ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — A Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court judge has certified a class action lawsuit alleging harm from prolonged periods of solitary confinement in the province's jails.
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The lawsuit claims negligence by the provincial government in ensuring the safety and well-being of inmates, and alleges the use of periods of solitary confinement over 15 days is unconstitutional and violates basic human rights guaranteed under the charter.
St. John's law firm Morris Martin Moore announced its bid to certify the suit in September 2020, and Justice Valerie Marshall granted consent on Thursday.
Lawyer James Locke says since the announcement of the lawsuit, about 70 former inmates have contacted the firm with stories of being kept in solitary confinement or segregation for extended periods of time.
The lawsuit spans three decades, going back to 1990, and will also include inmates who spent time in segregation while they had a serious mental illness.
The provincial government did not immediately respond to request for comment on the suit.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 23, 2021.
The Canadian Press
The lawsuit claims negligence by the provincial government in ensuring the safety and well-being of inmates, and alleges the use of periods of solitary confinement over 15 days is unconstitutional and violates basic human rights guaranteed under the charter.
St. John's law firm Morris Martin Moore announced its bid to certify the suit in September 2020, and Justice Valerie Marshall granted consent on Thursday.
Lawyer James Locke says since the announcement of the lawsuit, about 70 former inmates have contacted the firm with stories of being kept in solitary confinement or segregation for extended periods of time.
The lawsuit spans three decades, going back to 1990, and will also include inmates who spent time in segregation while they had a serious mental illness.
The provincial government did not immediately respond to request for comment on the suit.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 23, 2021.
The Canadian Press
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