Prisoners’ Rights Archives
© New York State Defenders Association 2004
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For the most current information, please visit the Prisoners’ Rights page.
Current Developments 2004
• Plans for new Essex County Jail to include video conferencing system to obviate need for
court appearances. Essex County Jail Must Be Put Online, Press Republican (Essex
County), December 28, 2004
• Local Conditional Release Commission had the power to reverse its prior decision to
release Guy Velella and others according to the Appellate Division First Department.
Appeals Panel Orders Velella to Return to Jail, New York Law Journal (1st Dept),
December 21, 2004. Read the court's decision in Matter of Velella v. New York City
Local Conditional Release Commission, 2004 NY Slip Op 09453 (1st Dept December 20,
2004)
• Parole Board's denial of inmate's request for release and failure to consider statutory
factors and materials submitted warranted new hearing according to a New York City
Supreme Court Justice. Faulting Parole Board for Failing to Read Applicant's File, Judge
Orders New Hearing, New York Law Journal (NYC), December 10, 2004
• New York State prisoner can challenge seizure of New Afrikan political literature as
violation of First Amendment according to the Second Circuit. Inmate's Suit Advances
Over Political Literature, New York Law Journal (2nd Cir), December 9, 2004
• Correctional Association of New York marks 160 years of monitoring, reporting and
advocating changes in the conditions in state prisons. 160 Years of Inmate Advocacy,
Albany Times Union (NY), December 6, 2004
• Shock Incarceration Program saved more than $1 billion in prison operating and
construction costs according to the Department of Correctional Services. Shock Prison
Program Touted, Albany Times Union (NY), November 10, 2004
• Rapsheets.com, a private business that compiles criminal histories, has been denied
access to birth dates of detainees in New York City jails by a New York supreme court
justice. Cit