Williams v. Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
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Summary

In this case, the Third Circuit held that keeping inmates in death-row solitary after their death sentences were vacated can trigger due process rights, citing scientific research on the severe mental harms of isolation.

2017 | Federal Juristiction

Williams v. Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Corrections

Keywords Third Circuit; death-row solitary; solitary confinement; death sentences vacated; due process rights; scientific research; mental harms; isolation; inmates
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Summary

The Third Circuit concluded that the ongoing solitary confinement of individuals whose death sentences have been vacated can trigger due process rights, a finding supported by scientific research on the severe psychological harms of isolation.

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Summary

The Third Circuit Court of Appeals determined that holding individuals in solitary confinement on death row after their death sentences have been overturned could activate their due process rights. This decision cited scientific findings concerning the significant psychological damage caused by prolonged isolation.

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Summary

The Third Circuit Court ruled that holding prisoners in solitary confinement, even after their death sentences were canceled, might activate their due process rights. This decision was based on scientific research showing the serious mental harm caused by being isolated.

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Summary

A court made a decision about prisoners. It said that if prisoners who were once set to die are no longer facing that punishment, keeping them alone in a cell could mean they have a right to fair treatment. The court talked about science studies that show being alone for a long time can cause serious problems for a person's mind.

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Footnotes and Citation

Cite

Williams v. Sec’y Pa. Dep’t of Corr., 848 F.3d 549 (3d Cir. 2017).

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