What are the Basic Rights of Prisoners?
You’re no less human because you’ve been imprisoned. Although South Carolina criminal convictions strip you of certain rights, you’re still entitled to respect, fair treatment, and numerous constitutional and legal protections. This includes the right to be free from dangerous conditions, assault, and harassment. It might also include the right to healthy foods, social contact, recreation, and quality healthcare.
You need legal representation if you or your loved one has been denied basic rights in a South Carolina state or federal prison. Prison officials may not listen to their prisoners, but they will listen to a dedicated South Carolina prisoner’s rights lawyer at the Law Office of Mo Abusaft.
Constitutional Protections for Prisoners in South Carolina
Both the South Carolina and United States Constitutions protect prisoners from cruel, corporal, and unusual punishment. These provisions provide strong legal protection to inmates who are subject to abusive treatment or psychological trauma in state and federal prisons. Examples of unlawful prisoner treatment in South Carolina include the following:
- Disproportional use of force
- Unnecessary and prolonged segregation (solitary)
- Failing to provide timely medical care
- Physical assault
- Sexual harassment
- Starvation
- Shameful and unnecessary restraint
- Leaving inmates in unsanitary conditions
South Carolina courts have found that it’s cruel and unusual punishment to deny inmates, especially mentally ill inmates, basic healthcare and sanitation. Inmates have died from the abuse and neglect suffered in South Carolina state prisons, including from being denied basic physical and mental healthcare. Even courts have noted how prison officials attempt to cover up their crimes when confronted with this abuse. You will not make progress within the prison system. You need a dedicated South Carolina civil rights lawyer if you or your loved one suffered abuse in prison.
Additional Rights of State Prisoners in South Carolina
South Carolina law requires the segregation of prisoners based on gender to prevent sexual abuse. Unfortunately, female inmates are disproportionately subject to unwanted sexual advances by male prison officers and often experience sexual harassment. You do not lose your right to be free from sexual abuse just because you’ve been imprisoned. Pregnant inmates also have special protections, including the right to be free from certain types of restraint.
You’re still entitled to basic legal protections from assault, battery, and stalking while in prison. Inmates might also have personal injury rights if injured by a dangerous condition on prison grounds, such as during a slip and fall. A civil rights attorney could help you file criminal and civil claims if another inmate, visitor, or prison official committed a crime against you or carelessly caused an injury.
Contact an Experienced South Carolina Prisoner’s Rights Lawyer
One legal violation often exposes a system of abuse and neglect within South Carolina state prisons. This abuse is well-documented, and attorney Mo Abusaft stands ready to fight for your civil rights in court. Whether this means forcing prison officials to follow the law or recovering needed compensation after abuse and neglect, contact us immediately to schedule a case consultation online or call 864-406-8941.