Health care, and mental health care in particular, is a frequent topic of civil litigation in prisons. This presentation will review the legal background of mental health litigation in corrections and discuss the results of an analysis of 52 prison consent decrees concerning mental health. After presenting our findings, we will discuss the role litigation may play in correctional health care in the future.

Educational Objectives

• Describe the legal basis for court intervention in correctional health care
• Identify common trends in court-managed mental health reforms
• Evaluate the role of litigation in mental health services

Level: Basic