A federal judge has declared that the extreme heat endured by inmates in Texas prisons without air conditioning is unconstitutional. The ruling centers on prisons where temperatures regularly soar to dangerous levels, posing significant health risks to the incarcerated population. The judge specifically cited the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects against cruel and unusual punishment.
The lawsuit was brought forward by inmates and advocacy organizations who argued that the lack of climate control creates inhumane conditions. They presented evidence showing that extreme heat has led to serious medical issues and, in some cases, death. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) has maintained that it takes measures to mitigate the heat, such as providing fans and ice water, but the judge found these efforts insufficient.
This decision puts pressure on the TDCJ to find a more comprehensive solution to the problem. Installing air conditioning in all Texas prisons would be a costly undertaking, but advocates argue it is a necessary investment to protect the health and safety of inmates. The state is expected to appeal the ruling, setting the stage for a protracted legal battle.
Texas Prisons' Extreme Heat Deemed Unconstitutional by Federal Judge
A federal judge has ruled that the extreme heat conditions in Texas prisons lacking air conditioning violate the U.S. Constitution. The judge cited the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, as the basis for the decision. This ruling comes after years of complaints from inmates and advocacy groups about the dangerous temperatures inside the facilities. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice is now facing increased pressure to address the issue.
Source: Read the original article at CBS