards under the 14th and 8th Amendments, and ordered the jail closed except to house pre-trial detainees for no more than seven days if vital physical improvements were made to the facilities. Ahrens v. Thomas, 434 F. Supp. 873 (W.D. Mo. 1977). It also retained jurisdiction to oversee construction of a new jail. On June 8, 1977, The Court (Judge Oliver) entered a stay of execution of judgment pursuant to clarification of measures necessary for compliance.

On June 13, 1977, defendants' filed notice of appeal to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, and application for a stay pending appeal. On June 16, 1977, with consideration for the notice of appeal, the stay was extended so that a conference could be held for both sides to discuss adequate compliance measures. Finally, on June 24, 1977, after the conference, the stay was extended indefinitely pending further good faith meetings with architects and builders to make sure the proposed new jail would meet the court ordered specifications.

On February 17, 1978, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit (Judge Roy Laverne Stephenson) held that although minimal constitutional standards for present county jail ordered by the district court were not an abuse of discretion, the District Court impermissibly intruded into affairs of state prison administration by prescribing specific standards for future construction and operation of Jail and in retaining jurisdiction for purpose of insuring conformance. Ahrens v. Thomas, 570 F.2d 286, (8th Cir. 1978) Rehearing was denied on March 15, 1978.

[The County Jail went out of use in April, 1979, when the Jail was moved to the County Courthouse. In August of 1998, the Tom Thomas Law Enforcement Center was completed, which houses both males and females 17 years of age or older who are arrested for a violation of law or sentenced to a jail term by the Platte County Circuit Courts.]

Summary Authors

Greg Venker (5/16/2006)

Related Cases

Goldsby v. Carnes, Western District of Missouri (1972)

People


Judge(s)

Oliver, John Watkins (Missouri)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Dittmeier, William J. (Missouri)

Roseman, Ronald L. (Missouri)

Attorney for Defendant

Hull, Owens Lee Jr. (Missouri)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

O'Donnell, Thomas P. (Missouri)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

77-01539

77-01541

Opinion

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

Feb. 17, 1978

Feb. 17, 1978

Order/Opinion

570 F.2d 570

Docket

Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.

Case Details

State / Territory: Missouri

Case Type(s):

Jail Conditions

Key Dates

Filing Date: 1974

Closing Date: 1979

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

pretrial detainees in Platte County Jail

Public Interest Lawyer: Unknown

Filed Pro Se: Unknown

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

Platte County Jail, County

Platte County Jail (Platte), None

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Mixed

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Order Duration: 1977 - 1979

Issues

General:

Access to lawyers or judicial system

Fire safety

Food service / nutrition / hydration

Mail

Phone

Recreation / Exercise

Sanitation / living conditions

Totality of conditions

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Visiting

Affected Sex or Gender:

Male

Type of Facility:

Government-run