Prisoners' Rights: The ACLU's National Prison Project is the only national litigation program on behalf of prisoners. Since 1972, the NPP has represented more than 100,000 men, women and children. The NPP continues to fight unconstitutional conditions and the "lock 'em up" mentality that prevails in the legislatures. Learn more about our project and take action to protect the rights guaranteed to all Americans.
Addressing the Unintended Consequences of the Prison Litigation Reform Act (PLRA) 11/15/2007
ACLU Efforts to Fix the Prison Litigation Reform Act (PLRA)
Former Inmate Garrett Cunningham on his Experience With the PLRA MP3
| Podcast
The PLRA was passed in 1996 to reduce frivolous litigation by prisoners, but since then we have seen numerous meritorious claims barred from reaching federal court due to the insurmountable barriers imposed by the draconian law. Now that we have 11 years of experience with the PLRA, it is clear that the unintended consequences of thelaw have left victims of rape, religious rights violations, and other abuses, from having their constitutional claims heard in court. The ACLU is working as part of a bi-partisan coalition, called the Coalition to Stop Abuse and Violence Everywhere (SAVE), to ensure the law is fixed so that prisoners' rights may be protected. For more information about the SAVE Coalition's efforts toget the PLRA amended, visit the website at: www.savecoalition.org
