In this undated photo provided by the Oregon Justice Resource Center, an adult in custody stands with their arms stretched out inside a cell used for solitary confinement. In June, a group of incarcerated people filed a class-action lawsuit, arguing Oregon's prison system is violating the state Constitution. Separately, a number of lawmakers, led by Rep. Farrah Chaichi, send a letter to the Dept. of Corrections asking the DOC to sharply limit its use of solitary confinement.
Courtesy of Oregon Justice Resource Center/Prison Law Office
It’s not uncommon for adults in custody in the U.S. to find themselves in solitary confinement for a range of behaviors, both violent and non-violent infractions. The practice is well-documented as being psychologically and socially damaging and to worsen the mental health outcomes for those subjected to it. The Oregon Department of Corrections is facing a class action lawsuit over the practice.
And separately, a group of lawmakers has sent the agency a formal request to adopt U.N. standards known as Mandela rules, which would sharply curtail the use of isolation as a common form of discipline. Rep. Farrah Chaichi, D- Beaverton/Aloha, led this effort and she joins us to share more about the lawmakers’ letter, the DOC’s response and what she sees as the next legislative steps.
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