Georgia appellate judges are rebuking state-paid defense lawyers for flawed briefs while prisoners, including people serving life sentences, face the consequences. Court records, a legislative study and a shrinking defender office expose a systemic accountability test.

A Prison Project guide to PLRA scope including excessive force: the facts behind Porter v. Nussle, its legal rule, limits, and evidence families can preserve.

A Prison Project guide to PLRA relief and money claims: the facts behind Booth v. Churner, its legal rule, limits, and evidence families can preserve.

A Prison Project guide to PLRA deadlines and procedure: the facts behind Woodford v. Ngo, its legal rule, limits, and evidence families can preserve.

A Prison Project guide to obvious Eighth Amendment violations and qualified immunity: the facts behind Hope v. Pelzer, its legal rule, limits, and evidence families can preserve.

The Supreme Court recognizes a right of access to the courts, but Bounds, Lewis and Harbury show why evidence of a hindered legal claim matters.

Jones v. Bock rejected heightened pleading, universal defendant-naming, and total-exhaustion rules while preserving the PLRA's mandatory grievance requirement.

Prison Policy Initiative urges states to preserve in-person family visits instead of using paid video calls as a substitute.