Sometime before May 1976, juvenile males awaiting detention hearings, trial, or transfer to treatment facilities in the Central Juvenile Hall, Los Angeles County, California, filed a class action under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The plaintiffs, who were represented by the Western Center on Law and Poverty, petitioned the court for injunctive relief from numerous violations of United States and California constitutional rights caused by jail overcrowding and conditions.

The United States District Court for the Central District of California (Judge Manual L. Real) issued a preliminary injunction regarding overcrowding on May 10, 1976, which was modified December 12, 1976. On April 12, 1976, the District Court (Judge Real) issued an order and judgment listing guidelines for treatment of juvenile detainees awaiting hearings, trial, or transfer, including jail capacity, access to toilets and showers, privacy when showering, and sleeping facilities.

On appeal, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (Judge Procter Ralph Hug, Jr.) vacated and remanded, concluding the federal courts should abstain from creating guidelines for state juvenile jails. Manney v. Cabell, 654 F.2d 1280 (9th Cir. 1980). Specifically, the lawsuit (1) addressed a state concern which federal courts should not intrude upon, (2) did not require interpretation of the Constitution, and (3) construed California law not previously interpreted by State court. The Ninth Circuit denied the inmates' petition for rehearing or rehearing en banc on August 27, 1981. We do not have the docket or any further information on the case.

Elizabeth Chilcoat - 05/15/2006


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