|
|
| Prison law libraries to get computers for inmates; no Net access |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 02/07/2005 |
|
Computers are to be installed in Alabama's prison law libraries and work-release centers to give inmates more timely updates on court rulings, but not access to the Internet and e-mail. Department of Corrections spokesman Brian Corbett said purchasing law books and the required updates for them costs the state about $250,000 a year. In competitive bidding, the state contracted with Lexis Nexis for 60 computers, hoping to reduce expenses significantly. Lexis Nexis regional salesman Chris Eckert of Atlanta said the three-year computer contract totaling $342,000 could produce nearly $500,000 in savings for the prison system. It also saves space and provides more timely updates. "This information is probably anywhere from 45 to 90 days more current than what you would have in a book," Eckert said. He said the equivalent of what's on a single DVD would take a 20-by-20 foot room, floor to ceiling in books. Eckert said every state differs on what's available to inmates, based on court rulings. Mississippi, for example, did away with law books in 1997 in favor of the Inmate Legal Assistance Program (ILAP), according to Mississippi Corrections spokeswoman Suzanne Singletary. With ILAP, an inmate submits questions on a request form. ILAP provides answers about the law, she said, but does not represent or prepare legal work for the inmate. |
MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
|
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think