Given the strict confines of the prison setting, it is no surprise that the First Amendment was the legal basis behind numerous forms of inmate redress. Define and discuss the First Amendment and how it is related to prisons and prison inmates. In addition, discuss at least three Supreme Court cases that have relevance to the First Amendment and the field of corrections.

What will be an ideal response?


The First Amendment is relevant to free exercise of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right of people to peaceably assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. In regard to inmates, case law often revolves around inmate access to publications, mail censoring processes, correspondence with family, and religious practices within the institution. Students can choose to discuss Fulwood v. Clemmer (1962), Gittlemacker v. Prasse (1970), Cruz v. Beto (1972), Procunier v. Martinez (1974), Kahane v. Carlson (1975), Theriault v. Carlson (1977), Turner v. Safley (1987), O’Lone v. Estate of Shabazz (1987), and Beard v. Banks (2006).

Criminal Justice

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Any recidivism related to any intervention program means that the intervention program:

A) should be terminated. B) is not a perfect program for all clients. C) is in need of major revision. D) is a failure.

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The Grand Mufti of Jerusalem dedicated his entire life to the removal of Jews from Arab lands, and after his death in 1974, his work was carried on by:

a. Osama bin Laden. b. Abu Hamza. c. Yasser Arafat. d. Mullah Omar.

Criminal Justice

The responsibility for air drug interdiction is shared between the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency and what other agency?

a. U.S. Military b. Air Branch c. DEA d. U.S. Coast Guard

Criminal Justice

The firing squad is an accepted form of execution in which of the following states?

a. California b. Texas c. Missouri d. Oklahoma

Criminal Justice