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March 22, 2008
Prison Loaf Lawsuit
MikeHere's the frivolous lawsuit of the day, filed on behalf of prison inmates who don't like the taste of their food. There are lots of things about prison conditions that should disturb every civilized human being. That some food doesn't taste so good is not one of those conditions.
Here, incidentally, is the quote of the day:
"[Prison loaf] is commonplace in other states as a way of providing nutrition in a mechanism that dissuades inmates from throwing feces, urine, trays and silverware," said Vermont Corrections Commissioner Rob Hofmann.
Some people really should be kept separated from society.
March 22, 2008 | Permalink
Comments
This isn't legally frivolous. Prison loafs have been the subject of court actions in the past, with some limited success. IIRC, using the same kind of loaf for no reason at all times is unconstitutional.
Posted by: S.cotus | Mar 22, 2008 4:42:51 PM
It's sad that prisoners have to bring lawsuits to protect themselves from receiving additional punishments without due process, but, after reading the article, I don't think the case is any more frivolous than some of the other civil litigation I've seen. The issue seems to be whether or not giving certain prisoners certain food as a form of behavior modification is punishment. The prison seems to all but admit that it is when they say, basically, "It's not punishment, it's just something we do to them to make them change their behavior".
Posted by: Wade | Mar 24, 2008 7:07:41 AM
Wade, I think the real issue is how much "punishment" the prison can dole out without a formal process. They are NOT going to be able to maintain order if even the mildest responses to misbehavior require a hearing. To me, Nutraloaf would be inappropriate for sassing a guard, but quite appropriate for flinging feces with eating utensils.
Posted by: markm | Mar 24, 2008 3:49:33 PM
