Case: Williams v. McKeithen

3:71-cv-00098 | U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana

Filed Date: March 26, 1971

Closed Date: May 2, 2006

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This is one of a collection of § 1983 inmate cases filed in Louisiana federal courts to challenge the operation and conditions of confinement in the Louisiana prison system and in parish and city jails through Louisiana. These cases have worked their way through the federal courts over the last four decades and are part of this collection, located at PC-LA, JC-LA and JI-LA.In this case, four Louisiana prison inmates filed a civil rights lawsuit on March 26, 1971, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §§ 1981 …

This is one of a collection of § 1983 inmate cases filed in Louisiana federal courts to challenge the operation and conditions of confinement in the Louisiana prison system and in parish and city jails through Louisiana. These cases have worked their way through the federal courts over the last four decades and are part of this collection, located at PC-LA, JC-LA and JI-LA.

In this case, four Louisiana prison inmates filed a civil rights lawsuit on March 26, 1971, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §§ 1981 and 1983, against the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections [the Department] in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. Plaintiffs, represented by private counsel, alleged unconstitutional conditions of confinement in violation of the First, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments. Plaintiffs sought declaratory and injunctive relief, as well as class certification. The case was originally styled Williams v. McKeithen, (case no. 71-98B.) and was subsequently styled Williams v. Edwards. (Pleadings and court opinions have used both case captions.)

The plaintiffs filed amended complaints on August 11, 1971 and August 10, 1973. On May 21, 1973, the United States was allowed to intervene in the suit on the issues of racial discrimination, and the court sua sponte ordered amicus curiae participation on the conditions of inmate confinement and treatment.

A bench trial on the merits was held in December 1973 before a Magistrate Judge acting as Special Master. In April 1975, the Special Master issued a report, finding problems with inmate safety (from both physical attacks and sexual abuses) due to overcrowding and improper supervision, medical care, maintenance, food service, racial segregation, religious freedom, mail censorship, and electrical and fire safety. In June 1975, the District Court (Judge E. Gordon West) adopted the Special Master’s report and entered an injunction designed to improve prison conditions and decentralize the Louisiana prison system. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed on February 15, 1977 and remanded the case for a determination of appropriate inmate population limits and security staffing requirements. Williams v. Edwards, 547 F.2d 1206 (5th Cir. 1977).

On remand, the case moved into the remedial phase. In 1983, the District Court entered an order (1983 Order or Consent Decree), which approved a Department plan proposing staffing patterns and inmate population limits throughout the state.

In November 1986 and again in January 1988, the District Court extended the duration of the 1983 Order so that the Department could comply with its provisions. In October 1990, the court denied the plaintiff’s request for settlement, due to the fact that they needed more time to work on the mental health program at the Louisiana State Penitentiary. In June 1989, the court declared a State of Emergency and appointed an expert because the conditions were still bad, and the Department could not comply with the 1983 Order. On January 28, 1991, the district court certified the case a class action and in 1993, the District Court again issued an order extending the 1983 Order. and between 1992 and 1994, the District Court modified the 1983 Order several different times at the request of the Department. Between 1992 and 1994, the District Court also granted nine requests to partially terminate the supervision of the court over nine facilities under the 1983 Order.

In February 1995 and again in March 1995, the Court ordered the Department to identify (1) each facility that was used to house state inmates, (2) the number of beds available in the state prisons, and (3) whether any additional beds could be made available.

In May 1995, the District Court issued findings of fact which included: (1) State prisons were at or near capacity authorized by the 1983 Order; (2) less that 1000 vacancies existed in all local facilities; (3) a crisis existed with respect to housing the Department's inmates; (4) inmates were being released prematurely due to lack of jail space; and (5) there was no plan to construct additional bed space. After meeting with the parties and experts, in July 1995, the Court issued the "'95 Reinstatement Order," which vacated each of the nine modification orders to the 1983 Order, essentially bringing back those nine facilities into the supervision of the District Court. The Department appealed.

On appeal, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals (Judge Jacques Loeb Wiener, Jr.) held that the original 1983 Order, which had been treated as a consent decree, had the full force and effect of a judicial resolution of the dispute. Additionally, the Fifth Circuit ordered that the District Court had properly retained jurisdiction of the matter, and that it did not abuse its discretion in issuing the 1995 Reinstatement Order. The Fifth Circuit also held that the District Court’s relief was not in conflict with the newly enacted Prison Litigation Reform Act because it was not fashioning any prospective relief. Williams v. Edwards, 87 F.3d 126 (5th Cir. 1996), rehearing en banc denied, 95 F.3d 56 (5th Cir. 1996).

On September 26, 1996, the Williams parties filed a Petition for Order Approving Settlement for Purpose of Terminating Consent Decrees, in which the parties had agreed to the "dismissal of all consent decrees" for all state, parish, and city facilities housing DOC inmates, except the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola and specified juvenile detention facilities, effective April 1, 1997. Following a hearing, the District Court (Judge Frank J. Polozola) approved the settlement.

The plaintiffs in the case Hamilton v. Morial, [JC-LA-3] (Hamilton plaintiffs) sought intervention in the Williams case, to challenge the settlement and dismissal of population cap consent decrees. Intervention was denied on November 26, 1996.

Pursuant to the settlement, on April 1, 1997 Judge Polozola entered an order finally releasing all state facilities—with the exception of the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, the Louisiana Training Institute – Monroe, the Louisiana Training Institute – Bridge City, the Jetson Correctional Center for Youth, and the Tallulah Correctional Center for Youth—from further supervision and reporting requirements to the District Court and, in doing so, noted that it earlier had released all parish and local facilities from further supervision and reporting requirements. The Hamilton plaintiffs appealed, but the appeal was ultimately dismissed as untimely. Hamilton v. Williams, 147 F.3d 367 (5th Cir. 1998).

In November 1998, District Judge Polozola ordered the Williams consolidated with U.S. v. Louisiana Civ. No. 98-947-B-1 [JI-LA-1] (CRIPA lawsuit alleging unconstitutional conditions of confinement at the Jetson, Bridge City, Swanson and Tallulah juvenile facilities) and Brian B. v. Stadler Civ. No. 98-886-B-M1 [JI-LA-6] (private class action challenging conditions at Tallulah). A Settlement Agreement was reached in the consolidated cases in 2000, followed by modified agreements in 2003 and 2004. On May 2, 2006, at the joint request of all parties, the District Court (Judge James J. Brady) dismissed all of the consolidated cases.

See U.S. v. Louisiana (JI-LA-1) for a more detailed summary of the procedural history of the case after the 1998 consolidation.

Summary Authors

Dan Dalton (2/23/2007)

Caitlin Kierum (3/18/2020)

Related Cases

In re Juvenile Justice Facilities, Middle District of Louisiana (1997)

Brian B. v. Stalder, Middle District of Louisiana (1998)

United States v. Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana (1998)

A.A. v. Wackenhut, Middle District of Louisiana (2000)

R.B. v. Livers, Eastern District of Louisiana (2012)

In re Parish Prison [Jail] Populations, Middle District of Louisiana (1981)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/11194897/parties/williams-v-edwards/


Judge(s)

Ainsworth, Robert Andrew Jr. (Louisiana)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Behan, Kathleen A. (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Ardoin, J. Winston (Louisiana)

Baker, John Elliott (Louisiana)

Bardwell, Stanford O. Jr. (Louisiana)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other
Judge(s)

Ainsworth, Robert Andrew Jr. (Louisiana)

Brady, James J. (Louisiana)

Davis, W. Eugene (Louisiana)

Garwood, William Lockhart (Texas)

Hill, James Clinkscales (Florida)

King, Carolyn Dineen (Texas)

Politz, Henry Anthony (Louisiana)

Polozola, Frank Joseph (Louisiana)

West, Elmer Gordon (Louisiana)

Wiener, Jacques Loeb Jr. (Louisiana)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

3:71-cv-00098

Docket [pre-PACER, December 1989 to 1993]

Williams v. Edwards

March 11, 1993

March 11, 1993

Docket

3:71-cv-00098

Docket [non-PACER] (beginning through 1989)

Williams v. Edwards

March 11, 1993

March 11, 1993

Docket

3:71-cv-00098

Court Docket

Williams v. Edwards

Jan. 21, 1998

Jan. 21, 1998

Docket

3:71-cv-00098

Docket (PACER)

Williams v. Edwards

July 7, 2004

July 7, 2004

Docket

3:71-cv-00098

Special Master's Report

April 28, 1975

April 28, 1975

Magistrate Report/Recommendation

3:71-cv-00098

Judgment and Order

June 10, 1975

June 10, 1975

Order/Opinion

75-02792

75-03883

Opinion

Williams v. Edwards

U. S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit

Feb. 15, 1977

Feb. 15, 1977

Order/Opinion

3:71-cv-00098

[Order]

Aug. 4, 1980

Aug. 4, 1980

Order/Opinion

3:71-cv-00098

Stipulation & Consent Decree

Nov. 19, 1983

Nov. 19, 1983

Settlement Agreement

3:71-cv-00098

Memorandum on the Issue of Who Represents the State

July 20, 1990

July 20, 1990

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/11194897/williams-v-edwards/

Last updated Jan. 20, 2024, 3 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
9009

UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE REPORT of Michael Washington ST. TAMMANY PARISH (hcj) (Entered: 08/01/1996)

July 22, 1996

July 22, 1996

PACER
9009

UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE REPORT of Michael Washington ST. TAMMANY PARISH (hcj) (Entered: 08/01/1996)

July 22, 1996

July 22, 1996

PACER
9010

UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE REPORT ...Montreal WIlliams TPC/SLIDELL (hcj) (Entered: 08/01/1996)

July 22, 1996

July 22, 1996

PACER
9010

UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE REPORT ...Montreal WIlliams TPC/SLIDELL (hcj) (Entered: 08/01/1996)

July 22, 1996

July 22, 1996

PACER
9011

MEMO to HQC Attn: Morris Easley from LPD RE: Paul Lafontine escape from Lafayette Community Correctional Cntr. (hcj) (Entered: 08/01/1996)

July 22, 1996

July 22, 1996

PACER
9011

MEMO to HQC Attn: Morris Easley from LPD RE: Paul Lafontine escape from Lafayette Community Correctional Cntr. (hcj) (Entered: 08/01/1996)

July 22, 1996

July 22, 1996

PACER
9012

MEMO to RIchard Stalder from Kelly Ward RE: Death of Willie Hill at E.A. Conway Hospital Prison Ward (hcj) (Entered: 08/01/1996)

July 22, 1996

July 22, 1996

PACER
9012

MEMO to RIchard Stalder from Kelly Ward RE: Death of Willie Hill at E.A. Conway Hospital Prison Ward (hcj) (Entered: 08/01/1996)

July 22, 1996

July 22, 1996

PACER
9014

LETTER from State of Louisiana RE: Renovation i of JETSON CORREC. CNTR Bldgs & Trade (hcj) (Entered: 08/01/1996)

July 22, 1996

July 22, 1996

PACER
9014

LETTER from State of Louisiana RE: Renovation i of JETSON CORREC. CNTR Bldgs & Trade (hcj) (Entered: 08/01/1996)

July 22, 1996

July 22, 1996

PACER
9015

LETTER from State of Louisiana RE: Renovation of CLAIBORNE PARISH JAIL (hcj) (Entered: 08/01/1996)

July 22, 1996

July 22, 1996

PACER
9015

LETTER from State of Louisiana RE: Renovation of CLAIBORNE PARISH JAIL (hcj) (Entered: 08/01/1996)

July 22, 1996

July 22, 1996

PACER
9016

LETTER from State of Louisiana RE: Renovation of LA State Pen A Bldg Main Prison (hcj) (Entered: 08/01/1996)

July 22, 1996

July 22, 1996

PACER
9016

LETTER from State of Louisiana RE: Renovation of LA State Pen A Bldg Main Prison (hcj) (Entered: 08/01/1996)

July 22, 1996

July 22, 1996

PACER
9017

LETTER to Judge Frank Polozola from W. Kline RE: Drug Testing - EAST CARROLL PARISH DETENTION CNTR (hcj) (Entered: 08/01/1996)

July 22, 1996

July 22, 1996

PACER
9017

LETTER to Judge Frank Polozola from W. Kline RE: Drug Testing - EAST CARROLL PARISH DETENTION CNTR (hcj) (Entered: 08/01/1996)

July 22, 1996

July 22, 1996

PACER
9013

INMATE POPULATION REPORT...w/e 7/22/96 AVOYELLES PARISH (hcj) (Entered: 08/01/1996)

July 23, 1996

July 23, 1996

PACER
9013

INMATE POPULATION REPORT...w/e 7/22/96 AVOYELLES PARISH (hcj) (Entered: 08/01/1996)

July 23, 1996

July 23, 1996

PACER
9018

INMATE POPULATION REPORT w/e 7/18/96 EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH (hcj) (Entered: 08/01/1996)

July 23, 1996

July 23, 1996

PACER
9018

INMATE POPULATION REPORT w/e 7/18/96 EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH (hcj) (Entered: 08/01/1996)

July 23, 1996

July 23, 1996

PACER
9019

INMATE POPULATION w/e 7/19/96 PARISH PRISON REPORT (hcj) (Entered: 08/01/1996)

July 23, 1996

July 23, 1996

PACER
9019

INMATE POPULATION w/e 7/19/96 PARISH PRISON REPORT (hcj) (Entered: 08/01/1996)

July 23, 1996

July 23, 1996

PACER
9020

MEMO to Judge Frank Polozola from Terry Terrell, Warden RE: ALLEN CORRECTIONAL CENTER is in compliance with the requirement of Exhibit O of the Consent Decree and Stipulation (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9020

MEMO to Judge Frank Polozola from Terry Terrell, Warden RE: ALLEN CORRECTIONAL CENTER is in compliance with the requirement of Exhibit O of the Consent Decree and Stipulation (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9021

MEMO to Judge Frank Polozola and Richard Stalder RE: AVOYELLES CORREC CNTR was in complaince with all requirments of the Consent Decree (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9021

MEMO to Judge Frank Polozola and Richard Stalder RE: AVOYELLES CORREC CNTR was in complaince with all requirments of the Consent Decree (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9022

MEMO to Judge Frank Polozola and R. Stalder in re: DAVID WDE CORRECTIONAL CENTER in complaince with all requirements of the Consent Decree for 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9022

MEMO to Judge Frank Polozola and R. Stalder in re: DAVID WDE CORRECTIONAL CENTER in complaince with all requirements of the Consent Decree for 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9023

MEMO to Judge Ftank Polozola/ R. Stalder from James Leblanc WWarden in re: DCI in complinance with the COnsent Decree for 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9023

MEMO to Judge Ftank Polozola/ R. Stalder from James Leblanc WWarden in re: DCI in complinance with the COnsent Decree for 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9024

MEMO to Judge Frank Polozola/R. Stalder from C.M. Lensinf, Warden In re: ELYAN HUNT CORRECTIONAL CENTER in complaince with all requirements of the Consent Decree for 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9024

MEMO to Judge Frank Polozola/R. Stalder from C.M. Lensinf, Warden In re: ELYAN HUNT CORRECTIONAL CENTER in complaince with all requirements of the Consent Decree for 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9025

MEMO to Judge Frank J. Polozola/R. Stalder from Johnnnie Jones, Warden/LCIW in complaince with all requirments of Consent Decree for 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9025

MEMO to Judge Frank J. Polozola/R. Stalder from Johnnnie Jones, Warden/LCIW in complaince with all requirments of Consent Decree for 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9026

MEMO to Judge Frank Polozola/R. Stalder from Burl Cain, Warden in re: LSP in complaince with all requirements of the COnsent Decree for 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9026

MEMO to Judge Frank Polozola/R. Stalder from Burl Cain, Warden in re: LSP in complaince with all requirements of the COnsent Decree for 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9027

MEMO to Judge Frank J. Polozola/R. Stadler from Steve Rader In Re: C. PAUL PHELPS CORRECTIONAL CENTER in compliance with all requirements of the Consent Decree for the month of 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9027

MEMO to Judge Frank J. Polozola/R. Stadler from Steve Rader In Re: C. PAUL PHELPS CORRECTIONAL CENTER in compliance with all requirements of the Consent Decree for the month of 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9028

MEMO to Judge Frank Polozola/R. Stalder from Ed Day, Warden in re: WASHINGTON CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTE in complaince with the Consent Decree for 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9028

MEMO to Judge Frank Polozola/R. Stalder from Ed Day, Warden in re: WASHINGTON CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTE in complaince with the Consent Decree for 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9029

MEMO to Judge Frank Polozola/R. Stalder from Michael Phillips, Warden in re: CCA WINN CORRECTIONAL CENTER in complaince with all aspects of the COnsent Decree for 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9029

MEMO to Judge Frank Polozola/R. Stalder from Michael Phillips, Warden in re: CCA WINN CORRECTIONAL CENTER in complaince with all aspects of the COnsent Decree for 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9030

MEMO to Frank Polozola/RIchard Stalder from Ronnie Futrell, Warden In Re: Corrections WTF/N in compliance with the Consent Decree for the month of 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9030

MEMO to Frank Polozola/RIchard Stalder from Ronnie Futrell, Warden In Re: Corrections WTF/N in compliance with the Consent Decree for the month of 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9031

MEMO to Judge Frank Polozola/R. Stadler from B.R. Dunavant, Superintendent in re: LTR-Monroe in compliance with all requirements of Modified Consent Decree for 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9031

MEMO to Judge Frank Polozola/R. Stadler from B.R. Dunavant, Superintendent in re: LTR-Monroe in compliance with all requirements of Modified Consent Decree for 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9032

MEMO to Judge Frank Polozola/R. Stalder from B.G. Harris, Corrections Juvenile Superintendent in re: LTI-Bridge City in compliance with all requirements of Consent Decree for 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9032

MEMO to Judge Frank Polozola/R. Stalder from B.G. Harris, Corrections Juvenile Superintendent in re: LTI-Bridge City in compliance with all requirements of Consent Decree for 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9033

MEMO to Judge Frank Polozola/R. Stalder from Elijah Lewis inreL JETSON CORRECTIONAL CENTER FOR YOUTH in compliance with all requirements of the Consent Decree for 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9033

MEMO to Judge Frank Polozola/R. Stalder from Elijah Lewis inreL JETSON CORRECTIONAL CENTER FOR YOUTH in compliance with all requirements of the Consent Decree for 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9034

MEMO to Judge Frank Polozola/R. Stalder from Susan Wible in re: TALLULAH CORRECTIONAL CENTER FOR YOUTH in compliance with all requirements of the COnsent Decree for 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9034

MEMO to Judge Frank Polozola/R. Stalder from Susan Wible in re: TALLULAH CORRECTIONAL CENTER FOR YOUTH in compliance with all requirements of the COnsent Decree for 6/1996 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9035

MEMO faxed to Richard Stalder from Ronnie Futrell RE: Newspaper article Catahoula (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9035

MEMO faxed to Richard Stalder from Ronnie Futrell RE: Newspaper article Catahoula (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9036

NOTICE to Richard Stalder of suicide attempt of James Bordelon DAVID WADE CORRECTIONAL CENTER (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9036

NOTICE to Richard Stalder of suicide attempt of James Bordelon DAVID WADE CORRECTIONAL CENTER (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9037

LETTER from the State of Louisiana RE: New Construction of WEBSTER PARISH SERIFF'S Dept. (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9037

LETTER from the State of Louisiana RE: New Construction of WEBSTER PARISH SERIFF'S Dept. (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9038

MEMO to Venetia Michael from LTC J.R. North RE: UNION PARISH DETENTION CENTER in compliance with guidelines (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9038

MEMO to Venetia Michael from LTC J.R. North RE: UNION PARISH DETENTION CENTER in compliance with guidelines (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9039

NOTICE of Renovation of LSP Tele Med Center by State of Louisiana (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9039

NOTICE of Renovation of LSP Tele Med Center by State of Louisiana (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9040

NOTICE to Richard Stalder from Johnnie Jones RE: Lee Armeter autopsy report and death certificate (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9040

NOTICE to Richard Stalder from Johnnie Jones RE: Lee Armeter autopsy report and death certificate (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9041

DUTY OFFICER LOG of Linda Guidroz week of 7/19-7/26/96 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9041

DUTY OFFICER LOG of Linda Guidroz week of 7/19-7/26/96 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9042

LETTER to Judge Frank Polozola from M. Severson RE: River Bend Detention Center (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
9042

LETTER to Judge Frank Polozola from M. Severson RE: River Bend Detention Center (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 25, 1996

July 25, 1996

PACER
8988

LETTER to Judge Frank Polozola from M. Severson RE: Motion to Open New Beds at the TCCY (hcj) (Entered: 07/26/1996)

July 26, 1996

July 26, 1996

PACER
8988

LETTER to Judge Frank Polozola from M. Severson RE: Motion to Open New Beds at the TCCY (hcj) (Entered: 07/26/1996)

July 26, 1996

July 26, 1996

PACER
8989

ORDER [8950-1] motion to open and operate Phase II B (Programs Bldg and Dormitory and Medical Bldg) and increase by sixty-four of offenders to be housed at the Tallulah Correctional Center... Because of the current investigation being conducted by the Civil Rights Div. of the US Dept of Justice, the court will continue this matter until that investigation is complete or until further orders of this Court. The Court will require the Sec of Corr to also sign the consent decree and to be personnal responsible to the Court for ensuring compliance with the consent decree. ( signed by Judge Frank J. Polozola ), issued notices. (hcj) (Entered: 07/26/1996)

July 26, 1996

July 26, 1996

PACER
8989

ORDER [8950-1] motion to open and operate Phase II B (Programs Bldg and Dormitory and Medical Bldg) and increase by sixty-four of offenders to be housed at the Tallulah Correctional Center... Because of the current investigation being conducted by the Civil Rights Div. of the US Dept of Justice, the court will continue this matter until that investigation is complete or until further orders of this Court. The Court will require the Sec of Corr to also sign the consent decree and to be personnal responsible to the Court for ensuring compliance with the consent decree. ( signed by Judge Frank J. Polozola ), issued notices. (hcj) (Entered: 07/26/1996)

July 26, 1996

July 26, 1996

PACER

Filing Fee Paid by State of Louisiana; FILING FEE $ 105.00 RECEIPT # 59270 (hcj)

July 26, 1996

July 26, 1996

PACER

Filing Fee Paid by State of Louisiana; FILING FEE $ 105.00 RECEIPT # 59270 (hcj)

July 26, 1996

July 26, 1996

PACER
8990

LETTER to Judge Frank Polozola from M. Severson RE: Services rendered and expenses incurred during the pay period 7/17/96-7/29/96 for Margaret Severson (hcj) (Entered: 07/29/1996)

July 29, 1996

July 29, 1996

PACER
8990

LETTER to Judge Frank Polozola from M. Severson RE: Services rendered and expenses incurred during the pay period 7/17/96-7/29/96 for Margaret Severson (hcj) (Entered: 07/29/1996)

July 29, 1996

July 29, 1996

PACER
8991

ORDER...the Clerk of Court issue a check for services rendered and expenses incurred during the period of 7/17/96 through 7/30/96 for M. Severson. The Department of correction shall w/in 10 days, reimburse the Clerk of Court for these payments. ( signed by Judge Frank J. Polozola ), issued notices. (hcj) (Entered: 07/29/1996)

July 29, 1996

July 29, 1996

PACER
8991

ORDER...the Clerk of Court issue a check for services rendered and expenses incurred during the period of 7/17/96 through 7/30/96 for M. Severson. The Department of correction shall w/in 10 days, reimburse the Clerk of Court for these payments. ( signed by Judge Frank J. Polozola ), issued notices. (hcj) (Entered: 07/29/1996)

July 29, 1996

July 29, 1996

PACER
9043

LETTER to James C. Boulware from Margaret Severson RE: Response to the Minutes of our meeting 7/1/96 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 29, 1996

July 29, 1996

PACER
9043

LETTER to James C. Boulware from Margaret Severson RE: Response to the Minutes of our meeting 7/1/96 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 29, 1996

July 29, 1996

PACER
9044

NOTICE of Unusual Occurence Report...James Jones expired on 7/19/96 at NGH Emergency Room LSP (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 29, 1996

July 29, 1996

PACER
9044

NOTICE of Unusual Occurence Report...James Jones expired on 7/19/96 at NGH Emergency Room LSP (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 29, 1996

July 29, 1996

PACER
9045

MEMO to V. J. Bella from D.B. Graff RE: CLAIBORNE PARISH JAIL...review of plans for improvements to the facility to bring into Life Safety Cods compliance (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 29, 1996

July 29, 1996

PACER
9045

MEMO to V. J. Bella from D.B. Graff RE: CLAIBORNE PARISH JAIL...review of plans for improvements to the facility to bring into Life Safety Cods compliance (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 29, 1996

July 29, 1996

PACER
9046

LETTER to Jerry Jones from Fred Grace RE: Remediation of Fire Marshall Citations LSP G7 H Project no. #994-830 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 29, 1996

July 29, 1996

PACER
9046

LETTER to Jerry Jones from Fred Grace RE: Remediation of Fire Marshall Citations LSP G7 H Project no. #994-830 (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 29, 1996

July 29, 1996

PACER
9047

MEMO to Warden Ward from Major Johnny Sumlin RE: CALDWELL PARISH DETENTION CENTER (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 29, 1996

July 29, 1996

PACER
9047

MEMO to Warden Ward from Major Johnny Sumlin RE: CALDWELL PARISH DETENTION CENTER (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 29, 1996

July 29, 1996

PACER
9050

INVESTIGATIVE AUDIT... St. Helena Parish Sheriff's Office (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 29, 1996

July 29, 1996

PACER
9050

INVESTIGATIVE AUDIT... St. Helena Parish Sheriff's Office (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 29, 1996

July 29, 1996

PACER

Show Cause Hearing held (hcj)

July 30, 1996

July 30, 1996

PACER

Show Cause Hearing held (hcj)

July 30, 1996

July 30, 1996

PACER
8998

Minute entry: Show Cause hearing held on 7/29/96. On or before 7/31/96 counsel shall submit a joint proposed judgment specifying the increases recommended in the 6/26/96 report filed by the Court's appointed expert Margaret Severson ( signed by Judge Frank J. Polozola ),issued notices (hcj) (Entered: 07/30/1996)

July 30, 1996

July 30, 1996

PACER
8998

Minute entry: Show Cause hearing held on 7/29/96. On or before 7/31/96 counsel shall submit a joint proposed judgment specifying the increases recommended in the 6/26/96 report filed by the Court's appointed expert Margaret Severson ( signed by Judge Frank J. Polozola ),issued notices (hcj) (Entered: 07/30/1996)

July 30, 1996

July 30, 1996

PACER
8999

ORDER, Counsel shall submit a joint propsed judgment specifying the increases recommend by the OCurt's appointed expert M. Severson... set Notice of Compliance deadline to 7/31/96 ( signed by Judge Frank J. Polozola ), issued notices. (hcj) (Entered: 07/30/1996)

July 30, 1996

July 30, 1996

PACER
8999

ORDER, Counsel shall submit a joint propsed judgment specifying the increases recommend by the OCurt's appointed expert M. Severson... set Notice of Compliance deadline to 7/31/96 ( signed by Judge Frank J. Polozola ), issued notices. (hcj) (Entered: 07/30/1996)

July 30, 1996

July 30, 1996

PACER
9051

NOTICE of Inmate Population Report w/e 7/26/96 PARISH PRISON REPORT (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 30, 1996

July 30, 1996

PACER
9051

NOTICE of Inmate Population Report w/e 7/26/96 PARISH PRISON REPORT (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 30, 1996

July 30, 1996

PACER
9052

NOTICE of Inmate Population Report w/e 7/29/96 AVOYELLES PARISH (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 30, 1996

July 30, 1996

PACER
9052

NOTICE of Inmate Population Report w/e 7/29/96 AVOYELLES PARISH (hcj) (Entered: 08/02/1996)

July 30, 1996

July 30, 1996

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Louisiana

Case Type(s):

Prison Conditions

Special Collection(s):

Civil Rights Division Archival Collection

Key Dates

Filing Date: March 26, 1971

Closing Date: May 2, 2006

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Inmates challenging the constitutionality of their housing conditions at Louisiana facilities

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

U.S. Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: Unknown

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

Louisiana State Penitentiary (Angola), State

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Corrections

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

42 U.S.C. § 1981

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Due Process: Procedural Due Process

Free Exercise Clause

Freedom of speech/association

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Any published opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Litigation

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Order Duration: 1975 - 2006

Content of Injunction:

Monitoring

Issues

General:

Classification / placement

Conditions of confinement

Fire safety

Food service / nutrition / hydration

Juveniles

Mail

Racial segregation

Religious programs / policies

Sanitation / living conditions

Staff (number, training, qualifications, wages)

Totality of conditions

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Administrative segregation

Disciplinary segregation

Sexual abuse by residents/inmates

Crowding / caseload

Pre-PLRA Population Cap

Assault/abuse by staff (facilities)

Discrimination-basis:

Race discrimination

Medical/Mental Health:

Dental care

Medical care, general

Mental health care, general

Self-injurious behaviors

Suicide prevention

Type of Facility:

Government-run