Cintron v. Bibeault
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Summary

The First Circuit held that prison officials may violate the 8th Amendment by keeping an inmate in prolonged solitary despite clear mental and physical decline, citing neuroscience research on sleep deprivation and isolation harms.

Federal Juristiction

Cintron v. Bibeault

Keywords First Circuit; prison officials; 8th Amendment; prolonged solitary; mental decline; physical decline; neuroscience research; sleep deprivation; isolation harms; inmate
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Summary

The First Circuit Court of Appeals has determined that prison officials may be violating the Eighth Amendment. This could happen if an inmate is kept in solitary confinement for an extended period, especially when there are clear signs of mental and physical health getting worse. The court's decision referred to research in neuroscience, which shows the harmful effects of not getting enough sleep and being isolated.

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Summary

The First Circuit Court of Appeals has stated that prison officials could violate the Eighth Amendment. This violation might occur if an inmate is held in prolonged solitary confinement despite clear declines in their mental and physical health. The court referenced neuroscience research which highlights the negative effects of sleep deprivation and isolation.

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Summary

The First Circuit Court has determined that prison officials might violate the Eighth Amendment if an inmate is held in solitary confinement for an extended period, particularly when there are clear signs of mental and physical decline. This decision was supported by neuroscience research detailing the harmful effects of sleep deprivation and isolation.

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Summary

A court decided that prison staff might be breaking a rule. This rule is about treating prisoners fairly. This could happen if a prisoner is kept alone for a long time. This is especially true if the prisoner's mind and body are clearly getting worse. The court looked at studies about the brain. These studies show that not sleeping enough and being alone for too long can cause harm.

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Footnotes and Citation

Cite

Cintron v. Bibeault, 148 F.4th 37 (1st Cir. 2025)

Highlights