Inmates Sue Fla. Over Typewriters

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By Associated Press

Published: 09/13/2001

Four inmates sued Florida officials recently alleging the Department of Corrections violated prisoners' rights by removing typewriters and law books from prison libraries.
The department removed typewriters, personal computers and word processors from prison law libraries in May, saying it was necessary to save money.
The lawsuit argues that removing the items violates the state constitutional provisions that promise citizens - including prison inmates - equal access to courts and full benefit of laws.
The suit was filed in circuit court on behalf of four prisoners at Avon Park Correctional Institution. It seeks class-action status.
The action comes just a few months after a 1971 lawsuit over inmate access to legal materials was dismissed.
A federal judge ruled last December that the complaints in the lawsuit, which prompted the state to open law libraries in the late 1970s, had been corrected.
But as soon as the lawsuit was dismissed, the state started dismantling the libraries, attorney Stephen
Hanlon alleged in the lawsuit.
The Department of Corrections referred questions to Attorney General Bob Butterworth, whose spokeswoman said the office couldn't comment on active litigation.
Earlier this summer, Allen Overstreet, who oversees library services for the department, said half of the prison law libraries in Florida haven't had typewriters for several years.
Removing equipment from the others will save $50,000 annually in maintenance and supply costs, he said.
The American Civil Liberties Union said in June that inmates' legal requests may be taken less seriously if they are handwritten.
With 71,000 inmates, Florida has the fifth-largest prison system in the nation.

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