Filed Date: Oct. 31, 1994
Closed Date: Oct. 8, 1997
Clearinghouse coding complete
In May of 1993, the U.S. Department of Justice notified Forest City, Mississippi of its intention to investigate conditions of the city jail. In September of 1993, following the investigation, the DOJ notified the Mayor of Forest City of its findings and made recommendations regarding security and supervision; staff training; policies and procedures; medical and mental healthcare; suicide prevention; sanitation; food services; fire safety; exercise; and access to counsel. Apparently after negotiation, the Attorney General filed an action under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), 42 U.S.C. section 1997 et seq., against the jail in 1994. Shortly thereafter, the district court for the Southern District of Mississippi (Judge Henry T. Wingate) approved a consent decree. The consent decree laid out steps the city must take to improve issues discussed in the DOJ's letter of findings and recommendations. According to the docket from PACER, the city continued to update the court with compliance reports until 1997.
Summary Authors
Lauren Cutson (5/25/2005)
Goldschmidt, Iris (District of Columbia)
Lynn, Daniel E. (District of Columbia)
Patrick, Deval L. (District of Columbia)
Payne, Timothy R. (District of Columbia)
Lee, Thomas D. (Mississippi)
Wingate, Henry Travillion (Mississippi)
Last updated April 4, 2024, 3:04 a.m.
State / Territory: Mississippi
Case Type(s):
Special Collection(s):
Key Dates
Filing Date: Oct. 31, 1994
Closing Date: Oct. 8, 1997
Case Ongoing: No reason to think so
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
United States Department of Justice
Plaintiff Type(s):
U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff
Public Interest Lawyer: Yes
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
Forrest City Jail (Forrest, Forrest), County
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), 42 U.S.C. § 1997 et seq.
Available Documents:
Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Plaintiff
Nature of Relief:
Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement
Source of Relief:
Form of Settlement:
Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree
Order Duration: 1994 - 1997
Issues
General:
Access to lawyers or judicial system
Food service / nutrition / hydration
Sanitation / living conditions
Staff (number, training, qualifications, wages)
Type of Facility: