Question

Describe some of the major court cases heard in the Supreme Court related to inmate rights. Be specific

Answer 1

Major court cases heard in the Supreme Court related to inmate rights include;

Griffin v. Illinois, 351 U.S. 12 (1956)

It was established in this case that the fee trial transcript necessary for appellate review was unfairly burdensome on indigent prisoners);

Burns v. Ohio, 360 U.S. 252 (1959) (led to States to waive filing fees for indigent prisoners).

In Johnson v. Avery, the Supreme Court also struck down a Tennessee regulation which prohibited inmates from assisting each 3 other in preparation of habeas corpus petitions unless the state provided a reasonable alternative of petitions for post-conviction relief. 393 U.S. 483 (1969).

Bounds v. Smith the Supreme Court held that the states should “shoulder affirmative obligations to assure all prisoners meaningful access to the courts.” 430 U.S. 817, 824 (1977) and refrain from obstructing prisoner petitions to the courts.