In most U.S. prisons, incarcerated people can be required to work, often for pennies per hour—or nothing at all. Prison labor generates revenue and reduces operating costs for governments and private contractors, raising persistent legal and ethical challenges. This article explains how prison work programs are structured, who profits, what laws and constitutional rules apply, […]
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The Confidential Informant – AKA “The Snitch”
A confidential informant is typically an arrested suspect who cooperates with police for money or a reduced/dismissed charge. In San Bernardino County, these deals can affect searches, probable cause, and credibility at trial. This article explains how snitches are used, what they receive, and common defenses to challenge them. By Kirk Tarman, Criminal Defense Attorney […]
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YOU’VE GOT MALE!
In the U.S., inmates do not have an automatic right to father children, and prisons can deny requests for conjugal visits or sperm transfer under security and policy rules. Courts have recognized limited procreation interests but often uphold restrictions unless they are arbitrary. This article analyzes a California case and the pro/con legal debate over […]
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PRESUMED GUILTY:
“Presumed Guilty” argues the jury missed key evidence in Scott Peterson’s trial and contends he should not face a death sentence. It features a 2007 interview with author Matt Dalton by journalist Bill Bickel, exploring disputed facts and legal issues. This article reviews the book and summarizes the interview’s central claims about the Laci Peterson […]
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